Utility Mapping is carried out by contractors in preparation for digging underground. The contractor will need to map to use in order to avoid gas mains, electrical pipes, sewers and other items beneath the ground.
Choosing not to go through the Utility Mapping process can be a costly error for a contractor in both time and money if they were to cut into something. With the risk of electric lines they also but the health and safety of their employees at risk.
First of all in the utility mapping process, the contractor will contact a firm of Utility Mapping Surveyors. The choice here is important because some are more advanced than others and the information supplied can vary. Essentially, the surveyor will collate data from various utility companies to form a map. If they rely solely on this information, it could well be outdated due to the utilities being removed or replaced without this information being recorded or passed on. A high tech surveyor will adopt mapping techniques that will be able to see exactly what is below the ground.
In essence, utility mapping isn’t difficult to do, but it does require equipment and techniques that the average contractor would not be able to get hold of. For example, they would need equipment such as underground radio detectors, Ground Penetrating Radar Systems (GPRS) and electromagnetic detectors in order to track underground utilities. Once this has been done the information will be made into usable data using common techniques such as GIS (geographical information systems) and GPS software.
The importance of utility mapping cannot be underestimated. For any building project is 100% essential that when you begin to dig underground you are fully aware of what lies beneath and that the safety of your construction team is not in jeopardy. Not only is this important, it is also a legal requirement.
Subtechnics are professional Utility Mapping Surveyors who are able to carry out a range of utility mapping surveys including Virtual Trial Holes and CCTV Surveys.