Selecting a site and evaluating land for development
Site preparation for land development
Creating an embankment on the land site. Clients seeking to estimate the costs of preparing a land parcel for use by filling it with soil or other materials need a structured approach. What should be done?
We recommend commissioning a site survey, including geological reconnaissance or preliminary geological assessments. Our team can evaluate multiple factors affecting the site’s viability. The preliminary investment estimate includes the cost of land acquisition, land preparation expenses, and earthworks.
Geological reconnaissance
Before purchasing a site, conducting geological reconnaissance is advisable. This process involves a geologist performing a preliminary assessment without drilling or using heavy equipment, thereby avoiding significant costs associated with borehole sampling and soil extraction.
What does geological reconnaissance entail? It includes:
Visual inspection of the site and surrounding areas
Review of geological maps
Photographic documentation
Collection of surface soil samples from shallow test pits
Examination of neighboring plots for previous geological studies and available geological maps
The outcome provides guidance on whether a full geological survey is necessary before construction.
estimate the cost of earthworks
Geological survey
A geological survey includes reconnaissance activities but also incorporates borehole drilling and soil sampling to determine soil composition and properties. It helps assess groundwater conditions and is documented with a report and recommendations. Since these surveys involve significant costs, they are generally conducted after land acquisition.
Before purchasing a site, we offer reconnaissance services, which include:
Analysis of terrain features and nearby water bodies
Evaluation of soil composition and moisture levels
Review of geological maps and prior studies on adjacent sites
Estimating land development costs
To determine land development costs, the site’s initial condition must be assessed. A rough estimate involves:
Developing technical requirements
Reviewing any existing topographic surveys
Obtaining necessary permits
plan for filling a land plot
Key steps include:
Sending site photos and cadastral number via email
Sketching the planned fill area and submitting a scanned image
Estimating the slope and target elevation for the fill layer
Based on the technical requirements, the following documentation is prepared:
Site and topographic plans, indicating existing structures, pathways, ravines, ditches, and wetlands
Conceptual site plan incorporating slopes, retaining walls, gabions, or terracing
Calculation of earthwork volumes, transportation, and soil compaction
Preliminary cost estimate, subject to on-site verification
For residential or gardening cooperative sites, a specialist site visit, including necessary measurements and evaluations, costs approximately $105 plus $1.05/km from the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD). For industrial or commercial plots of 1–10 hectares, the cost of developing an earthworks plan and estimate ranges from $1,575 to $3,150, with additional fees for geological surveys involving drilling and soil sampling.
To carry out excavation work, plasticize earth masses, level a site or raise its level, you need to know the relief – conduct a topological survey.
Topographic surveying
Topographic surveys can be:
Theodolite-based, planimetric
Leveling-based, altimetric
Combined planimetric and altimetric
These surveys provide accurate data on land dimensions, landscape features, and elevation changes. Survey tasks include:
Site inspection and evaluation
Geodetic measurements
Identification and mapping of underground utilities
Engineering network and site planning
Data analysis
Survey results include a detailed map indicating boundaries, nearby objects, terrain features, underground and above-ground utilities, buildings, water bodies, and roads. The process involves:
Selecting geodetic reference points
Measuring elevation changes, distances, and structures
Conducting aerial or satellite imaging when necessary
Topographic surveys remain valid for 2–5 years, depending on project requirements.
Our geodetic engineers assess property boundaries, geological conditions, hydrology, drainage requirements, and surface and groundwater presence to determine whether a drainage system is needed. A cutoff drainage system may be necessary to prevent soil erosion.
Following data analysis, we provide a full set of technical documentation, including copies of surveys, reports, and engineering-topographic plans in both printed and digital formats.
Earthworks planning and execution
After budgeting, geodetic surveying, and groundwater assessment, we prepare an earthworks plan and proceed with site development:
Designating material storage areas and removing the topsoil for reuse
Installing drainage systems (open channels, covered drains, or sump wells)
Layered compaction of fill material using vibratory tampers or soil rollers for larger sites
Incorporating geotechnical solutions like retaining walls, stone embankments, and terracing where necessary
If the site has poor load-bearing capacity or swampy conditions, crushed construction debris may be used to create a stable foundation.
