What survey is required for a wind farm or solar farm development?

Renewable energy development typically requires survey at three stages. At site selection and feasibility — a large-area topographic survey capturing terrain, drainage, existing tracks, boundaries and significant features. UAV LiDAR is increasingly the standard method for this stage, capturing detailed terrain data across large areas quickly and with minimal ground disturbance. At planning application — a detailed topographic survey to support the Environmental Impact Assessment, noise and shadow modelling, visual impact assessment and planning documentation. At construction — grid connection route survey, PAS 128 utility mapping along the cable route, setting-out of turbine or panel positions, and as-built survey at completion.