Underground Detection & Tracing
Electromagnetic location and signal tracing of buried services, pinpointing the route and depth of live cables and pipes before you dig.
What it is
Underground detection and tracing locates buried utilities using electromagnetic techniques, detecting the signals from live cables and applying signals to trace specific pipes and ducts. It’s the front line of safe digging, identifying what’s below before excavation starts.
We combine cable avoidance tools (CAT), signal generators and GPR to trace services accurately and reduce the risk of strikes.
What’s involved
Records review
We check available utility records for the area.
Detection sweep
CAT and genny sweeps detect and trace live and signalled services.
Marking & survey
Service routes and depths are marked on site and surveyed.
Output
Findings are provided as marks on site and/or a survey drawing.
What you receive
- Service routes marked on site
- Indicative depth information
- Survey drawing of detected services
- Integration with PAS 128 deliverables
- Pre-excavation safety record
Where it’s used
Pre-excavation safety checks, service diversions, trial-hole targeting and any groundworks near buried utilities.
Standards & compliance
Undertaken in line with safe digging practice (HSG47) and PAS 128 detection methodology.
Common questions
Detection and tracing is a core method used within PAS 128 surveys. A full PAS 128 survey adds records correlation, quality-level classification and formal deliverables.
Related services
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3D Survey Data & CAD Deliverables
Point clouds, 3D models and CAD outputs, turning survey data into the precise digital deliverables your design and BIM workflows need.
