Underground Utility Surveys

gpr survey

Project North Geomatics can carry out utilities surveys (sometimes referred to as GPR surveys) to aid your project in the accurate detection of buried assets for a range of uses. Utility companies provide service drawings for their infrastructure, however these are not always accurate and up to date so a utility survey helps capture up to date ground information.

Benefits of an Underground Utility Survey:

What is an Underground Utility Survey?

  • Definition: An underground utility survey involves the identification and mapping of subsurface utilities such as water pipes, gas lines, electricity cables, and telecommunications infrastructure. This process utilizes advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating to accurately determine the location and depth of these utilities.

  • Methodology: The survey typically begins with desk research to gather existing utility records and maps. Following this, fieldwork is conducted to verify the locations of utilities through non-invasive methods. The data collected is then analyzed and compiled into detailed maps and reports, providing a comprehensive overview of the underground infrastructure.

  • Risk Mitigation: One of the primary benefits of conducting an underground utility survey is the significant reduction in the risk of accidental damage to utilities during excavation or construction projects. By accurately identifying the location of buried utilities, the survey helps prevent costly interruptions and potential safety hazards.

  • Cost Savings: Identifying utilities before starting a project can lead to substantial cost savings. By avoiding delays and damage-related repairs, companies can manage budgets more effectively and minimize the risk of unforeseen expenses.

  • Enhanced Planning and Design: Accurate utility data allows engineers and planners to make informed decisions regarding project design and execution. This information facilitates better project planning, ensuring that utilities are appropriately integrated into construction designs and minimizing the need for future modifications.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Many main contractors have regulations requiring utility surveys before excavation. By conducting a thorough survey, companies can ensure compliance & help to streamline the permitting process for construction projects.

Useful Utilities Survey Information:

  • A utility survey is the collation of data that shows detailed underground assets such as water, telecoms gas & electric, this is carried out using modern precision locating tools and the work carried out is usually non-intrusive.

  • Utility surveys are hugely important for safety on site, alongside advantageous for the collation of utility drawings for planning and re-development. Getting a utility survey carried out on a project can save costly mistakes when breaking ground and give the client a better understanding of what is beneath the site.

  • A utility survey is conducted by a utility surveyor who will locate multiple underground utilities, such as water, gas, electric and telecoms etc. precision locating tools are used in a utility survey, (EML & GPR) which uses different methods to locate buried utility’s. Drawings produced by us will be provided in DWG format with pdf Copy’s of plans. You may also require a topographic survey to aid viewing the location of utilities on the plans provided.