Frequently Asked Questions

All your land surveying questions answered.

  • Why is it important to engage a NSW Registered Land Surveyor?

    Only a Registered Land Surveyor can legally certify subdivisions, consolidations, set-out surveys, identification surveys, boundary adjustment surveys and works as executed plans in NSW. When you engage Onesight Surveys, we possess the necessary authority and take full accountability to ensure that every project is 100% compliant.

  • Can any land surveyor prepare subdivision plans?

    No. Subdivision plans must be certified by a NSW Registered Land Surveyor registered with BOSSI. Onesight Surveys provides this capability in-house.

  • What is BOSSI?

    The Board of Surveying and Spatial Information NSW is the statutory body that regulates Registered Land Surveyors. Registration confirms compliance with competency and legislative standards. Onesight Surveys has a standing registration with BOSSI. 

  • What does Onesight Survey’s membership with Institution of Surveyors NSW and Consulting Surveyors NSW signify?

    Our membership demonstrates professional engagement, ongoing development and adherence to industry best practice within NSW’s surveying profession.

  • Do you handle complex or large-scale projects?

    Yes. With over 20 years of experience and Registered Land Surveyor leadership, Onesight Surveys has the authority and technical capability to manage both residential and commercial large-scale developments.

  • Speak directly with a NSW Registered Land Surveyor

    If your project involves boundary definition, subdivision, consolidation, development approval or legal land registration, ensure it is handled by a qualified professional.

  • How long does a Contour & Detail Survey take?

    Most residential surveys are completed within a few business days; larger sites may take longer.

  • Is a Contour & Detail Survey required for a Development Application?

    In most NSW councils, yes, detailed site surveys are often mandatory.

  • What information will I receive?

    Comprehensive PDF and CAD survey plans showing contours, levels and site features, with optional survey pegs/on-site markers and certification by a NSW Registered Land Surveyor.

  • Can this survey identify drainage or slope issues?

    Yes. Contour & Detail Surveys highlight elevations and slopes, assisting engineers and planners in design and stormwater management.

  • When should a Set-Out Survey be completed?

    Before excavation, slab pour, or structural construction.

  • Is a Set-Out Survey mandatory?

    Often required under council construction certificates or development approvals.

  • What deliverables will I receive?

    Survey pegs or site markers, certified PDF and CAD plans from a NSW Registered Land Surveyor, and confirmation that construction aligns with the approved plans.

  • Can Set-Out Surveys prevent boundary encroachments?

    Yes. Our survey ensures structures are correctly positioned relative to property boundaries.

  • Is an Identification Survey required for every property purchase?

    Not always, but strongly recommended where boundary uncertainty exists.

  • Will this survey redefine my boundaries?

    No. It confirms the location of existing structures relative to title boundaries.

  • How long does an Identification Survey take?

    Most residential and small commercial surveys are completed within a few business days.

  • Can this survey detect encroachments?

    Yes. All amendments are measured against legal boundaries to identify potential encroachments.

  • When is a Work As Executed (WAE) Plan required?

    Prior to final inspection, DA completion, or council certification.

  • Who certifies the plan?

    All WAE Plans are certified by a NSW Registered Land Surveyor.

  • What does a Work As Executed (WAE) Plan include?

    Constructed building and structure positions, finished levels, services, drainage, and boundary verification.

  • How long does it take?

    Depends on site size, complexity, and number of structures; typically a few business days for standard residential projects.

  • Does a Boundary Adjustment create a new lot?

    No. It realigns existing boundaries without increasing lot numbers.

  • Is council approval required?

    Yes. Council consent is generally required prior to registration.

  • How long does registration take?

    Timeframes depend on council processing and NSW Land Registry requirements.

  • Who certifies the Boundary Adjustment plan?

    A NSW Registered Land Surveyor provides certification for legal and council purposes.

  • What types of Subdivision can you prepare?

    Standard residential, strata/sub-strata, rural, and community title/cluster subdivisions.

  • Is council approval required for Subdivision?

    Yes, all subdivisions must comply with local council planning and zoning regulations.

  • How long does the process take?

    Timeframes vary based on property size, subdivision type, and council requirements.

  • Who certifies the plan?

    All Subdivision Plans are certified by a NSW Registered Land Surveyor.

  • Is a Plan of Delimitation legally binding?

    It provides formal clarification and may be registered if required, giving legal weight.

  • When is a Plan of Delimitation necessary?

    When property boundaries are unclear, disputed, or not confidently determinable from existing records.

  • How long does the process take?

    Timeframes vary based on boundary complexity and historical data availability.

  • Who certifies the plan?

    A NSW Registered Land Surveyor provides certification for legal and council purposes.

  • How is a Plan of Redefinition different from a Plan of Delimitation?

    Redefinition formally re-establishes boundaries to modern survey standards. Delimitation clarifies ambiguous or disputed boundaries without redefining them.

  • Is registration required?

    In most cases, yes, particularly when formal redefinition is necessary.

  • How long does the process take?

    Timeframes vary depending on complexity and availability of historical documentation.

  • Who certifies the plan?

    A NSW Registered Land Surveyor provides legal certification for council or property purposes.

  • Does Consolidation create a new title?

    Yes. The consolidated lots are registered as a single Torrens Title lot.

  • Is council approval required?

    Yes, particularly if the consolidation impacts zoning, easements, or development applications.

  • How long does the process take?

    Timeframes vary depending on the number of lots and council/Land Registry processing.

  • Who certifies the plan?

    All Consolidation Plans are certified by a NSW Registered Land Surveyor for legal and conveyancing purposes.

Ask a Registered Land Surveyor a Question

If you have any further questions about land surveying or property and development, our Registered Land Surveyor will be more than happy to assist.