You will need to engage the services of a licensed surveyor to:

• Subdivide land
• Identify and mark the location of existing property boundaries on the ground, such as:
  • Prepare and certify most plans of land division or amalgamation
  • Create an easement
  • Identify the location of an easement
  • Prepare plans in relation to Roads Opening and Closing Act 1991.

Information can be found on the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA) website. If you require a certificate of title or any plans associated to a property address, you will need to contact Land Services SA on (08) 8423 5090. A Land Services SA employee will be able to assist you in the right direction

The Office of the Surveyor-General is not responsible for decisions relating to subdividing land.

Depending on the type of survey being undertaken, the OSG may be able to assist with further information. Contact the Office of the Surveyor-General by email DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call (08) 7133 2300.

Yes. Under the Survey Act 1992, a surveyor, or a person authorised in writing by a surveyor, has permission to enter the premises in the course of carrying out a survey.

No. We do not carry out cadastral surveys, nor have the authority to recommend a consulting surveyor.

Lists of Licensed Surveyors are available by internet search or the Yellow Pages using “Land Surveyor” or “Licensed Surveyor” as key words.

All licensed surveyors are registered with the Surveyors Board of South Australia and listed in the South Australian Government Gazette.

View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.

Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) are valuable State geodetic infrastructure that underpin the surveying of property boundaries, development and construction activities, mapping and environmental monitoring. PSMs hold accurate coordinate and height information and provide the geodetic reference frame for surveying activities. PSMs enable surveyors to readily identify property boundaries and comply with legislation and project requirements, which improves the efficiency of surveying activities, reducing costs for industry and the community.

View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.

The white PVC post is commonly used in development areas to identify the Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) position and to reduce the risk of any damage to the mark. It is placed with a red indicator plate that provides information relating to the PSM.

In some scenarios the post can be removed but before any removal, it is a requirement to contact the Office of the Surveyor-General: email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.

You may have noticed blue paint on your property or nearby. Blue paint is commonly used by surveyors to indicate a survey marks position. The blue paint assists other surveyors on locating this mark.

The blue dropper is often used in rural areas to identify the Permanent Survey Marks (PSMs) position and to reduce the risk of any damage to the mark. It is placed with a red indicator plate that provides information relating to the PSMs.

In some scenarios the post can be removed but before any removal, it is a requirement to contact the Office of the Surveyor-General: email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

Geodesy is the scientific discipline concerned with the measurement and representation of the Earth's shape, orientation, and gravitational field. Geodesy plays a crucial role in the determination and establishment of the geodetic reference frame, which is standardized coordinate system and datum for precisely representing the position of locations on Earth. The geodetic reference frame serves as the foundational basis for geodetic measurements and calculations, and as a framework to integrate and manage geospatial information.

The Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020) is a modern geodetic reference frame used in Australia for positioning and mapping. It is an update to the previous datum, GDA94. The Map Grid of Australia 2020 (MGA2020) is the official map projection for Australia.

More information about GDA2020 can be found on the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) website.

To transform coordinates from the Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94) to the Geocentric Datum of Australia 2020 (GDA2020), you can use one of the three transformations methods recognised by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping: A 7 parameter similarity (conformal) transformation, and two transformation grids.

The grids, online transformation service and tools can be accessed on the website of the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping.

The Australian Height Datum (AHD) is a vertical datum used as a reference for measuring elevations and heights in Australia. It serves as a standardized reference point for establishing vertical positions, primarily for surveying, mapping, and construction. The AHD provides a consistent and reliable reference for comparing elevations across different regions of the country.

More information about AHD can be found on the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) and the Geoscience Australia websites.

The Australian Geoid Model, often referred to as AUSGeoid, is an irregular surface that approximates mean sea level. AUSGeoid can be used to converts ellipsoidal heights measured by GPS into heights above mean sea level referred to AHD, very useful for applications like mapping and surveying.

More information about AUSGeoid can be found on the Geoscience Australia website.

CORS network is an essential geodetic infrastructure that ensures accurate positioning for users globally. It serves as a reliable reference frame, supporting various precise positioning and guidance applications. These applications include Surveying, Mapping, Precision Agriculture, Construction, Mining, Navigation, Natural Hazards and Emergency Response Services, and Scientific Research.

Receiver independent exchange data (RINEX) from South Australian CORS can be accessed through the Geoscience Australia GNSS Data Centre.

Differential GPS real time data (DGPS) and real time kinetic data (RTK) from single stations of South Australia can be accessed freely through the Geoscience Australia AUSCORS NTRIP Broadcaster.

RTK Network services are available for access via subscription through a network of Australian based Value-Added Resellers (third-party service providers such as AllDayRTK, HxGN SmartNetAus, VRSNow, and Mondo Pin). These Value-Added Resellers combine the Geoscience Australia data streams with their own infrastructure to provide supported positioning services, which are available across most areas of South Australia with access to mobile phone coverage.

Yes, we do. We provide a baseline to calibrate your EDM instrument along with the latest software. To book the baseline or obtain the latest calibration software please email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

View more information about equipment calibration.

You can find information about surveying procedures using GNSS within the Guideline for Control Surveys by GNSS published by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM). This guideline promotes standardized GNSS surveying in Australia to maintain accurate geospatial data. It covers measurement collection, baseline derivation, factors affecting quality, real-time vs. post-processing, and recommended procedures.

You can find information about surveying procedures using total station within the Guideline for Conventional Traverse Surveys published by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM). This guideline promotes using consistent conventional traverse surveys with advanced equipment like total stations or theodolite-EDM combinations to ensure accurate survey control marks in Australia. It offers recommended procedures and examples for assessing position uncertainties, enhancing data reliability.

You can find information about differential leveling procedures within the Guideline for Control Surveys by Differential Levelling published by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM). This guideline outlines the recommended equipment and procedures for conducting differential leveling, including examples for evaluating the uncertainty of estimated height differences between survey control marks.

The location or coordinates and the height or elevation of a PSM can be found in the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas.

View more information about Permanent Survey Marks.

Instructions about how to use SAPPA can be found on the following document. For more information, please visit the Plan SA website.

Due to the measurement method, not all PSMs have heights attached to them. Those PSMs with height have a special symbol with a vertical line. Their heigh value can be found using either the PSM number to search or selecting the PSM with the selection tools on SAPPA. Once selected and highlighted green, select the PSM from the list at the bottom of the screen and select ‘Print’ option. A new tab will open with all information relation to that specific PSM.

The PU of the coordinates is reported with the survey mark details. PU of coordinates is an indication of the accuracy of the coordinates compared to the reference datum (i.e. GDA2020) and determines which marks can be used as datum for surveys and control points to coordinate new survey marks.

PSMs in known reactive soil areas will be assigned a ‘Type B PU’ attribute that may increase their PU. Type B is an international standard relating to measurement uncertainty based on environmental factors.

You can collect PSM supplies from the new depot of the Surveyor-General at Unit 10/1160 Old Port Road, Royal Park SA 5014.

No team member is based at the depot, therefore, you are required to email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300 a minimum of 24 hours prior to collection date.

All materials can be obtained from the depot of the Surveyor-General except for precast PSMs. These can be purchased from Silvercrete Precast.

Email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300, and provide the location of the new mark, including the map reference in which the mark will be placed and a job reference id.

View more policies and regulations and consult the Notice of the Surveyor-General No 4 and its additional resources.

It is common for Mini-PSMs to be placed in community divisions in lieu of the standard PSMs. This can only be executed if approved by the Office of the Surveyor-General.

For more information, email us at DHUD.SurveyOperations@sa.gov.au or call us at (08) 7133 2300.

In case you find a discrepancy between the coordinate of a PSM provided by the Office of the Surveyor-General and the one determined in your survey, please upload an error report.

For more information view the Notice of the Surveyor-General No 4 and its additional resources.

In case you can’t find a PSM on the field, please upload a PSM gone report. Your efforts to report the absence of a PSM contribute to the integrity of survey network and the effectiveness of future surveys. Thank you for your cooperation.

A place is defined as any area, region, locality, city, suburb, town, township, or settlement, or any geographical or topographical feature, and includes any railway station, hospital, schools, and any other place or building that is, or is likely to be, of public or historical interest. Place names play a crucial role in navigation, communication, and the establishment of a sense of identity and history for various places. In South Australia, a geographical name is a name assigned to, or approved as, the name of a place under the Geographical Names Act 1991.

Under the Geographical Names Act 1991 of South Australia, the Surveyor-General is designated as the naming authority.  The Surveyor-General is responsible for overseeing the naming of geographical features, places, and landmarks within the state of South Australia, as well as maintaining the accuracy and consistency of the place names database.

Place naming principles are a set of guidelines and regulations established by the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) to govern the process of assigning names to geographical features, locations, and places. These principles help ensure that place names are chosen and approved in a systematic, consistent, and culturally sensitive manner.  For more information about the naming principles in South Australia review the guidelines for naming geographical places.

Place naming principles serve to bring order, consistency, and cultural sensitivity to the naming of places. They play a crucial role in everyday life, from facilitating navigation and emergency response to preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity. These principles are essential for effective governance and the well-being of communities within a region.

Geographical features such as towns, suburbs, streets, rivers, mountains, parks, landmarks, and buildings can be named using the Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) Principles for the Consistent Use of Place Names.

Anyone, including individuals, community groups, local governments, and relevant stakeholders, can propose a new place name or a name change for a geographical feature. The process for proposing new names involves submitting an application or proposal to the Geographical Names Unit (GNU).  The GNU will then assess the proposal based on established naming principles, guidelines, and criteria.  The Office of the Surveyor-General and Minister in accordance with the act and guidelines makes the final decision on whether to approve or reject a proposed name or name change.

Anyone, including individuals, community groups, local governments, and relevant stakeholders, can propose a suburb/locality boundary realignment.  The process involves a formal submission to the Geographical Names Unit.  In most cases the proposal must have the full support and endorsement of the associated council before it can be formally considered and accepted by the Surveyor-General.

In South Australia, as per the responsibilities outlined in the Geographical Names Act 1991, various authorities and organisations have specific roles in the development of naming or renaming proposals for different types of geographical features and locations. A breakdown of who can develop naming or renaming proposals for various categories:

• Surveyor-General: The Surveyor-General typically assumes the responsibility of overseeing the place naming process in South Australia. This includes the naming and renaming of various geographical features, such as towns, suburbs, streets, rivers, mountains, parks, and landmarks. The Office of the Surveyor-General (Geographical Names Unit), is responsible for processing and managing proposals for these types of names.
• Local Councils: Local government authorities, or councils, are responsible for naming local government areas, wards, and features such as reserves and public roads under their care, control, and maintenance. This includes naming or renaming streets, and other features within their jurisdictions.
• Electoral Commission: The Electoral Commission is responsible for the naming of electoral districts in South Australia. This ensures that electoral boundaries are accurately identified and designated for political representation.
• Commissioner for Highways: The Commissioner for Highways is tasked with assigning names to state-maintained roads and infrastructure, including main arterial roads, highways, bridges, tunnels, overpasses, and other transportation-related features. The Surveyor-General, in accordance with the Geographical Names Act 1991, is responsible for this task.
• Commissioner of Railways: The Commissioner of Railways is responsible for assigning names to rail infrastructure, including railway lines, stations, and related features. Like state-maintained roads, the Surveyor-General undertakes this task in accordance with the Geographical Names Act 1991.

To submit a request for assigning the name of a geographical place, visit the SA website and follow the guidelines for naming geographical places.

When submitting a proposal for a place name or name change it is essential to provide a comprehensive and a well-structured submission that includes all the necessary information.

• Proposed Name: Clearly state the name you are proposing or the name you wish to change. Make sure the name is spelled correctly and is easy to understand.
• Type of Geographical Feature: Specify the type of geographical feature or location to which the name applies. Is it a town, suburb, street, river, mountain, park, or another type of feature?
• Rationale: Provide a detailed explanation of why you are proposing this name or requesting a change. Explain the significance of the name and why it is appropriate for the feature or location. Include any historical, cultural, or geographical reasons for the choice.
• Supporting Documentation: Include any relevant supporting documents that strengthen your proposal. This may include historical records, maps, photographs, or references to authoritative sources that back up your proposal.
• Historical Context: If the name has historical significance, provide background information about its historical use and relevance to the area. Explain any historical events, figures, or cultural connections associated with the proposed name.
• Cultural Relevance: If the proposed name has cultural significance, explain its cultural relevance and connection to the indigenous or local community. Include information about any traditions, stories, or cultural meanings associated with the name.
• Consultation: If you have consulted with relevant stakeholders, such as indigenous groups or local communities, include documentation of these consultations and any written support or endorsements you have received. Ensure that indigenous naming proposals have the written support of the relevant traditional owners.
• Pronunciation and Meaning: Provide details about the pronunciation of the proposed name, especially if it includes non-standard characters or sounds. Explain the meaning of the name and its significance.
• Background Story: If there is an interesting or compelling background story related to the proposed name, share it to provide context and depth to your proposal.
• Contact Information: Include your contact information in case the Geographical Names Unit needs to reach you for further clarification or communication regarding your proposal.

After you submit your proposal for a place name or name change, the process typically involves a series of steps, including review, consultation, and public notification. Here's what typically happens after you submit your proposal:

• Initial Review: The Office of the Surveyor-General responsible for geographical names will conduct an initial review of your proposal. This review will assess whether your proposal complies with naming rules, guidelines, and principles, as well as whether it aligns with accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and relevance criteria.
• Consultation with Local Councils: The Geographical Names Unit may send written notices detailing the proposal to each local council with potential interest in the naming or renaming decision. Councils often have a say in the process, especially when it involves places within their jurisdictions. They will be invited to make written submissions to the Minister within a specified timeframe, typically one month from receiving the notice.
• Public Notification: A public notice will be published on the SA website and Government Gazette, inviting individuals from the public to submit written feedback or objections to the Minister within a specified timeframe. This public notification allows for transparency and ensures that community members have the opportunity to provide input on the proposed name or name change. The public feedback period is typically one month from the date of publication.
• Review and Decision: The Office of the Surveyor-General will consider all submitted proposals, including those from local councils and public feedback. They will evaluate the proposal based on established criteria, including cultural sensitivity, historical significance, and community input. After this comprehensive review, a decision will be made regarding the proposed name or name change.
• Notification of Outcome: Once a decision is reached, the Office of the Surveyor-General will notify you and all relevant stakeholders, including council and individuals who provided feedback, of the outcome. The notification will indicate whether the proposal has been approved, rejected, or requires modifications. If approved, the authority will take the necessary steps to officially assign the name to the geographical place.

Review the Proposal: Carefully review the proposal in question. Understand its details, implications, and the reasons behind your objection.

Prepare Your Feedback: Before sending your objection, organise your thoughts and prepare your feedback. Your objection should be clear, concise, and well-structured. Here's what your feedback should include:

• Your Name and Address: Include your full name and current address. This information is necessary for your objection to be considered valid.
• Reasoning: Clearly state your reasons for objecting to the proposal. Be specific and provide evidence or examples to support your objections. Make sure your objections are related to the proposal's content and potential impact.
• Alternative Suggestions: If you have alternative solutions or suggestions that could address the concerns you've raised, include them in your feedback.
• General Comments: You can also provide any additional general comments or observations related to the proposal. These comments may help clarify your objections or provide context.

Send Your Feedback:

• Email Address: Send your feedback to DHUD.PlaceNames@sa.gov.au
• Subject Line: Clearly mention the subject of your email
• Attachments: If you have any supporting documents or evidence, attach them to your email. Make sure they are relevant to your objections.

Deadline: Ensure that you submit your objection within the specified 1-month window of the formal public consultation stage. Missing the deadline may result in your objection not being considered.

Follow-Up: If there are updates or developments related to the proposal, stay informed and consider participating in any subsequent stages of the consultation process.

Engage: While you may be objecting to the proposal, try to maintain a constructive and respectful tone in your feedback. This increases the likelihood that your objections will be taken seriously and considered during the decision-making process.

Advocate: If you are part of a larger group or community that shares your objections, consider mobilising support and encouraging others to submit their objections as well. Collective action can have a stronger impact.

Contact the Office of the Surveyor-General, Geographical Names Unit via the following email DHUD.PlaceNames@sa.gov.au with any questions relating to place names that have not been updated within SAPPA.

The Surveyor-General has the authority to enter a name into the South Australian Gazetteer and the South Australian Property and Planning Atlas (SAPPA) upon a formal public notice appearing in the SA Government Gazette, confirming the proposal.  The National Gazetteer is updated regularly to reflect the SA Gazetteer database.

The place name database is regularly updated to incorporate approved name changes, new names, and other relevant updates.

If you come across an error or discrepancy in the place name database, contact the Geographical Names Unit to report the issue at DHUD.PlaceNames@sa.gov.au.