Blog : How South Florida Weather Conditions Affect Commercial Land Surveying

How South Florida Weather Conditions Affect Commercial Land Surveying

South Florida’s unique weather conditions—including high humidity, frequent thunderstorms, seasonal hurricanes, and intense heat—can significantly impact commercial land surveying projects. Here’s how those conditions affect operations and what planners and surveyors can do to mitigate their impact:

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1. High Humidity and Heat

Impact:

• Surveying instruments like total stations and GPS units can malfunction or drift due to condensation or overheating.
• Prolonged outdoor exposure can lead to heat stress or fatigue among field crews.

Planning Tips:

• Schedule fieldwork early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.
• Use sun shelters or cooling gear (hats, hydration packs, etc.) for crew protection.
• Regularly check and calibrate sensitive equipment to ensure accuracy.

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2. Frequent Thunderstorms

Impact:

• Sudden storms can disrupt fieldwork, wash out markings, and pose lightning hazards.
• Ground visibility can be temporarily reduced, affecting accuracy and safety.

Planning Tips:

• Monitor real-time weather forecasts daily and use radar apps on-site.
• Avoid working in open areas when thunderstorms are predicted.
• Use non-permanent, weather-resistant markings (e.g., flagging tape, stakes with caps).

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3. Hurricane Season (June to November)

Impact:

• Severe storms can delay projects for days or weeks.
• Equipment and documentation may be at risk of water or wind damage.

Planning Tips:

• Create a hurricane preparedness plan that includes evacuation, equipment storage, and data backups.
• Prioritize time-sensitive surveys outside peak hurricane months.
• Have contingency timelines built into contracts and project schedules.

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4. Flood-Prone Terrain

Impact:

• Saturated ground can make it hard to access some sites or cause instability for survey tripods and crews.
• Water levels may obscure boundary markers or make them difficult to reach.

Planning Tips:

• Use drones or remote sensing equipment to access flooded or soft ground safely.
• Choose elevated or well-drained staging areas for field equipment.
• Include floodplain analysis as part of preliminary site assessments.

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5. Vegetation Growth and Rapid Environmental Changes

Impact:

• In subtropical environments, fast-growing vegetation can quickly obscure benchmarks or access routes.
• Survey lines can become obstructed in just a few days or weeks without maintenance.

Planning Tips:

• Schedule regular site maintenance or clearing if repeat visits are needed.
• Use high-visibility markers that remain effective despite overgrowth.
• Conduct more frequent site visits for long-term projects to adjust for vegetation changes.

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Conclusion

Weather in South Florida is not just an inconvenience—it’s a core factor in project planning. By integrating weather forecasting, flexible scheduling, protective gear, and adaptive surveying techniques, commercial land surveyors can maintain accuracy and avoid costly delays.

Have a question on Commercial Land Surveying and/or other surveys, give us a call at (954) 585-0997.

About Stoner

Since 1988, Stoner has continually provided the highest level of quality service to each and every project.  Staying true to the company mission statement of Experience, Excellence, Service and Technology: These are the watchwords that we apply to each of our clients’ projects.  Today, the company services the greater South Florida area including Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties.  Allowing the team of professionals to deliver critical surveying services in a timely manner to both the private sector and the government.  For more information on Stoner, please call (954) 585-0997or visit www.stonersurveyors.com.