Surveying for Wind Generation Facilities
Topographic has been performing surveys for wind generation facilities since 2004. Developers of several of the earliest wind farms in west Texas chose Topographic as their survey contractor. The sites for many of the large wind turbines easily visible from I-20 near Big Spring, Texas were laid out by survey crews from Topographic’s Midland office. We have worked on several similar projects since that time.
Topographic offers surveying services for wind-generation facilities at every stage of development. Whether in the early stages or once construction begins, Topographic has the resources to get the job done.
In the earliest stages of a project, accurate boundary surveys must be performed on the parcels included in the project area. To do these surveys, accurate land title documentation for each parcel will be required. It is important that information flow freely between Topographic, as the land surveyors, and the title company doing the research. Once established, the boundary corners will be used as reference points for right-of-way descriptions and other legal documents. Any references to land boundaries must be true, accurate, and correct.
In addition to surveys of tract boundaries, extensive surveys of all improvements to the land will be required. All houses, barns, pipelines, power lines, roads, fences, pump jacks, tanks, well heads, etc. must be accurately located and mapped before the design phase can begin. Surveys to ALTA standards may be required in order to satisfy the needs of the project’s investors. All of the features of the site, including improvements, boundaries,and topography, must be mapped and delivered to the meteorologists and design engineers in the forms and formats most useful to them. This information can then be integrated with wind current data and be used in the design of the facility.
When construction begins, priorities for the survey crews must be clearly defined by the project managers. Deadlines are always short, and there is much to be done. If the priorities are clear, Topographic has the resources to stay well ahead of the road work, the site preparation work, and the wind turbine assembly work.
Data is delivered to our clients in digital formats or as traditional plats. GIS services are available through Topographic Mapping Company. (See “GIS” on the Topographic.com home page.)