What is setting out of a building

archdevil

Royal Member
What is setting out of a building?
A definition of setting out, often used, is that it is the reverse of surveying. Whereas surveying is a process for forming maps and plans of a particular site or area, setting out begins with plans and ends with the various elements of a particular plan correctly positioned on site.

However most techniques and equipment used in surveying are also used in setting out i.e. while surveying may be the opposite of setting out, the processes and instruments are almost identical.

The International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) define setting out as:
Setting out is the establishment of the marks and lines to define the position and level of the elements for the construction work so that works may proceed with reference to them. This process may be contrasted with the purpose of surveying which is to determine by measurement the position of existing features. Setting out is one application of surveying

  • Most of the techniques and equipment used in surveying are also used in setting out
  • Mistakes in setting out can be costly -For setting out to be undertaken successfully good work practices should be employed
  • There are three parties involved in the construction procedures: the employer, the engineer and the contractor -Although the engineer checks the work, the setting out is the responsibility of the contractor
  • The cost of correcting any errors in the setting out has to be paid for by the Contractor, provided the engineer has supplies reliable information in writing