At Kemp Chartered Land and Engineering Surveyors, we provide earthworks and excavation surveys to support contractors, developers, and civil engineers across the UK.
From initial design through to project completion, our surveys and measures deliver accurate interim measures and final account stages. They can be key in planning an earthworks strategy and for costing projects.
Whether you’re moving millions of cubic metres of material on a major infrastructure project or managing smaller groundworks for housing developments or commercial sites, our expertise ensures every stage of your earthworks is controlled, cost-effective, and efficient.
With over three decades of experience, we’ve supported some of the South West’s largest civil engineering schemes as well as smaller but technically complex builds. Our clients trust us because we:
Earthworks can make or break a construction project. The accuracy of cut and fill calculations directly impacts costs, timeframes, and sustainability. By working with specialist earthworks surveyors, you benefit from:
Since 1988, we’ve been providing earthworks measurement surveys and ground modelling for projects ranging from highways and supermarkets to colleges, residential developments, and bespoke builds. Our track record includes everything from multi-million cubic metre muck shifts to challenging cliff-top excavations and phased housing developments.
We begin by discussing your objectives, reviewing the project design, and understanding any site constraints or construction challenges. This includes collating all available information such as engineering drawings, digital models, topographical surveys, utility data, and phasing plans. Early engagement allows us to identify potential risks, cost-saving opportunities, and areas where design refinement may be beneficial.
Using the information provided, we construct detailed 3D terrain models of both the existing ground and proposed finished levels. These models form the basis for accurate volume calculations, design checks, and earthworks planning. Our modelling considers slopes, break lines, access routes, retaining features, and any staged construction requirements, ensuring the digital ground model reflects real-world conditions.
To verify existing levels or capture ground conditions where no reliable data is available, we carry out a precise topographical survey using the most suitable method for the site.
Total stations for small or detailed areas
GNSS/GPS for large open sites requiring rapid data collection
UAV drone photogrammetry or LiDAR for extensive or inaccessible terrain
The result is a high-resolution dataset that forms a reliable basis for all subsequent calculations and design decisions.
Using the combined survey and design models, we calculate cut, fill, haul distances, and material redistribution volumes. Our specialist software uses complex prismoidal modelling to ensure high accuracy, even on sites with irregular features, complex slopes, or terracing. These calculations are essential for estimating costs, planning haul routes, balancing earthworks, and ensuring that material movements are efficient and environmentally responsible.
We deliver easy-to-understand outputs tailored to your needs, which may include:
Isopachyte (cut/fill) plans
Cross-sections and longitudinal sections
3D visualisations and volume breakdowns
Phased earthworks drawings
Our reports support construction planning, value engineering, and design refinement, ensuring contractors and designers have all the information they need to progress with confidence.
As the project progresses, we undertake regular monitoring surveys to track material movements and verify earthworks quantities. These progress reports help contractors manage haulage, assess subcontractor claims, confirm interim measures, and maintain accurate records for valuations. Ongoing measurement also helps ensure compliance with design levels and environmental or regulatory requirements.
Based in the South West of England, we provide earthworks and excavation surveys across the UK. Our team regularly supports contractors in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, and beyond.
At Kemp, we stand apart from other earthworks surveying companies because of our:
An earthworks survey measures the existing ground levels and calculates the amount of material to be cut or filled. It provides the data needed to balance a site, plan excavations, and monitor progress.
Accurate excavation surveys help avoid over-excavation, unnecessary haulage costs, and material shortages. They ensure your project runs efficiently and within budget.
Yes. We use GPS, robotic total stations, and UAV drones to collect accurate data, and we can integrate with machine control systems for precise excavation.
We use advanced survey equipment and 3D ground modelling software to produce reliable measurements. Complex shapes, slopes, and terraces are all accounted for in our calculations.
Absolutely. From large infrastructure schemes involving millions of cubic metres of material to bespoke residential builds, we tailor our service to the scale and complexity of your project.
Kemp Engineering & Surveying and Seeka Utility Surveys are trusted specialists in precision surveying, engineering, and utility mapping. With decades of expertise, we deliver accurate data and tailored solutions to support infrastructure, construction, and development projects across the UK. Whether you need topographic surveys, PAS 128 utility mapping, or engineering consultancy, our team is here to provide industry-leading insight and results. Get in touch today to discuss your project needs.
office@kempengineering.co.uk
Redruth Office: 01209 214687
Exeter Office: 01392 716768
office@kempengineering.co.uk
Redruth 01209 214687
Exeter 01392 716768
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