Line Cutting and Grid Establishment
Precision Survey Lines That Set Up Successful Exploration Programs
Geophysical surveys, soil sampling programs, and systematic exploration require accurately located survey grids, not approximations. Since 1987, Minconsult has cut thousands of kilometres of survey lines across North America’s most challenging terrain, establishing GPS-accurate grids that provide the coordinate framework exploration programs depend on. Our line cutting crews deliver the precision required for electromagnetic surveys, induced polarization work, and systematic sampling while working at the pace remote programs demand.
Line cutting requires a different set of skills than broad timber clearing. Crews must maintain precise bearings using GPS and compass, establish accurate picket spacing, and create straight, minimal-width corridors (typically less than 1.5 metres) through dense vegetation and steep terrain. Our experienced cutters understand that survey accuracy determines data quality: sloppy grid work compromises every survey that follows.
Our Line Cutting Services
Survey grid establishment
GPS-accurate line location and picketing
Baseline and cross-line cutting
Access trail cutting
Traverse lines
Geophysical survey coordination
Grid maintenance and re-establishment
From Grid Planning to Survey Execution
Grid Design and Planning
We work with your project geologists or geophysicists to establish optimal grid spacing, orientation, and coverage for your exploration objectives. Grids are designed to account for terrain constraints, target geometry, and survey methodology while minimizing unnecessary cutting.
Precise Line Establishment
Lines are cut using GPS positioning, compass bearings, and survey methods to maintain accuracy across the grid. Pickets displaying coordinates are placed at specified intervals (typically 25m or 50m) along each line, creating the physical framework for survey work. Intersections are clearly marked, and baseline/cross-line relationships are verified.
Integrated Survey Support
Because we also provide geophysical survey coordination (including UAV/drone services), geological mapping crews, and soil sampling teams, line cutting integrates seamlessly with the subsequent exploration work. You engage a sole contractor to handle grid establishment, including data collection, eliminating coordination gaps that delay programs.
Remote Terrain Expertise
Line cutting in northern exploration terrain presents challenges absent from southern forestry work. Our crews establish grids across steep alpine slopes, through dense old-growth timber, across muskeg and permafrost terrain, and in locations accessible only by helicopter. We’ve cut grids in areas where conventional survey methods struggle because we leverage our experience and adapt our techniques to maintain accuracy despite challenging conditions.
All line cutting work follows environmental protocols appropriate to the jurisdiction and site conditions. We practice minimal-disturbance techniques, avoid sensitive areas where possible, and ensure cut corridors meet regulatory requirements for width and vegetation management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between line cutting and timber clearing?
Line cutting creates narrow (typically less than 1.5m wide) survey corridors with precise GPS locations and regular picketing for geophysical surveys and sampling programs. Timber clearing removes larger areas for drill pads, camp sites, or access roads. We provide both services, often on the same exploration program, but they serve different purposes and require different techniques.
How accurate are your survey grids?
Our grids are established using GPS positioning, with accuracy appropriate for exploration survey requirements, typically within 1-3 metres, depending on terrain and canopy conditions. Compass bearings and survey methods ensure lines maintain bearing between picket stations. We verify grid accuracy at intersections and provide coordinate documentation for your survey contractors.
Can you cut grids in steep or heavily timbered terrain?
Yes. Our line-cutting crews routinely work in steep alpine terrain, old-growth coastal forests, and dense northern bush. Challenging terrain requires experienced cutters who can maintain accurate bearings and safe cutting practices on slopes and in heavy timber. This is standard work for our crews.
Do you provide geophysical surveys after the grid is cut?
We coordinate geophysical surveys, with optional UAV-based surveys, to provide high-resolution data at costs far below traditional ground-based methods. For specialized surveys requiring equipment we don’t operate directly, we can recommend qualified contractors or work with your preferred survey providers. The advantage of using Minconsult is seamless coordination: the crews who cut your grid understand how survey requirements drive line placement and accuracy.
How quickly can you establish a grid for an upcoming survey program?
Grid establishment timelines depend on total line kilometres, terrain difficulty, and access logistics. As a rough guide, experienced crews can cut about 2-3 kilometres per day in moderate terrain, with steep or dense conditions reducing daily production. For urgent programs or surveys with fixed schedules, contact us with your grid specifications, and we’ll confirm achievable timelines.
Can you re-establish old grids from previous exploration programs?
Yes. We regularly re-establish grids from historical exploration work, locating old picket stations or lines using archival coordinates and cutting new lines where vegetation has reclaimed corridors. This work requires crews experienced in reading old survey documentation and adapting to partial existing infrastructure.
Get Your Grid Established Right?
Accurate survey grids set up successful exploration programs. Our experienced line-cutting crews are ready to establish the coordinate framework your surveys depend on.