Geotechnical Services

Geotechnical Services

Turning Point Surveys provides specialized geotechnical survey support to engineers, project managers, and owners across Canada. Our crews are experienced in the precise monitoring, documentation, and spatial data collection that geotechnical investigations demand — from initial site reconnaissance through construction and long-term performance monitoring.

Working closely with geotechnical engineers and environmental consultants, TPS delivers the survey data, instrumentation installation, and monitoring programs needed to characterize site conditions, manage ground movement risk, and meet regulatory and engineering design requirements — especially in the challenging ground conditions of Northern Alberta and Canada's north.

Northern Alberta landscape and site conditions

Our Geotechnical Capabilities

We support the full lifecycle of geotechnical projects with precise survey and monitoring services.

Slope stability and movement monitoring
Settlement and subsidence tracking
Instrumentation installation survey (inclinometers, piezometers)
Borehole and test pit location surveys
Ground deformation mapping with total station & GNSS
3D laser scanning for change detection

Precision Monitoring

Our monitoring programs use calibrated total stations, robotic instruments, and GNSS to detect millimetre-level ground movement — giving engineers the data confidence they need for critical decisions.

Northern Expertise

We understand the unique geotechnical challenges of northern environments — permafrost, seasonal frost, muskeg, and high water tables — and design our survey programs accordingly.

Comprehensive Reporting

Every monitoring program includes clear, engineer-ready reports with tabulated data, time-series plots, spatial maps, and trend analysis to support design and regulatory submissions.

Integrated UAV & LiDAR

Our geotechnical survey capability is amplified by in-house UAV and 3D LiDAR scanning, enabling large-area slope mapping, volumetric change detection, and corridor-scale deformation analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of geotechnical monitoring does TPS support?

We support slope stability monitoring, settlement and subsidence programs, embankment and dam deformation surveys, tailings facility monitoring, and retaining wall performance tracking. We work alongside the geotechnical engineer of record to design monitoring networks that meet their analytical requirements.

How frequently can monitoring surveys be conducted?

Monitoring frequency is dictated by the risk level and engineer's requirements. We can provide one-time baseline surveys, periodic campaigns (monthly, quarterly, seasonal), or continuous automated monitoring using robotic total station setups reporting in real time.

Can TPS install geotechnical instrumentation?

Yes. Our field crews can survey the installation locations for inclinometers, settlement plates, piezometers, and monitoring prisms with precise spatial coordinates, and can conduct installation observations to ensure instrument location meets design intent. We work closely with instrumentation specialists on multi-discipline projects.

What is 3D laser scanning used for in geotechnical work?

3D terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is used to rapidly capture dense point clouds of slopes, cut faces, retaining structures, and tailings embankments. Repeat scanning over time allows precise change detection — identifying zones of movement, erosion, or deformation that may not be visible to the naked eye.