Construction Survey
Construction Stakeout (Setting Out)
Summary
Stakeout (setting out) transfers design coordinates from drawings to the ground. The surveyor checks control, computes or imports design points in the project CRS, navigates to each point with a total station or RTK rover, marks it with offsets, and records an as-staked check so every mark can be verified against tolerance.
Definition
Stakeout: physically marking the position of designed features on site from their coordinates.
- Same CRS as design
- Check control first
- Record as-staked deltas
- Use offsets for construction
Coordinate system first
Design drawings are often on a local site grid or a scaled ground system. Confirm the transformation between design coordinates and survey control before staking. See local site grids.
Methods
- Total station: best for vertical precision and tight tolerances (structures, anchor bolts).
- RTK: fast for earthworks and roads; check vertical tolerance carefully.
Tolerances and records
Record design versus staked coordinates for every point. Typical tolerances range from ±5 mm for structural elements to ±25–50 mm for earthworks. An as-built survey after construction closes the loop.
FAQ
Why stake offsets instead of the point itself?
Excavation destroys the actual point. Offset pegs placed a known distance away survive construction and let the crew re-establish the position.
Can I stake from a DXF?
Yes, if the DXF is in the project coordinate system. Import it into the GeoCAD Bridge Workspace to check coordinates and export point lists.
Related tools and articles
Tools
- CAD / GIS WorkspaceView, edit and export CAD and GIS data.
- Field Visit SurveyRecord and check field observations.
- Survey CalculatorsInverse, area, intersection, resection and more.
Articles
- Total Station Survey WorkflowA total station combines an electronic theodolite and EDM to measure horizontal angles, zenith angles and slop…
- RTK GNSS Surveying: Accuracy and Quality ControlReal-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS uses carrier-phase measurements and corrections from a base station or network …
- Local Site GridReference topic
- COGO PointsReference topic
References
- Uren, J. & Price, W. F. Surveying for Engineers, 5th ed., Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
- ISO 4463-1:1989 Measurement methods for building — Setting-out and measurement.
Cite this page
GeoCAD Bridge. “Construction Stakeout (Setting Out).” GeoCAD Bridge Knowledge Center, updated 2026-10-05. https://www.geocadbridge.com/knowledge/survey-stakeout/