Expertise
Boundaries, boundary markers, relief, buildings and roads, tied to Lambert coordinates: the spot-height plan is the basis on which an architect, an engineering consultancy or a buyer can make decisions without getting the land wrong.
What it is for
The topographic plan (التصميم الطبوغرافي) describes the land as it is today: visible boundaries and boundary markers, elevations (spot heights and contour lines), buildings, fences, trees, roads and visible utility networks. The spot-height plan adds the dimensions: lengths of the sides, distances between boundary markers, levels. It is not proof of ownership: for titled land, it is the title plan annexed to the land title that is authoritative (see which plan for which use).
It is often required. For a building permit application, the file includes the ANCFCC plan if the land is registered, or a topographic survey if it is not; for a subdivision permit application, a topographic plan showing the boundary markers, the neighbouring titles, the spot heights and the contour lines (see the guide to building authorisation). Even when the ANCFCC plan is enough for the file, the architect needs the levels, the neighbouring buildings and the actual footprint of the road.
The recommended order before building: consult the development plan, request the planning information note, have the topographic plan drawn up, then start the design (urban planning guide).
Who it is for
The content of the survey changes with its use: tell us what the plan will be used for, and we adapt the scale, the density of points and the features surveyed.
Boundaries compared with the title plan, boundary markers found or missing, level of the road and pavement, neighbouring buildings: the architect sets setbacks, heights and access on measured data.
Building: the steps →The survey reveals an area different from the deed, a missing boundary marker, a neighbouring wall that encroaches or a planned road reservation. For land held under a melkia, it is the only reliable plan available.
Melkia or land title →DWG/DXF file in Lambert coordinates, elevations and contours: the land overlays directly on the development plan and the project.
Professionals' area →Corridor survey, longitudinal and cross sections, digital terrain model (DTM) for slopes, drainage and earthwork volumes.
The roads and utilities guide →How it works
The steps follow our method; you are kept informed at each stage.
Use of the plan, title number or deed, title plan and planning information note if you have them: we set the extent of the survey and the features to be surveyed.
Content of the survey, deliverables, formats, estimated time for our work and fees.
The measurements are tied to the Moroccan Lambert system from reference points, so that the plan overlays the official plans without any offset.
Boundary markers, visible boundaries, buildings, roads, visible utility networks and enough spot heights to describe the relief.
Computation of points, contour lines and, if requested, DTM, sections and earthwork volumes; comparison with the title plan; plan signed by the surveying engineer.
We hand over the files and explain any discrepancies with the title or the deeds.
Deliverables
The exact list is given in the quote, depending on the use of the plan.
Equipment, timescales, cost
We work with GNSS and the total station for most surveys; the laser scanner for buildings and complex structures; the drone when the extent or access of the site warrants it. The precision of a plan depends on the tie-in to reference points, the instrument and the method, the density of points surveyed, vegetation and obstructions, and the scale requested. A DTM, for example, is only reliable if there are enough points on uneven ground.
The time for our work generally ranges from a few days to a few weeks; it depends on the area, the relief, access and the deliverables. The cost depends on the same factors and on distance: we do not publish rates, the quote is drawn up after studying your need (why).
For your own checks, our free tools calculate an area from the boundary markers, the buildability from the planning information note, or a bearing, a slope, an earthwork volume. They do not replace a survey.
References
Extracts from our references; work carried out for private individuals is never published.
Ben Souda (64 ha), Ras El Ma (145 ha) and the Fez railway station site (130 ha).
Service carried out in 2005.
Precision GPS traverses and topographic survey for a spot-height plan.
Questions
For the permit file for titled land, the ANCFCC plan is the required document. But it shows neither the relief, nor the neighbouring buildings, nor the current state of the boundary markers. For design and setting-out, a spot-height plan remains the basis (see the cadastral plan guide).
No. It describes the land; it says nothing about rights. Ownership is proven by the land title or, for untitled land, by the deeds. The legal boundaries of titled land are those of the title plan.
They are those of official Moroccan plans. A plan tied to Lambert overlays the title plan, the cadastral map and the development plan without any offset; urban agencies often ask for one to issue the planning information note. A phone's GPS gives coordinates in another system, with a precision measured in metres.
The plan is a drawing: boundaries, features, spot heights, contours. The DTM is a digital surface calculated from the same points; it is used for sections, slopes and earthwork volumes.
Yes. There is no title plan to request for unregistered land: the survey is the only reliable plan, and it is the document required for a permit application. It also prepares a possible land registration.
We flag it on the plan. Replacing it is a separate operation, boundary marker reinstatement, based on the title plan: see our Boundary marking page.
Quote
Tell us the location, the approximate area and the use of the plan; attach the title or the deed if you have it. We will reply with a written quote.