Each time digging takes place on a construction site, there's every chance that the worker(s) will come across various utility lines. To prevent any possible costly damage to these lines, it is crucial to hire the expertise of an utility mapping firm, that will show the construction business a layout of the location where the utility lines can be found.
What is utility mapping?
Utility mapping is a modern-day technology that gives construction companies data showing the whereabouts of various utility lines underground. Utility lines that can be located underground cover anything from mains water lines along with sewer pipes, to power cables, tv wires and also telephone lines.
How exactly does utility mapping work?
Utility mapping firms give the customer an up-to-date utility lines layout available as 2D and three dimensional maps. This doesn't take a lot of time, and is done via GPS (global positioning system) tools. The utility mapping data is referenced to an arbitrary grid and level datum as standard. The drawing can also be supplied to a specified grid & level datum and/or overlaid on an existing topographical survey. A variety of colours can also be used to outline every different utility line - e.g. another colour for water lines along with a different colour for sewerage lines.
Utility mapping technologies
There are many different technologies used by mapping companies to find a range of utility lines. Utility mapping technologies include electromagnetic detection, acoustic detection, ground penetrating radars and live-line detectors. Different methods must be adopted to identify different types of matter including metal, plastic, concrete, ceramic or fibre optic components.
Further utility mapping details
The customer can also ask for further details from their utility mapping business. These extra details include things like fixed surface utility features such as inspection chambers or telegraph poles, along with key topographic features such as fence lines as well as kerb lines. Road names, building names and house numbers may also be in the client's map to assist in the site location.
Why hire the services of an utility mapping company?
1. Gain confidence and trust from utility owners
If the firm has proof they've utilised the services of an utility mapping company, then the specific owners of the utility lines will have a lot more trust and confidence in the particular building project (they won't fear damage to utility lines.)
2. Utilities can be easily located
By using the services of an utility mapping company, a site's construction and maintenance teams can easily find numerous utility lines.
3. Accurate utility map assured
It is necessary to contact an utility mapping company prior to any new construction project. Even if a business has an utility map already, that specific map may be dated where recent upkeep, repair or modifications might have happened. It may also display utility lines which never actually materialised.
4. Avoid liability
Utility mapping data is often put into construction designs or construction plans. If this specific data isn't added to the design or plan, your company could possibly be held accountable for broken utility lines, resulting in a costly outcome.
5. Health and safety regulations
Businesses can also use utility mapping to comply with health and safety regulations. An utility mapping service is a safe and cost-effective solution for clients who need to undertake excavation works on sites where a record is required for future reference or as part of the pre-construction feasibility and design works.
Bearing all these factors in mind, it is also important to use a company with experience and expertise in the field of utility mapping.Detailed maps of underground utilities should be presented in an easy-to-use format and should provide a colour coded drawing of known utilities and key topographic features.
All in all, utility mapping has come a long way with its various modern and advanced technologies. It is a legal requirement to contact the authorities before undergoing any construction process. However, by employing the services of an underground utility mapping service will save your company both money and time.
Author Resource:-
The writer works closely with the SUMO Group, a multi-disciplinary survey business committed to maintaining optimum standards in all aspects of utility mapping . SUMO runs a network of thirty fully equipped survey teams strategically located throughout the UK.
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