UNDERGROUND UTILITIES DETECTION: HOW GPS CAN MAKE A DIG SITE SAFER

One can never be too careful when it comes to underground utilities detection and digging. According to Common Ground Alliance (CGA), which represents a body of industry stakeholders that advocate for the 811 service, U.S. damages cost $30 billion every year! Contributing to the vast expense of damages are: failure to notify, excavating issues, and locating issues. Using GPS is an excellent option when you’re looking to improve your safe digging practices.

Common Methods

There are many factors to consider in a utilities locating project including type and quantity (water/sewer, gas, power, communications), level of complexity, area size, site access, and overall project scope. Depending on those factors, you will have some different options in terms of underground utilities detection methods. Some of the common methods include potholing, dowsing, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Accuracy is critical when you are locating underground. GPR is a geophysical, non-intrusive surveying method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It uses antennas of varying strengths to transmit a signal to the surface. As the signal encounters different components within that surface, it is bounced back to a receiver at the surface. It can find, mark, and record metallic and non-metallic objects. GPR can be used as a handheld device, be on a cart, be towed behind a vehicle, or be mounted on a drone. When it is mounted on a drone, GPR is more accurate because it retains its speed and position. It is more efficient because it is faster and has a higher degree of automation. It is more versatile because it is suitable for hard-to-access locations and uneven terrains. Finally, it is safer to perform which reduces the risk for your workers. Taking advantage of the advancements in technology when it comes to safe digging is the way to go and we’re not just saying that because we love drones!

GPR & GPS Integration

Even better than using GPR alone is using GPR in conjunction with GPS.  When GPR is integrated with GPS, it maximizes your location accuracy potential which means you have a higher probability of more precisely locating and marking your underground utilities lines. 

In our opinion, this is a superior method because it sets up your excavator crew for safer digging and provides you with data outputs that can then be used in various mapping software programs.  

With the use of omnidirectional antennas that integrate with GPS and mobile apps, you can put digital paint on an overhead satellite. This map becomes useful immediately and can also be saved for future reference. It is also possible to integrate the data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create layered visuals. This gives you a complete picture of all that is underground.

What is the InfraMarker System?

Taking things one step further with your data management you may want to consider the InfraMarker System by Berntsen, aka the “ground to cloud” system. It provides a cutting-edge way of getting the data from the field to the office. It combines magnetic RFID tags, an RFID reader, a mobile app, and your GIS. The receiver interprets the information and displays the line location, signal strength, and depth on the screen. This is a timesaver when it comes to locating the lines. This system allows you to approach the line from any direction. This is a fast and accurate method for finding, identifying, and managing what’s in the ground through to getting the data into the office efficiently.

Augmented Reality 

The solution to safe digging in the future will likely be through augmented reality. There are solutions currently available, and more being developed where you can get GIS data in augmented reality through a phone, tablet, or reality headset. Imagine all of the benefits of being able to see the current infrastructure that exists underground just by holding your phone/tablet/headset to it. Then further imagine the benefits of also being able to see the proposed infrastructure either by itself or overlayed on the existing infrastructure - all in 3D! You know we’re excited about this! These visuals are highly accurate (within a centimeter), have user-friendly UI, come with automated data conversion, and enable better collaboration.  

From simple marks on the ground to basic field sketches, to full-blown AutoCAD reports, there are varying options when it comes to the underground utilities data and its mapping and reporting capabilities. With the AutoCAD option, you will be equipped with permanent utilities location records at your fingertips for years to come. If you require assistance with your digital mapping capabilities, then it’s time to give us a call. Our team of experts will work with you to figure out the best method to keep your dig efficient and safe!

There are many factors to consider in a utilities locating project