Utility Surveys · GPR & EML · Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

Underground Utility Surveys

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.

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Utility surveys

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 utilises advanced technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and 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 analysed and compiled into detailed maps and reports, providing a comprehensive overview of the underground infrastructure.

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.

GPR survey drawing showing mapped underground services
GPR survey — buried services mapped onto plan

Why it matters

Benefits of an underground utility survey

01

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.

02

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 minimise the risk of unforeseen expenses.

03

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 minimising the need for future modifications.

04

Regulatory compliance

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

Useful information

Useful utilities survey information

What is a utilities survey?

A utility survey is the collation of data that shows detailed underground assets, carried out using modern precision locating tools. The work carried out is usually non-intrusive.

Water Telecoms Gas Electric
Utility survey on a night shift in Sunderland
Utilities survey night shift, Sunderland

Utilities survey benefits

Utility surveys are hugely important for safety on site, as well as being 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.

Utility survey drawing of buried services
Located services drawn up in DWG

Utilities survey procedures & deliverables

A utility survey is conducted by a utility surveyor who will locate multiple underground utilities, such as water, gas, electric and telecoms. Precision locating tools are used in a utility survey, which use different methods to locate buried utilities.

EML GPR Non-intrusive

What you receive

DWG drawings Drawings produced by us will be provided in DWG format.
PDF copies of plans Supplied alongside the DWG drawings.
Topographic survey (optional) You may also require a topographic survey to aid viewing the location of utilities on the plans provided.

Our work

Utility surveys on site

Utilities survey carried out on a night shift in Sunderland
Utilities survey, night shift, Sunderland
GPR survey output showing located underground services
GPR survey output

Land & Measured Building Surveyors

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