Is My Survey Data Secure When I Outsource CAD Drafting?
Encrypted transfer, NDAs, access controls and retention: what to expect and what to ask any drafting partner.
Survey files contain client names, property details, title information and sometimes sensitive infrastructure. Before you send anything to a drafting partner, you should know exactly how it will be handled.
How files are transferred
All uploads go through an authenticated client portal over HTTPS. Files are not sent as open email attachments, and download links are private to your account.
Who can see your data
- Only the drafters assigned to your project.
- Every team member signs a confidentiality agreement.
- We will sign your own NDA on request before the first job.
Storage and retention
Project files are stored in secure cloud storage with access controls. On request we delete source data after delivery, or retain it for an agreed period to support future revisions.
Questions to ask any drafting provider
- How are files uploaded and downloaded?
- Who has access, and are they under NDA?
- Where is data stored and for how long?
- Can you sign our confidentiality agreement?
- What happens to files if we stop working together?
Why survey data needs protection
Survey files can reveal property ownership, site layouts, utility locations and commercial development plans before they are public. A leak could harm your client relationships and your reputation, so security should be part of every outsourcing decision.
Our security practices in detail
Authenticated access
Every client has a private account. Projects, files and invoices are only visible to that account and to the assigned drafting team.
Encrypted transfer
Uploads and downloads use HTTPS encryption end to end. Files are never shared through public links or personal email accounts.
Restricted file types
The portal accepts only survey and CAD formats such as DWG, DXF, PDF, CSV, LAS and ZIP, up to 200MB per file. This reduces the risk of malicious uploads.
Need-to-know access
Drafters only see the projects assigned to them, and access is removed when a project closes.
Contracts and confidentiality
- Mutual or one-way NDAs signed before work begins.
- White-label delivery with no SurveysMaps branding on your drawings.
- No contact with your clients unless you ask us to.
- Clear ownership: all drawings and data remain your property.
Data retention options
Some firms want files kept so future revisions are quick; others want everything deleted after delivery. You choose the policy for your account, and we follow it consistently.
Security checklist for your own office
- Use strong, unique passwords for your client portal account.
- Limit portal access to staff who need it.
- Avoid sending sensitive documents by unencrypted email.
- Review your retention policy once a year.
Good security is a shared responsibility, and a professional drafting partner should make it easy for you.
Client confidentiality with your customers
We work as a white-label extension of your office. Your clients never see our name, and drawings are delivered on your title block.
Read full details on our data security page and privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Will you sign our NDA?
Yes. We routinely sign client NDAs and confidentiality agreements before the first project.
Do you work white-label?
Yes. Drawings are delivered on your title block and we never contact your clients.
Can you delete our files after delivery?
Yes. Request deletion at any time and source files are removed from storage.