Monitoring movement in structures requires a different mind set from conventional surveying as nothing can be accepted as stable until proven. Monitoring is carried out using precise survey equipment with measurement preferably to well defined premarked points. For some projects REDM is not sufficiently accurate and traditional intersection techniques are employed with multiple rounds read in order to maximise to precision of the exercise.

The first stage of a monitoring project is to assess the likely direction and degree of movement and over what time span, i.e. daily, seasonal or long term. Permanent survey points will usually need to be installed in the ground, even installing piles to ensure the stability of the survey stations.

The data from a monitoring project will usually be provided in spreadsheet form but usually expanded into graphs and charts to show clearly the degree and direction of movement.