It’s no surprise that aging infrastructure can be a problem for utility upgrades. Electrical lines, telecom cables, water, and gas are not always well mapped and buried deep underground. If you’re planning to dig or do any work underground, it’s critical to start with a utility survey before installations to understand what you’re working with.
Whether it’s for upgrades, replacements, or brand new installations, without a survey, you risk hitting unknown lines, causing costly delays or safety hazards. A routine underground utility survey is the first step in determining what’s going on beneath the surface before you dig.
The Meridian survey team of experienced local surveyors are equipped to provide you with all the integral data to keep your projects safe and running smoothly. This guide covers a typical routine underground survey encountered in older developments and the ways surveying benefits infrastructure upgrading.
Aging Infrastructure And Unreliable Records
Utility mapping standards continue to evolve, and older developments are likely to have outdated utility maps and inaccurate data recorded. We have found that some areas don’t have clear as-builts or only partial survey records, especially in retrofitted neighbourhoods. Underground survey for new installations eliminates the need to guess if the previous data is correct.
Utility providers commonly issue requests for proposals (RFPs) to outline the scope of work needed for routine inspections and repairs. They know how critical accurate data is for utility upgrades. Without a reliable utility survey, you risk:
- Utility strikes
- Service interruptions
- Safety hazards for work crews
- Unexpected and costly delays
How Are Underground Utilities Detected
Meridian Surveys takes pride in our use of innovative technology and our teams’ local and practical site experience. We understand the terrain, and using these key methods of utility detection, we provide accurate data.
- Ground-Penetrating radar (GPR): Radar waves penetrate the surface to detect non-metal pipes or buried structures.
- Electromagnetic locators (EMI): These trace current-carrying utilities or metal pipes by picking up EM signals.
- Desktop records: Using the field scans with historical as-builts, geographical information systems (GIS) and municipal utility maps to compare what we expect and what’s actually there.
Utility Installation Surveying: On-Site Set Up
Setting up a site for surveying involves several steps, and it’s much more than flags and marks on the ground. Here are four steps you can expect from your surveyor:
Pre-Survey Planning
Before any groundwork, we gather all the known utility records, as-builts, and topographic data available. Using this knowledge, the work areas and potential risks are marked out.
Field Staking and Clearing
In the field, we stake the boundaries of the work area so contractors and crews know exactly where to work. All new features such as access roads and drill areas, are also staked at this time.
Detection and Marking
Using the line locating tools appropriate for the job, the location of underground lines is confirmed and clearly marked. This is done by direct connection and by blind sweeping through our detailed sweeping procedures.
Tracking and Inspection
When surveying for a utility installation, we record the location of the new lines and conduits, including their depth and exact coordinates. Then record all new changes to the final as-builts, which is critical for future maintenance. We document new findings and update the field drawings for future records and a report or sweep sketch is prepared for the clients.
The Industries That Benefit Most From Utility Surveys
Utility surveys have several benefits for new installations. These are some of the industries that regularly request surveys to ensure they have accurate data for upcoming projects:
Utility Companies: Surveying for routine maintenance and the replacement of aging poles, lines, and underground structures.
Developers and Contractors: Retrofitting and expanding in older neighbourhoods
Municipalities: Large infrastructure upgrade projects and routine maintenance.
Energy Companies: Locating and marking location of pipes and infrastructure for maintenance and inspection.
Let Meridian Surveys Take Care of Everything
Don’t take unnecessary risks when it comes to aging infrastructure. It’s easy to trust Meridian Surveys for effective, safe, and smart surveying for utility installation. Our team can tell you exactly where everything is to keep you and your crews safe.
At Meridian Surveys, we understand the complexities of utility installation surveying and have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to handle any challenge. We use the most advanced technologies and adhere to best practices to ensure your project is completed safely, on time, and within budget. Contact us or request a quote today, and always call before you dig.