Common Mistakes That Damage Survey Marks (and How to Avoid Them)

Survey marks are a fundamental part of the land surveying framework in Australia. They provide the physical reference points that define property boundaries, connect surveys to official coordinate systems, and ensure consistency across construction, development, and infrastructure projects. Despite their importance, survey marks are frequently damaged or destroyed, often unintentionally, during site works.

For builders, developers, project managers, and councils, damage to survey marks can result in delays, compliance issues, and unexpected costs. As registered land surveyors, Astra Spatial regularly assists clients with identifying, protecting, and restoring survey marks through our Preservation of Survey Infrastructure (POSI) services.

Understanding the most common mistakes that lead to survey mark damage is the first step toward avoiding them.

Failing to Identify Survey Marks Before Construction Begins

One of the most common causes of survey mark damage is commencing construction or excavation without first locating existing marks on site. Survey marks are not always obvious. Some are flush with the ground, partially buried, or located in areas assumed to be outside the construction footprint.

When works begin without a pre-construction survey, earthmoving equipment, trenching, or site preparation can destroy marks in minutes. Even an unintentional disturbance is still considered an offence under surveying legislation.

Engaging a registered land surveyor before works commence allows all existing survey marks to be identified, documented, and assessed for risk. This proactive step significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental damage and regulatory consequences.

Assuming Survey Marks Are No Longer Relevant

A common misconception is that older or seemingly unused survey marks are no longer important. In reality, many marks form part of the State Control Survey network and remain legally and technically relevant, even decades after installation.

Removing or disturbing a mark because it appears redundant can compromise boundary definition and disrupt future surveys across the area. This often leads to the need for reinstatement through a POSI survey, which can delay projects and increase costs.

Survey marks should never be removed or altered without formal approval and professional assessment by a registered surveyor.

Poor Communication Between Project Teams

Survey mark damage frequently occurs due to gaps in communication between surveyors, builders, subcontractors, and site managers. When survey information is not clearly shared, or site teams are unaware of the presence and importance of marks, protection measures are often overlooked.

Clear documentation, site briefings, and visible marking of protected points help ensure everyone on site understands which areas must remain undisturbed. Astra Spatial works closely with construction teams to ensure survey controls are clearly identified and protected throughout the project lifecycle.

Inadequate Physical Protection of Survey Marks

Even when survey marks are identified, they are still vulnerable if not properly protected. Heavy machinery, vehicle traffic, material stockpiles, and temporary fencing can all damage or displace marks if protective measures are insufficient.

Temporary barriers, clear signage, and agreed exclusion zones are simple but effective ways to safeguard marks during construction. These measures are especially important on busy sites or long-term projects where site conditions change over time.

Environmental and Ground Condition Impacts

Survey marks can also be affected by environmental factors such as erosion, flooding, soil movement, or changes in ground level caused by landscaping and drainage works. Ignoring these risks during project planning can lead to marks shifting or becoming unusable.

A qualified surveyor will assess site conditions and advise on appropriate protection or monitoring strategies, particularly for developments in areas prone to ground movement or water exposure.

Not Understanding Legal Obligations Around Survey Marks

Survey marks are legally protected under state legislation, and it is an offence to damage, remove, or interfere with them without authorisation. Many instances of damage occur simply because project teams are unaware of these obligations.

Spatial Services NSW provides clear guidance on protecting survey marks and outlines the legal responsibilities of landowners and contractors.

Failing to comply can result in penalties, project delays, and mandatory reinstatement works.

How Astra Spatial Helps Prevent Survey Mark Damage

Astra Spatial supports clients across Sydney, Greater NSW, and South Australia by identifying existing survey marks, advising on protection strategies, and delivering POSI surveys when required. Our team ensures survey infrastructure is preserved, compliant, and accurately recorded within the state control framework.

Where marks have already been disturbed, we manage the reinstatement process and certification to minimise disruption and restore confidence in the survey network.

For projects that involve excavation, construction, or boundary-sensitive works, early engagement with a registered surveyor is the most effective way to avoid costly mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Survey Marks

What is a survey mark?
A survey mark is a physical point installed by a registered surveyor that provides a reference for boundaries, elevations, or coordinate systems used in land surveying.

Why are survey marks legally protected?
They underpin the accuracy of property boundaries and mapping systems. Damage to these marks affects not just one site but the broader survey network.

Can a survey mark be moved or removed?
Only with formal approval and under the supervision of a registered land surveyor.

What should I do if I find a survey mark on my site?
Do not disturb it. Engage a registered surveyor to assess its significance and advise on protection requirements.

What happens if a survey mark is accidentally damaged?
It may need to be reinstated through a POSI survey and formally recorded to maintain compliance.

Are builders responsible for protecting survey marks?
Yes. Anyone carrying out works has a legal obligation to avoid damaging survey marks once they are identified.

How do surveyors locate existing marks?
Surveyors reference official databases, historical plans, and on-site evidence to locate and verify marks.

Do all construction projects require a POSI survey?
Not all projects require POSI, but any project that risks disturbing survey infrastructure should be assessed by a surveyor.

Does Astra Spatial work with residential and commercial projects?
Yes. Astra Spatial provides survey and POSI services for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Protect Your Project Before Issues Arise

Survey mark damage is almost always preventable with the right planning and professional advice. If you are preparing for construction, excavation, or development works, speak with Astra Spatial early to ensure survey infrastructure is identified and protected.

Contact our team to arrange a pre-construction survey or POSI assessment.