By making use of Utility mapping or utility locating, you can develop efficient project planning for maintenance and repair programs. Its users can also logically store locations and attributes of all assets, make better decisions based on comparison data of exactly what is where as well as working with your local municipal, county or state GIS data set for digital viewing of how the entire infrastructure works together.
Utility Locating – locating pipes and cables
GPR’s ability to respond to both metallic and non-metallic features gives it the capability for pipe and cable locating. Unlike conventional cable locating devices that need metal pipes and cables to carry electrical current to be detected, GPR detects plastic, asbestos and concrete pipes and structures as well as metallic ones. Target depth can be estimated using instrument positioning and signal travel time. When outfitted with GPS and feature-tagging data loggers, a locating record can be provided as part of the standard locating and marking activity.
What is utility mapping?
Depth and location are critical in new structure designs. Extensive studies have shown that using SUE practices leads to cost benefits of 4 to 20 times. Successful SUE requires comprehensive mapping of all buried structures. Engineering design and construction can be planned effectively thereby greatly reducing costly surprises. GPR operating in survey and map mode delivers 3D images of the subsurface. SUE service providers now routinely exploit GPR’s ability to detect pipes and cables as well as other structures to deliver the most complete maps possible.
Utility location methods and equipment
Each project is different and unique and there are many variables to take into consideration such as which utilities need to be identified, moisture content of the soil, terrain as well as natural and man-made obstacles. Different equipment systems include the RD 7000 Series Pipe and Utility Locater and the GSSI Utility Locating Cart.
Benefits of utility mapping and locating
There are a wide variety of benefits regarding utility mapping and locating including:
- Develop more efficient project planning for maintenance and repair programs.
- Logically store locations and attributes of all assets.
- Make better decisions based on comparison data of exactly what is where.
- Create user-friendly access to information through GIS mapping of data.
- Make updating efficient, simple and fast.
- Work with your local municipal, county or state GIS data set for digital viewing of how the entire infrastructure works together.
- Produce printable, accurate maps and also use GIS on handhelds or internet-enabled laptops for on-site, in the field productivity.
