The advantages of coordinate geometry in design and construction of underground works are apparent for reasons of flexibility, security, computer operations, survey error analysis, and the use of numerical techniques for setting out and checking works. Integration with National or State survey systems is useful in the long term, both at design, construction and future works stage. Equipment and methods are available which permit "absolute" monitoring of structures and strata over long periods,to close toler- ances. This work can be carried out in the limiting urban environment. Rapid data acquisition by semi-automatic devices, or photogrammetry, utilizing electronic data processing is capital inten- sive, but provides more data than analogue surveys (i.e., setting out centre lines) and becomes more attractive with increased labour Costs.