Whether you’re planning a construction project, buying land, or digging for landscaping, understanding what lies beneath the surface is crucial. That’s where a Utility Survey comes in. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that protects your project, your people, and your investment.
In this post, we’ll break down what a utility survey is, why it matters, when it’s required, and how UtiliSource helps clients use it to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
What Is a Utility Survey?
A utility survey is a detailed investigation and mapping of underground utilities—like electric, water, gas, sewer, and communication lines—on a specific piece of land. The goal is to locate, identify, and record all buried infrastructure so that future construction or excavation can happen safely.
In other words: it’s how you figure out what’s underground before you dig.
Why Utility Surveys Are Important
1. Preventing Accidents and Service Disruptions
Digging without knowing what’s below can lead to costly damage—or worse, injury. Accidentally cutting a gas line or electric cable is not only dangerous, but it can shut down services, delay projects, and trigger fines.
A professional utility survey ensures that utility lines are clearly marked, helping project teams avoid dangerous hits during excavation.
2. Complying with Regulations
Many states and municipalities require utility surveys before issuing permits for major construction or development. In the U.S., calling 811 is required before digging—but a basic 811 service may not locate private or non-recorded utilities. This goes further, giving you a comprehensive picture of all buried infrastructure on your site.
3. Planning Smarter Construction Projects
From architects to engineers to contractors, a utility survey helps every professional on your team make informed decisions. Knowing the exact location and depth of utilities lets you:
- Plan building placements and foundations
- Avoid redesigns mid-project
- Reduce unexpected costs
With accurate utility mapping, you can design around existing infrastructure instead of being surprised by it.
What Does a Utility Survey Include?
A full utility survey typically includes:
- Surface mark-outs using paint or flags
- Digital mapping using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Detection methods like electromagnetic locators and visual inspections
- Detailed reports and maps showing utility types, locations, and depths
Some surveys even use ground penetrating radar (GPR) or vacuum excavation for high-risk or high-traffic areas.
Real-Life Examples
A Commercial Development Project
A real estate company hires UtiliSource to map utilities before constructing a new shopping center. The utility survey finds old, undocumented communication lines running across the property. Because the project team knows ahead of time, they reroute plans to avoid delays and fines.
A Homeowner Installing a Pool
A homeowner is adding an in-ground pool. While 811 marks the main electric line, UtiliSource’s utility survey identifies a private water pipe to an irrigation system. By adjusting the dig site, the homeowner avoids damaging it—saving hundreds in repairs.
Municipal Utility Upgrade
A city planning to replace aging sewer lines contracts UtiliSource to perform a utility survey across multiple blocks. The survey identifies conflicting subsurface infrastructure, helping the city re-plan routes for efficiency and safety.
How This Supports UtiliSource’s Mission
At UtiliSource, utility surveys are more than a checkbox—they’re a foundation for smart, safe infrastructure.
We use advanced technology, from electromagnetic locators to GIS mapping platforms, to help clients:
- Make real-time, data-driven decisions
- Minimize excavation damage and downtime
- Coordinate with utility companies
- Stay compliant with local and federal requirements
- Avoid unexpected project costs
Our utility survey services are designed to fit projects of every size—from residential site work to major infrastructure upgrades.
When Do You Need a Utility Survey?
Here are common situations where a utility survey is either required or highly recommended:
- New building construction or additions
- Roadway or sidewalk repair
- Excavation or trenching
- Drilling or boring operations
- Installing pools, fences, or decks
- Adding landscaping with deep root systems
Whether you’re a contractor, property owner, or municipality, getting a utility survey early can prevent costly missteps later.
What’s the Difference Between 811 and a Professional Utility Survey?
While 811 (Call Before You Dig) is a free service that contacts public utility providers, it often doesn’t:
- Mark private utilities (like irrigation, propane, or private electric lines)
- Provide accurate depths
- Include permanent maps or reports
A professional utility survey fills in those gaps by offering a thorough, mapped, and documented picture of the subsurface infrastructure.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Dig Safe
A utility survey is one of the most important steps before starting any project that involves digging. It protects people, prevents damage, and paves the way for safe and efficient development.
UtiliSource provides industry-leading utility survey services using cutting-edge mapping and data technologies—giving your team the confidence to build smarter from the ground up.
