Electromagnetic Utility Location Services
Services: Electromagnetic Utility Location Services
What is Electromagnetic Utility Locating?
Electromagnetic utility locating is a main component of SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering). Also known as EM Locating, it is a method that identifies and records the horizontal location of buried utilities using electromagnetic signals. Technicians apply a signal to metallic utility lines such as electric, water, or gas, and trace the return signal above ground using an EM receiver enabled with GPS for recording horizontal locations. This allows for accurate mapping of underground infrastructure without the need for excavation.
Why Do You Need Professional Electromagnetic Utility Locating?
Knowing exactly where underground utilities are located is imperative to project design and construction. In fact, it is the law that you must, at a minimum, call 811 before you dig. While 811 is a service provided to the public, it is historically unreliable and their locators only mark utility lines up to the meter or service demarcation point; they do not identify privately owned underground utilities beyond those points. Our electromagnetic utility locating services fill that gap, giving project teams a complete picture of both public and private utilities. This prevents costly damage, construction delays, and safety hazards. The process also helps validate 811 markings, ensuring accuracy prior to excavation or design work.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is occasionally used for non-metallic utilities or congested areas, but electromagnetic locating remains the primary method for locating active and traceable underground lines. GPR sends sound waves into the ground which return signals indicating solid objects beneath the surface.
Electromagnetic Locating and Ground Penetrating Rader satisfy SUE quality Levels B, C, and D depending on the accuracy and method of detection.
Key Components of Electromagnetic Utility Locating
From site investigation to comprehensive CAD mapping
-
Site Investigation:
SUE technicians precisely examine the area for evidence of underground utilities, strategizing the plan of attack to ensure all utilities are located to the fullest extent.
-
Signal Application:
SUE technicians apply an electromagnetic signal using industry-leading transmitters at known utility access points, utilizing GPR when needed.
-
Utility Tracing and Marking:
Using a GPS-enabled receiver, technicians "trace" the signal path and record the horizontal locations along the utility lines and at all access points.
-
Painting & CAD Drafting:
If needed for digging, utility locations are marked on the ground with paint and/or flags in the field. If needed for design or mapping, locations are gathered via the wand's GPS receiver and the data is sent directly to the CAD technicians who carefully craft it into a visual map.
How to Request Electromagnetic Utility Locating from Atlas Surveying
To request utility locating services, please provide the following:
Project location and scope of utility locating
Full set of design or existing site plans (if available)
Site access details and any hazards or known utility conditions
Contact information for coordination and billing
Why Choose Atlas Surveying for Utility Locating?
Atlas Surveying provides professional subsurface utility locating services using GPS-integrated electromagnetic equipment to accurately map underground infrastructure. Our SUE teams are certified through Staking University and trained to trace utilities with ultimate precision. With experience across commercial, residential, and public infrastructure projects, we offer reliable service that adds safety, efficiency, and confidence to your construction and design efforts. Don't rely on 811 alone.
Contact Atlas Surveying today to schedule electromagnetic utility location services for your next project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get the answers you need to move forward with confidence