Underground Locating Services

Utility location services are used to identify and map buried infrastructure before excavation or construction work. Accurate locating helps prevent damage, service interruptions, and safety hazards.

Common utilities that can be located:

Utility locating is essential for construction, maintenance, and civil engineering projects, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient excavation.

Underground utility locating is generally highly accurate, but precision depends on equipment type, soil conditions, depth, and operator skill. Advanced tools like ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators, and acoustic devices can detect buried utilities with centimetre-level accuracy under ideal conditions.

Factors affecting accuracy:

For best outcomes, results from underground locating should be verified and, if necessary, combined with other survey methods before excavation.

Yes, underground utility locating is essential before any excavation work. It helps identify buried pipes, cables, and other infrastructure, reducing the risk of damage, service interruptions, safety hazards, and costly repairs.

Key reasons to locate utilities first:

• Ensures worker and public safety by avoiding accidental strikes.
• Minimises project delays caused by utility damage.
• Complies with regulations and local authority requirements.
• Protects existing infrastructure and prevents expensive repairs.

Performing a utility locate before digging is considered best practice for all construction, civil, and landscaping projects.

Underground utility locating uses specialised equipment to detect and map buried infrastructure accurately. The choice of equipment depends on the type of utility, soil conditions, and required depth.

Common equipment:

Using the right equipment ensures safe, precise excavation and compliance with regulatory requirements.