How many control points do we need

It depends on your site size and the accuracy you need. Most mines need enough points for redundancy, so you can lose a mark and still maintain control. We will recommend a layout after a quick site review.

How often should a control network be checked

At a minimum, after major earthworks, blasting impacts near marks, or large construction phases. Many sites run monthly or quarterly checks in high activity areas, and less frequent checks in stable zones.

Can you do underground control

Yes. We can establish and maintain an underground control network, transfer control from surface, and set up routines for ongoing checks as headings progress.

Do you work Australia wide

Yes. We work NSW and Australia wide, including remote sites. We plan mobilisation around your access and safety requirements.

Can you integrate laser scanning and drone data

Yes. We can tie scanning and drone outputs to your control so point clouds, models, and orthos align properly with survey and design files.

What is the difference between control survey and set out survey

Control survey establishes the reference points used for accuracy. Set out survey uses those points to mark designs on the ground. Without solid control, set out becomes unreliable.

Mine Site Control Networks, Mine Survey Control Points.

Accurate mine site control networks for safer set out and reporting.

What is a mine site control network

A mine site control network is a set of permanent, accurately coordinated points across your site. Think of it as the backbone of your surveying. These points are used as the reference for:

set out for civil, structural, plant, and services
drill and blast set out checks
volume surveys and reconciliation
monitoring and deformation work
as built pickups and QA reporting
integration of laser scanning and drone data

When the control is solid, your results are solid. When it is rushed or poorly maintained, the cost shows up everywhere, usually at the worst time.

You will hear this called a mine control survey network, a control survey network, or control network installation. It is all the same idea, establish trusted points, then keep them trusted.

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Testimonials

Surface control network vs underground control network

Most sites need both, even if the underground component is small.

Surface control network

A surface control network typically includes permanent marks around key work areas, haul roads, infrastructure zones, and survey hubs. It should be designed with redundancy so you can lose a mark and still keep the network stable.

Underground control network

An underground control network transfers control down a decline or shaft and carries it through headings and production areas. It needs careful planning, good installation, and routine checking because underground environments are hard on marks and lines of sight.

We build networks that link surface and underground logically, so you do not end up with two separate systems that disagree.

Datum, MGA2020, and getting the network right from day one

Control is not just “put a few marks in and measure them”. The real value comes from setting the network on a consistent datum, tying it correctly, and confirming the quality.

For most projects, that means aligning to MGA2020 where required and documenting the basis of bearing, height, and coordinate system clearly. This matters for compliance, for integration with other datasets, and for long term repeatability.

We also run practical QA checks, like redundancy testing, residual reviews, and independent checks on critical marks.

Control survey network analysis and why it reduces risk

Control survey network analysis is where you confirm the network behaves the way it should. Not just today, but over time.

On mines, change is constant. Heavy equipment, blasting, weather, and ground movement all affect stability. That is why routine analysis matters.

We look for the issues that cause headaches later, such as:

marks that have shifted
weak geometry in part of the network
inconsistent height transfer
poor documentation from earlier work
different contractors using different assumptions

The outcome is a network you can trust for set out, reporting, and audit checks.

Common problems we fix on mine sites

We get called in when things feel messy. Usually the story sounds like this, “we have control, but no one really trusts it”.

Common causes include:

rushed setup during mobilisation
control not checked after major works
marks damaged or removed without replacement
inconsistent coordinate systems between contractors
limited redundancy, one mark fails and the area is compromised
missing adjustment reports, no one can verify quality

The fix is not complicated, but it does need a clean plan and proper documentation. That is the whole point, make the complex simple.

WORK PROCESS

Surface control network vs underground control network

Most sites need both, even if the underground component is small.

Surface control network

Underground control network

We build networks that link surface and underground logically, so you do not end up with two separate systems that disagree.

Datum, MGA2020, and getting the network right from day one

Control is not just “put a few marks in and measure them”. The real value comes from setting the network on a consistent datum, tying it correctly, and confirming the quality.

We also run practical QA checks, like redundancy testing, residual reviews, and independent checks on critical marks.

Our Services

CEH is proud to provide experienced professionals who are able to serve all clients’ needs in a friendly, informative, and efficient manner.

NSW compliance and mine survey plan requirements

If your site is in NSW, mining surveying is subject to specific requirements and directions, including expectations around mine survey plans, documentation, and survey practice.

We work with these requirements in mind and make sure your control network setup and reporting supports your compliance needs.

Reference, Survey and Drafting Directions for Mining Surveyors, NSW Mines.

Supporting information.

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Contact Us

Enter your details into the form and our team will be in touch within the next couple of hours.
To speak to one of our surveyors now, call us on: +61 02 4261 4366

Frequently Asked Questions

How many control points do we need
It depends on your site size and the accuracy you need. Most mines need enough points for redundancy, so you can lose a mark and still maintain control. We will recommend a layout after a quick site review.
How often should a control network be checked
At a minimum, after major earthworks, blasting impacts near marks, or large construction phases. Many sites run monthly or quarterly checks in high activity areas, and less frequent checks in stable zones.
Can you do underground control
Yes. We can establish and maintain an underground control network, transfer control from surface, and set up routines for ongoing checks as headings progress.
Do you work Australia wide
Yes. We work NSW and Australia wide, including remote sites. We plan mobilisation around your access and safety requirements.
Can you integrate laser scanning and drone data
Yes. We can tie scanning and drone outputs to your control so point clouds, models, and orthos align properly with survey and design files.
What is the difference between control survey and set out survey
Control survey establishes the reference points used for accuracy. Set out survey uses those points to mark designs on the ground. Without solid control, set out becomes unreliable.