Each time digging happens on a building site, there's every chance that the worker(s) will come across various utility lines. To prevent any potential expensive damage to these lines, it is crucial to employ the expertise of a utility mapping business, which will show the construction business a layout of where the utility lines can be found.

What's utility mapping?

Utility mapping is a modern-day technology that gives construction companies data showing the whereabouts of various utility lines underground. Utility lines which can be located underground cover anything from mains water lines and sewer pipes, to power cables, television cables and also telephone lines.

So how does utility mapping work?

Utility mapping companies give the customer an up-to-date utility lines layout through 2D and 3D maps. Global positioning system tools are used to form these maps, quickly and easily. The utility mapping data is referenced to an arbitrary grid and level datum as standard. The drawing may also be supplied to a specified grid & level datum and/or overlaid on an existing topographical survey. A range of colours may also be used to outline every different utility line - e.g. another colour for water lines along with a different colour for sewerage lines.

Utility mapping technologies

A range of technologies are employed by these companies in order to locate different utility lines. Utility mapping technologies include electromagnetic detection, acoustic detection, ground penetrating radars and live-line detectors. Different techniques have to be used to recognize different types of matter such as metal, plastic, concrete, ceramic or fibre optic components.

Extra utility mapping details

The customer may also request additional details from their utility mapping business. These additional details include fixed surface utility features like inspection chambers or perhaps telegraph poles, along with key topographic features such as fence lines or kerb lines. Street names, building names as well as house numbers can also be included in the client’s map to help in the site location.

Why use the services of a utility mapping business?

1. Gain confidence and trust from utility owners

If the firm has evidence they've utilised the services of a utility mapping business, then the specific owners of the utility lines will have much more trust in the specific building project (they won’t fear damage to utility lines.)

2. Utilities can be easily found

By employing the services of a utility mapping company, a site’s construction and maintenance teams can readily find several utility lines.

3. Accurate utility map guaranteed

Before starting any building project, a utility mapping company must be contacted in order to gain accurate map data. Even if a company does have a utility map already, that specific map may be out-of-date where recent upkeep, repair or alterations might have happened. It may also display utility lines that never actually materialised.

4. Avoid liability

Utility mapping data is often put into building designs or building plans. If this specific data isn’t included in the design or plan, your business might be held liable for broken utility lines, resulting in a costly outcome.

5. Health and safety regulations

Businesses can also use utility mapping to comply with health and safety regulations. A utility mapping service is a safe and cost-effective solution for clients who need to undertake excavation works on sites where a record is required for future reference or as part of the pre-construction feasibility and design works.

Bearing all these factors in mind, it is also important to use a company with experience and expertise in the field of utility mapping.Detailed maps of underground utilities should be presented in an easy-to-use format and should provide a colour coded drawing of known utilities and key topographic features.

All in all, utility mapping has come a long way with its various modern and advanced technologies. It is a legal requirement to contact the authorities before undergoing any construction process. However, by employing the services of an underground utility mapping service will save your company both money and time.