Things are improving as technology improves (eg the capability of stereo satellite imaging) but, at the end of the day, it is a Sherlock Holmes and getting your hands dirty sort of exercise.
Be aware that Type A charts are not adequate for most aircraft as they can leave you too low too far out ... some of the two motor machines can take a LONG way to get to 1500ft net (something in the order of 45-50nm is not unheard of). Furthermore, if you need a turn or two, then you are on your own (except where you have the occasional Type A which incorporates a standard/required turn).
The usual topos are a bit on the inaccurate side unless they are used just to confirm that nothing is there .. and, even then, how much reliance can you place on them without going out and having a look ? We have all seen plenty of significant elevation errors in topos.
Even published runway charts can contain gross errors which slip past the drafting and checking process. Although I can't recall the aerodrome and detail now (long time ago), we had a good example years ago in Oz where a chimney stack was/was not included in the splay when the reverse was required.