Introduction
Before starting any construction or infrastructure development, knowing what lies beneath the surface is essential. An Underground Utility Survey is a key part of project planning it helps prevent damage to existing underground utilities, reduces delays, and ensures public safety. Our team recently completed a comprehensive utility detection and mapping project using modern survey tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Locators (EML).
The goal was to map all existing underground utilities and surface infrastructure elements to help the client plan and execute their upcoming project safely and efficiently.
Project Objective
This project involved identifying and documenting both surface features and underground utilities within a designated area. We focused on accurate detection, depth profiling, and Georeferencing of all assets using advanced survey technology. The survey ensured that future excavation or utility installations would not interfere with existing infrastructure.
Scope of Work:
The survey covered the identification, positioning, and mapping of the following:
📌 Surface Features (Legend Items)
- Manhole and Pipeline Inspection: – Physically inspect each manhole (structural condition, depth, silt levels, flow). Conduct internal pipeline assessment survey using Ground Penetrating Radar survey (GPRS) wherever feasible. Identify blockages, root intrusion, siltation, pipe cracks, collapses, or backflows.
- Chambers: Several valve and inspection chambers associated with water and electrical systems were identified.
- EB Boxes: Located at multiple road junctions and mapped along with adjoining electrical infrastructure.
- Lamp Posts: Street lighting units along all major roads were recorded, with pole numbers and conditions noted.
- Trees: Significant trees within and near the RoW (Right of Way) were geo-tagged to plan for potential replantation or preservation.
- Mosque, Temple & Church: All three types of religious structures were present on the site. Their exact locations were marked, and a safe buffer zone was noted for planning alignment.
- Bus Stops: Public transport points were identified to avoid disruption during excavation.
- Culverts: Existing culverts were marked, including the inlet and outlet points, to ensure drainage continuity.
- Buildings: All permanent structures adjacent to the project corridor were surveyed with boundary offsets.
- Transformers: Distribution transformers were located, and underground feeder lines traced.
- Road & Footpath: Existing roads and footpaths were mapped, including material type, width, and levels.
- Compound Wall: Perimeter features and walls were marked to assess access limitations.
Underground Utilities Detected
We used a mix of GPR scanning, electromagnetic detection, and manual inspection to map the following:
🔌 Power Lines
Underground electrical cables were detected at various depths, connected to EB boxes and transformers. We marked safe digging zones to prevent electrical hazards.
💧 Water Pipelines
Water lines, both metallic and non-metallic, were traced using GPR and verified near valve chambers. These pipelines were marked with flow direction and diameter wherever possible.
🛢 Industrial Pipelines
A few underground non-potable pipelines were found, likely for industrial or fire-fighting use. Depth and route were marked accordingly.
🌧 Drainage Lines
Stormwater drainage pipes and culverts were recorded, with manholes used for verification. The natural flow direction and pipe sizes were documented for system continuity.
🚽 Sewer Lines
Underground sewer lines were traced via manholes and confirmed using both detection and visual inspection. These were a critical part of route planning for the client.
🌐 Optical Fiber Cables (OFC)
Telecom cables were detected using EML techniques, with caution zones created due to their fragile nature and shallow depth.
🚨 Fire Hydrants
All fire hydrants were recorded along with the connected underground water supply, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines.
⚠️ Anomalies
Several unknown objects and non-utility anomalies were detected. These were marked on the drawing and flagged for further excavation if needed.
🛠 Proposed Lines
We also planned and mapped proposed utility routes for future installations—this included new water, power, and telecom lines, ensuring minimum interference with existing services.
Technology and Methodology
Our team used the following methods for accurate mapping and documentation:
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for non-metallic and shallow utilities.
- Electromagnetic Locators (EML) for metallic pipes, live wires, and OFC tracing.
- Total Station and Differential GPS (DGPS) for high-precision geotagging of features.
- AutoCAD Civil 3D & GIS Software to generate comprehensive utility layout maps.
- Field validation of manholes, chambers, and transformers using manual inspection tools.
Deliverables to Client
We provided a complete set of digital and hard-copy deliverables including:
- Topographical Map with Utility Layers
- Surface Feature Map with Legend
- AutoCAD and GIS Files
- Depth Profiles of Underground Utilities
- Photographic Documentation
- Detailed Report with Observations and Recommendations
This underground utility survey provided a clear layout of existing utilities but also helped the project team avoid costly damages, maintain public safety, and plan smarter. By accounting for all surface and subsurface features such as transformers, EB boxes, sewer lines, water lines, culverts, religious landmarks, and anomalies we ensured that the proposed development is both technically sound and socially responsible.
“Underground Utility Survey” include Utility Mapping, Underground Utility Detection, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), Utility Location Survey, GPR Survey, PAS 128 Survey, and Ground Utility Survey.
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