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Why Do You Need Updated As-Builts on Your Next Project?

As-builts should represent the current state or existing conditions of a building or site. These drawings or plans should contain precise measurements of above and below ground infrastructure details. These details can include underground utilities, structural components, piping and conduits, equipment, building layout and their location and dimensions.
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Is Utility Mapping Worth the Cost?

In theory, utility mapping is the process of accurately locating and digitally mapping the precise location of underground utilities. The purpose of a utility map is to provide a comprehensive record of the subsurface infrastructure of a facility or any property so that any necessary excavation can be completed safely, and so that maintenance and repairs can be planned and targeted to reduce unnecessary excavation, utility strikes, and accidents.
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What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)? Cost, Uses & Safety Guide

Learn how ground penetrating radar (GPR) works, what it costs, and why contractors use it for utility locating and concrete scanning to improve safety and avoid delays.
What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)? A Cost and Safety Guide for Modern ContractorsFor today's general contractors, technology is no longer optional. It's the difference between staying on schedule and facing costly delays. One of the most important tools reshaping construction and subsurface investigation is ground penetrating radar (GPR).Whether you're planning a core drill, trenching utilities, or managing a complex commercial build, understanding GPR scanning can help you avoid risk, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes.‍‍What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive technology that uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects beneath the surface. These signals are transmitted into materials like concrete or soil and reflect when they hit something, such as rebar, conduits, or underground utilities.According to the Common Ground Alliance, utility strikes cost the U.S. more than $30 billion annually in direct damage costs alone, with an additional $61 billion in waste and excess costs. That number makes one thing clear: knowing what's underground before you dig isn't a luxury. It's a financial and safety imperative.The system measures two key things:Time: Determines depthAmplitude: Indicates the strength of the signal and helps identify material differencesThis allows technicians to map subsurface features without cutting, drilling, or excavating. In practical terms, ground penetrating radar utility locating helps contractors see what's below before they break ground.‍Why GPR Matters for ContractorsIf you're relying only on drawings or 811 markings, you're leaving gaps in your coverage. Many contractors don't realize more than 65% of buried utility lines on any given site are unregistered private utilities that 811 does not locate. That means the majority of what's underground is invisible to the standard call-before-you-dig process.Hitting one of those lines can mean project shutdowns, crew injuries, and liability exposure. GPRS, on the other hand, will not only verify all public and private lines, but we will also confirm any existing 811 mark-outs as part of every utility locate that we perform, giving you double verification backed by our 99.8% accuracy rate.Here's where GPR becomes critical:Prevents damage to post tension cable, rebar, and conduitsReduces risk during concrete scanning servicesImproves accuracy in utility mappingHelps avoid costly change orders and delaysFor contractors, using tools like GPR isn't just smart. It is the industry standard for General Contractors who hope to win business in today’s construction market. ‍Key Applications of GPR in Construction1. Concrete Scanning Before Cutting or Drilling‍‍Before performing core drilling or anchoring, contractors rely on concrete scanning to locate embedded objects.GPR can identify:Rebar and wire meshConduits and pipesPost-tension cables (critical to avoid cutting)Slab thickness and beam locationsA typical scope of work includes scanning a defined area around planned drill points, marking safe zones, and identifying hazards. This is essential for core drilling, anchoring systems, and saw cutting.GPR scanning helps you avoid structural damage, injuries, and project delays that could result from striking a post-tension cable2. Utility Locating Before ExcavationExcavation, trenching, and directional boring all carry significant risk if underground utilities aren't properly identified.GPR is commonly used alongside electromagnetic (EM) locating tools to trace conductive utilities, identify unknown or undocumented lines, and support comprehensive ground penetrating radar utility locating processes. Unlike public 811 services, which only mark lines up to the meter, GPR helps GPRS locate private electrical lines, water and sewer connections, and communication infrastructure running through privately owned property. This makes it a key component of utility mapping on commercial job sites.3. Trenching and Directional BoringFor trenching and horizontal directional drilling, depth accuracy is critical. GPR helps contractors identify utilities crossing the trench path, estimate depth to avoid strikes, and plan safer drilling routes. In directional boring, where the drill head is not visible, combining GPR with potholing significantly reduces risk.4. Subsurface Void DetectionVoids beneath concrete or soil can lead to structural failure. GPR can detect potential air gaps beneath slabs, soil erosion zones, and potential sinkhole conditions. While it identifies the extent and starting depth, it typically cannot measure full void depth, something contractors need to factor into planning.5. Integration with Other ServicesGPR is often part of a broader subsurface strategy. It works most effectively when combined with video pipe inspection for internal pipe condition assessment, acoustic leak detection tools for locating water loss, and CCTV drainage surveys that confirm external soil and pipe conditions. For example, a water leak detection company may locate a leak acoustically, then use GPR to map surrounding utilities before excavation begins. This layered approach provides a far more complete picture of subsurface conditions than any single technology alone.‍What Affects GPR Performance?GPR is powerful, but it's not impervious to environmental conditions. Its effectiveness depends on several real-world factors.‍‍Material Type: Dry sand and concrete allow excellent signal penetration, while wet clay or dense materials reduce signal strength and limit depth.Depth Limitations: Higher frequency antennas (around 2 GHz) offer better resolution but less depth. Lower frequency antennas (around 400 MHz) reach greater depths but with less detail, making antenna selection a key part of any pre-scan assessment.Slab Conditions: Thick slabs over 16 inches may require scanning from both sides. Newly poured concrete may limit visibility, and reinforcement like steel fibers can obscure signals.Surface Conditions: Certain finishes like terrazzo can affect readings. Pan decking and hollow core slabs require special interpretation.Understanding these limitations is key to using GPR scanning effectively on the job site.‍GPR vs. Other Subsurface TechnologiesGPR is not a standalone solution. It's part of a toolkit.For example, sewer inspection often relies on video pipe inspection, not GPR. Leak detection service providers may use acoustics first, then GPR for mapping. The best results come from combining these methods.‍GPR for Modern Contractors: A Competitive AdvantageFor newer contractors entering the field, adopting technologies like GPR can set you apart.Improved safety: Fewer utility strikesBetter planning: Accurate subsurface dataClient confidence: Professional, tech-enabled workflowsCost control: Reduced rework and delaysEven if you're not operating the equipment yourself, understanding how GPR works helps you ask the right questions, interpret results, and coordinate better with service providers.‍Should You Rent, Buy, or Hire GPR?When a project requires GPR, contractors generally have three options: rent the equipment, buy it, or hire a professional. Here is what each one costs.Renting GPR EquipmentRenting a utility locating GPR unit runs approximately $400–$1,750 per month. A handheld concrete scanning unit rents for roughly $1,000–$4,000 per month. Those figures cover the equipment only. A complete utility locate also requires an electromagnetic (EM) locator, which rents for about $700–$1,500 per month, plus a rodder/sonde combination at around $250 per month to detect non-metallic pipes. Renting only makes financial sense if you already have staff trained to operate the equipment and interpret the data. Without that training, the results are unreliable regardless of the equipment.Buying GPR EquipmentA utility locating GPR unit costs between $14,000 and $100,000 to purchase, depending on features. An EM locator adds $800–$5,000. A rodder adds $975–$3,000. Total average cost to own a full utility locating setup: $65,000, plus training.For concrete scanning, a handheld GPR unit costs $11,000–$17,000. Add a tablet to read the data and the total system runs up to $15,000, plus training.Training is a separate cost either way. A basic online GPR course runs about $600 and does not meet minimum industry certification standards. A Level 1 NDT certification requires eight hours of classroom time and 60 hours of field practice, at approximately $1,000 per person per level.Buying equipment makes sense for companies that do this work constantly and have trained staff to run it.Hiring a Professional GPR ServiceFor most contractors, hiring a professional is the more accurate and cost-effective path. GPRS Project Managers are SIM-certified, which requires 80 hours of classroom training and 320 hours of field work. That is more than three times the industry minimum. It is the reason GPRS has maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate across more than 350,000 projects. You get the right equipment for your specific job, operated by someone who knows how to read the results, without the capital outlay or the training burden.‍The Role of GPRS in the IndustryCompanies like GPRS have built our services around combining GPR with other technologies to deliver full-site visibility. With capabilities spanning concrete scanning, private utility locating, utility mapping, video pipe inspection, and leak detection, GPRS offers a comprehensive approach that aligns with how modern construction projects are managed.What sets us apart is our use of SIM-certified Project Managers trained under Subsurface Investigation Methodology, the industry's most rigorous standard for subsurface investigation. SIM certification requires 320 hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom work, far exceeding the typical industry recommendation of just eight hours of classroom time and 60 hours of practice. ‍‍That investment in training is why GPRS has maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating since 2017. For contractors, it means fewer blind spots, fewer surprises, and a partner you can rely on when a client asks how you knew the site was safe.Ground penetrating radar has become a cornerstone of modern construction planning. From concrete scanning to utility locating, it provides the insight contractors need to work safely and efficiently.Click below to see how GPRS delivers safer, faster workflows for construction professionals.

What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

A Cost and Safety Guide for Modern Contractors

For today's general contractors, technology is no longer optional. It's the difference between staying on schedule and facing costly delays. One of the most important tools reshaping construction and subsurface investigation is ground penetrating radar (GPR).

Whether you're planning a core drill, trenching utilities, or managing a complex commercial build, understanding GPR scanning can help you avoid risk, improve efficiency, and deliver better outcomes.

‍

GPR Scanning

‍

What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a non-destructive technology that uses electromagnetic waves to detect objects beneath the surface. These signals are transmitted into materials like concrete or soil and reflect when they hit something, such as rebar, conduits, or underground utilities.

According to the Common Ground Alliance, utility strikes cost the U.S. more than $30 billion annually in direct damage costs alone, with an additional $61 billion in waste and excess costs. That number makes one thing clear: knowing what's underground before you dig isn't a luxury. It's a financial and safety imperative.

The system measures two key things:

  • Time: Determines depth
  • Amplitude: Indicates the strength of the signal and helps identify material differences

This allows technicians to map subsurface features without cutting, drilling, or excavating. In practical terms, ground penetrating radar utility locating helps contractors see what's below before they break ground.

‍

Why GPR Matters for Contractors

If you're relying only on drawings or 811 markings, you're leaving gaps in your coverage. Many contractors don't realize more than 65% of buried utility lines on any given site are unregistered private utilities that 811 does not locate. That means the majority of what's underground is invisible to the standard call-before-you-dig process.

Hitting one of those lines can mean project shutdowns, crew injuries, and liability exposure.

GPRS, on the other hand, will not only verify all public and private lines, but we will also confirm any existing 811 mark-outs as part of every utility locate that we perform, giving you double verification backed by our 99.8% accuracy rate.

Here's where GPR becomes critical:

For contractors, using tools like GPR isn't just smart. It is the industry standard for general contractors who hope to win business in today’s construction market.

‍

Key Applications of GPR in Construction

1. Concrete Scanning Before Cutting or Drilling

‍

Concrete Scanning Before Cutting or Drilling

‍

Before performing core drilling or anchoring, contractors rely on concrete scanning to locate embedded objects.

GPR can identify:

  • Rebar and wire mesh
  • Conduits and pipes
  • Post-tension cables (critical to avoid cutting)
  • Slab thickness and beam locations

A typical scope of work includes scanning a defined area around planned drill points, marking safe zones, and identifying hazards. This is essential for core drilling, anchoring systems, and saw cutting.

GPR scanning helps you avoid structural damage, injuries, and project delays that could result from striking a post-tension cable

2. Utility Locating Before Excavation

Excavation, trenching, and directional boring all carry significant risk if underground utilities aren't properly identified.

GPR is commonly used alongside electromagnetic (EM) locating tools to trace conductive utilities, identify unknown or undocumented lines, and support comprehensive ground penetrating radar utility locating processes. Unlike public 811 services, which only mark lines up to the meter, GPR helps GPRS locate private electrical lines, water and sewer connections, and communication infrastructure running through privately owned property. This makes it a key component of utility mapping on commercial job sites.

3. Trenching and Directional Boring

For trenching and horizontal directional drilling, depth accuracy is critical. GPR helps contractors identify utilities crossing the trench path, estimate depth to avoid strikes, and plan safer drilling routes. In directional boring, where the drill head is not visible, combining GPR with potholing significantly reduces risk.

4. Subsurface Void Detection

Voids beneath concrete or soil can lead to structural failure. GPR can detect potential air gaps beneath slabs, soil erosion zones, and potential sinkhole conditions. While it identifies the extent and starting depth, it typically cannot measure full void depth, something contractors need to factor into planning.

5. Integration with Other Services

GPR is often part of a broader subsurface strategy. It works most effectively when combined with video pipe inspection for internal pipe condition assessment, acoustic leak detection tools for locating water loss, and CCTV drainage surveys that confirm external soil and pipe conditions. For example, a water leak detection company may locate a leak acoustically, then use GPR to map surrounding utilities before excavation begins. This layered approach provides a far more complete picture of subsurface conditions than any single technology alone.

‍

What Affects GPR Performance?

GPR is powerful, but it's not impervious to environmental conditions. Its effectiveness depends on several real-world factors.

‍

‍

Material Type: Dry sand and concrete allow excellent signal penetration, while wet clay or dense materials reduce signal strength and limit depth.

Depth Limitations: Higher frequency antennas (around 2 GHz) offer better resolution but less depth. Lower frequency antennas (around 400 MHz) reach greater depths but with less detail, making antenna selection a key part of any pre-scan assessment.

Slab Conditions: Thick slabs over 16 inches may require scanning from both sides. Newly poured concrete may limit visibility, and reinforcement like steel fibers can obscure signals.

Surface Conditions: Certain finishes like terrazzo can affect readings. Pan decking and hollow core slabs require special interpretation.

Understanding these limitations is key to using GPR scanning effectively on the job site.

‍

GPR vs. Other Subsurface Technologies

GPR is not a standalone solution. It's part of a toolkit.

For example, sewer inspection often relies on video pipe inspection, not GPR. Leak detection service providers may use acoustics first, then GPR for mapping. The best results come from combining these methods.

‍

GPR for Modern Contractors: A Competitive Advantage

For newer contractors entering the field, adopting technologies like GPR can set you apart.

  • Improved safety: Fewer utility strikes
  • Better planning: Accurate subsurface data
  • Client confidence: Professional, tech-enabled workflows
  • Cost control: Reduced rework and delays

Even if you're not operating the equipment yourself, understanding how GPR works helps you ask the right questions, interpret results, and coordinate better with service providers.

‍

Should You Rent, Buy, or Hire GPR?

When a project requires GPR, contractors generally have three options: rent the equipment, buy it, or hire a professional. Here is what each one costs.

Renting GPR Equipment

Renting a utility locating GPR unit runs approximately $400–$1,750 per month. A handheld concrete scanning unit rents for roughly $1,000–$4,000 per month. Those figures cover the equipment only. A complete utility locate also requires an electromagnetic (EM) locator, which rents for about $700–$1,500 per month, plus a rodder/sonde combination at around $250 per month to detect non-metallic pipes. Renting only makes financial sense if you already have staff trained to operate the equipment and interpret the data. Without that training, the results are unreliable regardless of the equipment.

Buying GPR Equipment

A utility locating GPR unit costs between $14,000 and $100,000 to purchase, depending on features. An EM locator adds $800–$5,000. A rodder adds $975–$3,000. Total average cost to own a full utility locating setup: $65,000, plus training.

For concrete scanning, a handheld GPR unit costs $11,000–$17,000. Add a tablet to read the data and the total system runs up to $15,000, plus training.

Training is a separate cost either way. A basic online GPR course runs about $600 and does not meet minimum industry certification standards. A Level 1 NDT certification requires eight hours of classroom time and 60 hours of field practice, at approximately $1,000 per person per level.

Buying equipment makes sense for companies that do this work constantly and have trained staff to run it.

Hiring a Professional GPR Service

For most contractors, hiring a professional is the more accurate and cost-effective path. GPRS Project Managers are SIM-certified, which requires 80 hours of classroom training and 320 hours of field work. That is more than three times the industry minimum. It is the reason GPRS has maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate across more than 350,000 projects. You get the right equipment for your specific job, operated by someone who knows how to read the results, without the capital outlay or the training burden.

‍

The Role of GPRS in the Industry

Companies like GPRS have built our services around combining GPR with other technologies to deliver full-site visibility. With capabilities spanning concrete scanning, private utility locating, utility mapping, video pipe inspection, and leak detection, GPRS offers a comprehensive approach that aligns with how modern construction projects are managed.

What sets us apart is our use of SIM-certified Project Managers trained under Subsurface Investigation Methodology, the industry's most rigorous standard for subsurface investigation. SIM certification requires 320 hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom work, far exceeding the typical industry recommendation of just eight hours of classroom time and 60 hours of practice.

‍

‍

That investment in training is why GPRS has maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating since 2017. For contractors, it means fewer blind spots, fewer surprises, and a partner you can rely on when a client asks how you knew the site was safe.

Ground penetrating radar has become a cornerstone of modern construction planning. From concrete scanning to utility locating, it provides the insight contractors need to work safely and efficiently.

Click below to see how GPRS delivers safer, faster workflows for construction professionals.

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How SiteMap 3.0 Enhances Project Planning and Management

SiteMap 3.0 transforms construction and facility management by combining GPRS-verified data with augmented reality, interactive planning tools, historical filtering, and brand new customization capabilities to help you maintain a safer, more efficient job site.
SiteMap, SiteMap 3.0, SiteMap Mobile Augmented Reality, Augmented Reality, My Dig Board, History Slider, Customer Self Service Form, utility locating, CADD, BIM, concrete scanning, NASSCO, Reality Capture, SiteMap Sewer Layer,

Without dependable information, general contractors, superintendents, and facility managers can’t plan and execute projects effectively. Too often, critical site information is scattered across different physical or digital environments.  

If the data needed isn’t readily available, costly mistakes and project delays are inevitable.

SiteMap® 3.0 solves this problem by giving your team a single source of truth with additional features that enhance your ability to access and share your important site records.

What is SiteMap 3.0?

Released in February of 2026, SiteMap 3.0 is the third major update to the platform since its initial launch in 2021. The new features stemmed from listening to SiteMap users and learning how to best serve their needs.

Before the addition of the 3.0 update, the SiteMap platform had already supported various features, including:

And the SiteMap 3.0 update added the following features:

Augmented Reality: Uncover What’s Below Your Feet

Utility strikes continue to cause billions of dollars of damage every year. Markings on the ground from utility locating professionals help deter the issue, but what if you could see where your utilities are buried right in front of you?

That can become your new reality with SiteMap Mobile’s new Augmented Reality feature.

By using the mobile app on your phone or tablet, users can stand on site and view their subsurface utilities above ground.

Red brick buildings with a grassy lawn in the foreground on an overcast day. Two Caucasian hands hold an iPhone to reveal green, blue, red, and purple lines over the grass, representing buried utilities in augmented reality.
Spray paint and flags are temporary. The 99.8% accurate data that powers the augmented reality feature never fade and remain precise.

GPRS Director of Digital Product and Delivery Brian Skelding had this to say when asked about the augmented reality feature:

“It’s not just a ‘wow’ feature; it’s a practical feature. Clients are using this in a real demonstrated way, so that they can understand, ‘wow, my infrastructure really is right there – I’m going to have to make adjustments.’”

By having RTK-positioned AR utility views at your fingertips, you can reduce guesswork and manage a safer job site.

My Dig Board: Your Mobile Job Trailer

After the 6AM meeting in the trailer, workers can lose or forget some information throughout the workday. And if change orders arise, how do you communicate those changes to your whole team?

All those headaches are now avoidable with My Dig Board.

A group of construction workers wearing safety vests and hard hats sit around a table in a site office while one person stands and points to a large screen displaying an aerial construction map, as others look on with plans and documents spread across the table.
My Dig Board works as a digital whiteboard you can take into the field and update in real-time for all users.

This feature allows users to create markups using polygons, arrows, and text to visualize:

  • Delivery areas
  • Drop zones
  • Staging spaces
  • Traffic barricade locations
  • And whatever else you need to communicate

Because of the capabilities of My Dig Board, SiteMap changes from a platform that only collects and displays GPRS field-verified data into an interactive digital map that clients can use to communicate across teams.

And if the plans change throughout the project, if you update My Dig Board, your whole team can see that update and stay on the same page. Your one-stop shop to plan, communicate, and manage your work better.

Customer Self Service Form: Request Additional GPRS Services Directly

Constant phone calls and emails can slow the production of a project. When teams need additional services to keep jobs on schedule, time is of the essence.

That is why we created the Customer Self Service Form within SiteMap.

Like My Dig Board’s interactive features with your team, the Customer Self Service Form allows you to directly interact with our GPRS team and request additional services.

Screenshot of a scheduling interface showing a “Schedule Service” form with fields for contact and job site details alongside a detailed aerial map marked with color coded underground utility lines and symbols.
Request additional industry-leading services from GPRS directly within SiteMap.

To schedule additional GPRS services, you can now open the self-service form on the platform, request the services you need, and even show where you need the service performed on the satellite image of your site.

No need for phone tag or email chains.

The services you can request with the Customer Self Service form include:

Customize SiteMap YOUR Way

Visual clarity is crucial when managing big projects with large groups of people. Without it, mistakes can occur that lead to hefty costs and serious injuries.

Instead of learning a whole new mapping system, SiteMap 3.0 now lets subscribers rename features and customize the utility lines as they appear on site.

Everything from power sources to irrigation lines can now be renamed to match your internal records. By tailoring your SiteMap experience to your established naming system, record keeping remains consistent and clear so projects can move forward more efficiently.

A screenshot of a mapping software interface showing an aerial view of a wooded area with colored points and lines marking a site boundary, alongside a left-hand menu labeled “Styles” with options for attachments and communication elements.
Prevent communication bottlenecks by having SiteMap speak the same language as your team.

And when customizing the utility line styles in SiteMap, you can change the colors, line styles and line thickness to match your current records.  

A map that is hard to read or analyze is practically useless, so this level of customization allows for clarity in the field and the meeting room. Your team will spend less time hunting for critical information and make fewer mistakes.  

History Slider: Travel Through Time in Your Digital Site

If you manage large facilities or campuses, analyzing the map of all your underground utilities can feel overwhelming.

When preparing for your next project, where do you start? What if you only want to see utility data from the last year? Or from February through May of 2023? The new History Slider helps you do exactly that.

SiteMap interface showing a “History Slider” with start and end dates over an aerial map, displaying color coded underground utility lines and site boundaries.

The SiteMap platform includes records from as far back as 2021. As site records expand over time, it’s crucial to understand how your site has changed.

While general contractors on site may only need recent locates, facility managers would need older records too so they can completely understand their site.

The filtering capabilities support audits while also enhancing the planning process and record checks through better organization and clarity.

Why Does SiteMap 3.0 Matter to Me?

With the features launched in its third major update, SiteMap transformed from a one-way delivery system into a two-way working platform. Your utility map is now fully customizable without losing any data accuracy or speed in delivery.

Our SiteMap team built each new feature from real client feedback and assessed the pain points they face every day.

For facility managers and their teams, they can access all the information securely in one place, removing the risk that scattered records bring.

For GCs and supers, work remains on time, on budget, and safe without the consequences of using unclear or inaccurate information.  

Eliminate surprises on your job site and execute your projects with confidence with SiteMap 3.0.

See it in action by booking a FREE demo here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do contractors and subcontractors utilize SiteMap?

Contractors and subcontractors use SiteMap to securely access and share current site information in the field.

That includes layered utility maps, NASSCO-certified sewer reports, CADD/BIM files, and mobile access that help teams coordinate excavation and trade handoffs.

GPRS supports project workflows by delivering field-verified data through SiteMap, including mobile augmented reality and My Dig Board so crews can visualize utilities, communicate dig plans, and keep updates visible to the whole team.

ENR reported on how Power Construction used the SiteMap mobile app on a $389 million Illinois hospital expansion to verify utility depth in the field and adjust work based on real subsurface conditions.

How does GPRS contribute to jobsite safety in construction?

GPRS Project Managers contribute to job site safety by helping teams identify subsurface utilities and structural reinforcements before they dig, cut, or core.

Utility strikes are still a major risk on site. Data collected by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) showed 196.977 utility damages reported in 2024.

We help reduce that risk through utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, and digital as-builts delivered via SiteMap.  

At an apartment complex in California, GPRS’ utility locating expertise combined with SiteMap ensured the client could install new gas lines without damaging existing buried utilities.

How do I export data from SiteMap?

Clients can export SiteMap data in formats that fit multiple workflows. SiteMap supports exports such as DXF, Shapefile, GeoJSON, and KML/KMZ. And users can export the current map view or a selected area drawn around the portion of the site.

The platform makes that process straightforward through built-in export tools.

In our “SiteMap Feature Friday: How to Export Your Data” webinar, our team demonstrates how clients can move verified utility records out of SiteMap and into other design and planning platforms.

Can SiteMap scale as my portfolio grows?

Yes. SiteMap is designed to scale from a jobsite to a multi-site or campus-wide portfolio.

The platform centralizes utility maps, CADD/BIM files, drone imagery, and sewer records in one secure system that can be accessed across teams.

GPRS supports that growth by collecting above and below-ground site data, providing controlled sharing, and keeping information available 24/7 on desktop and mobile devices.

During a massive job with the University of Toledo, GPRS uploaded the utility data gathered across over 112 acres into SiteMap. After nearly two months of continuous scanning, GPRS gave the school a complete map of all buried infrastructure across its entire campus. This is one of the many instances that demonstrates how the platform supports larger facility portfolios over time.

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About GPRS

What is the Cost of Utility Locating?

Learn what impacts the cost of utility locating. GPRS offers transparent, project‑specific pricing to help you avoid utility strikes and costly delays.
How Much Does Private Utility Locating Cost? GPR Private Utility Locating Costs Explained When it comes to the cost of utility locating, the most important thing to know is this: with GPRS, you only pay for what you need, and investing in accurate utility locating services saves you far more than it costs. You can always count on GPRS for straightforward, upfront utility locating pricing built around your project goals and timeline, so you never pay for services you don’t need. GPRS tailors every utility locating quote by project scope because every building and site are different. Utility locating pricing depends on several factors, including: Soil conditions Site size Utility depth Number of utilities present Night/weekend work Level of detail required Deliverables required GPRS provides pricing based on your specific site and project needs, not a one‑size‑fits‑all rate. Request a free quote today. What You Get with Every Utility Locate GPRS Project Managers locate, mark, and map all subsurface utilities using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating (EM) technology prior to excavation to help prevent strikes, protect your crew, and avoid costly damage and delays. Comprehensive Subsurface Utility Detection You will receive on site field markings with spray paint and pin flags, color-coded to American Public Works Association standards, plus utility maps to give your team a clear understanding of the exact location, depth, and layout of all underground utilities on your job site, including: Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit Potable water Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines Sewers and drain lines Underground storage tanks Abandoned lines Unknown utilities Manholes & well heads CAD/BIM Outputs Delivered in SiteMap® All data is delivered through SiteMap®, GPRS’ secure, cloud‑based GIS platform and mobile app, providing easy access to 99.8% accurate utility locates and a full suite of digital deliverables: Job Summary Report Layered, interactive utility maps PDF and .KMZ formats Point clouds captured via LiDAR laser scanners 2D CAD drawings 3D BIM models and CSM models 3D Virtual Tours ‍ GPRS Utility Map GPRS provides PDF utility maps of every utility on site, whether public or private, including depths, and can export your utility data into a wide variety of drawings, maps, and models. ‍ Why Professional Utility Locating Matters Accurate utility locating helps your team to: Avoid costly strikes and delays Keep your crew and site safe Stay compliant Prevent change orders and rework Keep your project moving confidently and on schedule If you share a few details about your site, we can provide a fast, accurate quote for utility locating and mapping services and help you choose the most cost-effective utility loctating solution. ‍ Why Accurate Utility Locating is Essential for Damage Prevention Utility locating services are significantly less expensive than the cost of striking a utility line. A white paper published in April 2023 by the Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC) highlights major failures in the nation’s damage prevention system used to protect the public and prevent damage to underground utility lines. These failures are responsible for over $30 billion in annual societal and utility line damage costs, and an additional $61 billion in annual waste and excess costs. The Common Ground Alliance 2024 DIRT Report, the only comprehensive accounting of buried infrastructure damages in North America, found that 9 of the top 10 known root causes of utility damages occur during utility work itself. This means that the very activities intended to install or maintain utilities are often the ones most likely to damage existing buried lines when locating is inaccurate. It is important for general contractors and engineers to carefully plan and complete work with an accurate utility locate and map. By partnering with GPRS for accurate utility locating, your team can prevent costly outages, injuries, delays, and downtime, protecting your people, your schedule, and your budget. ‍ ‍ Do You Need Both Public and Private Utilities Located? Yes, you do. Both public and private utilities need to be accurately located and mapped to ensure safety, avoid costly repairs, and prevent service outages. Public utility locators (811) mark registered lines up to the meter, while private utility locators can both verify your 811 locates, and find service lines beyond the meter that are often unmapped and dangerously forgotten. More than 65% of all buried utility lines on any given site are unregistered/private utilities that 811 does not locate. Private utilities are utilities which extend beyond service meters or public utilities, often on to privately owned property. Examples of private utilities can include electrical feeders and gas mains running through parking lots or to critical facilities such as hospitals or fire stations. They can also include lines running to and from substations, heavy industrial facilities, and refineries. These utilities would be owned and maintained by the property owner, placing them outside of the jurisdiction of public utility locating companies. ‍ GPRS: The Most Accurate Utility Locating Team in the Industry When you hire GPRS, you’re hiring highly trained SIM-certified specialists with over three times the training and hands on experience required by most providers. With GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution. Learn more about GPRS Utility Locating services. ‍ What is SIM Certification? SIM certification is the rigorous training and qualification process GPRS Project Managers undergo in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), the industry’s most advanced standard for utility locating and subsurface investigation. SIM is a structured, repeatable process designed to ensure maximum accuracy and safety when locating underground utilities or scanning concrete. ‍ Subsurface Investigation Methodology SIM certification is the rigorous training and qualification process GPRS Project Managers undergo for utility locating and subsurface investigation. What SIM Certification Involves To become SIM certified, a GPRS Project Manager must complete: 320 hours of mentored field training 80 hours of classroom training (hands on and curriculum based) This far exceeds typical industry recommendations, which call for only 8 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of practice for Level 1 GPR certification. What SIM Certification Ensures A SIM certified GPRS Project Manager is trained to: Use multiple technologies (GPR + EM locators, and other complementary technologies) to cross verify findings Follow a step by step, repeatable process for data collection Adhere to a detailed SIM checklist to ensure accuracy in every situation Be prepared for unique, real-world scenarios Why It Matters to Customers Choosing a SIM certified GPRS Project Manager means you get: 99.8% accurate utility locating & mapping Reduced risk of utility strikes, delays, and costly rework Consistent, repeatable results across every project Safety focused, highly trained professionals GPRS Project Managers have maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating since 2017. Learn more about Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM). ‍ Industries GPRS Serves for Utility Locating Healthcare & Hospitals If you operate a hospital, clinic, surgical center, nursing home, lab, or pharmaceutical facility, you’re likely renovating, expanding, or adding new equipment regularly. You rely on uninterrupted power, water, and communications, so we locate your underground utilities to help you avoid service outages, reduce risk, and keep patients and staff safe during construction. Learn more about utility locating for Healthcare facilities. Higher Education & K–12 Schools Whether you manage a university campus, college, or school district, your facilities frequently undergo retrofits, construction, and infrastructure upgrades. We help you verify and map subsurface utilities, so your projects move forward safely and without unexpected delays. Learn more about utility locating for schools, universities, colleges, and campuses. Data Centers If you manage an enterprise, colocation, cloud, hyperscale, edge, or modular data center, you know a single utility strike can cause catastrophic downtime. We provide precise utility locating to protect your critical power and fiber lines during new builds, expansions, and retrofits so uptime stays uninterrupted. Learn more about utilty locating for data centers. Manufacturing, Industrial & Agricultural Facilities Plants, factories, and industrial sites constantly update production lines, equipment, and infrastructure. We help you locate underground power feeds, process piping, communications, gas, and water lines so your upgrades and installations stay on schedule and safe. Learn more about utility locating for facilities. Telecom Telecom networks depend on extensive underground fiber, conduit, power feeds, and communication lines that must remain active and protected during upgrades and new installations. Whether you're expanding fiber routes, installing 5G infrastructure, or upgrading network capacity, accurate utility locating helps you avoid strikes, prevent service outages, and keep projects on schedule. Learn more about utility locating for the telecom industry. Oil & Gas Oil and gas facilities depend on extensive underground infrastructure, including pipelines, flow lines, power feeds, communication cables, and control systems, that must be protected during maintenance, expansions, and new construction. Accurate utility locating helps your team avoid damaging critical lines, prevent shutdowns and environmental incidents, and keep high risk operations running safely and efficiently. Learn more about utility locating for oil and gas facilities. Transportation & Infrastructure Airports, railways, transit systems, ports, and DOT projects depend on complex underground networks. We help you map and avoid buried utilities so you can prevent strikes, maintain public safety, and keep major infrastructure projects on time. Learn more about utility locating for transportation and infrastructure. Power Transmission, Distribution & Generation + Renewable Energy Whether you're working on transmission lines, distribution networks, substations, power generation facilities, or building solar, wind, or EV charging infrastructure, you need accurate subsurface data to work safely. We locate underground utilities, grounding grids, duct banks, and conduits so you can trench, install foundations, and expand energy systems without risking outages, delays, or costly strikes. Learn more about utility locating for the power industry. Real Estate Development & Commercial Property Management Developers, landlords, and CRE teams rely on accurate utility locating to protect investments, speed up development, and reduce liability. Whether you’re doing due diligence, preconstruction planning, or a major redevelopment, we help you understand exactly what’s underground so you can build with confidence. Public Works & Municipalities City engineers, public utility districts, parks departments, and municipal campuses depend on accurate utility maps for capital improvement projects. We help you avoid service disruptions and keep critical community operations running smoothly. Defense & Government Facilities If you’re managing a military base, federal complex, or secure government site, precision and safety are non-negotiable. We help you locate underground utilities before construction or system upgrades so you can maintain security and avoid outages. Learn more about utility locating for government and defense. Hospitality & Entertainment Hotels, stadiums, arenas, theaters, and convention centers renovate frequently, and you rely on continuous power, water, and communications to serve guests and events. We help you avoid outages and protect your operations while work is taking place. Learn more about utility locating for hospitality and entertainment projects. Historic Preservation & Adaptive Reuse If you're restoring or converting an older property, you may be dealing with undocumented renovations and abandoned or unknown utilities. We help you safely locate aging electrical, gas, water, and sewer lines so your crews can work without damaging historically significant structures. Learn more about utility locating for historic preservation and adaptive reuse. Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants Your facilities contain dense, overlapping piping systems, chemical feeds, high voltage power, and control networks. We give you precise subsurface utility maps that support upgrades, expansions, and emergency repairs, without causing service disruptions. Learn more about utility locating for water and sewer projects. Environmental Due Diligence Accurate subsurface data is critical during Phase II environmental assessments. GPRS utility locating identifies underground utilities, UST components, and other subsurface features so you can clear soil borings, install vapor pins, and drill safely without risking damage. Our custom utility CAD maps protect existing infrastructure, while Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) help reveal potential contaminant migration pathways and guide informed next steps in your investigation. Learn more about utility locating for environmental due diligence. Retail & Restaurants If you manage retail spaces or restaurants, frequent remodels, kitchen upgrades, or tenant improvements require safe utility avoidance. We help you identify underground water, sewer, grease, gas, and electrical lines so your operations stay open and productive. Learn more about utility locating for retail and restaurants. Airports & Aviation From airfields to terminals and hangars, you operate above complicated underground networks, fuel lines, comms, runway lighting, stormwater, and power. We provide the accurate utility locating you need before construction, signage installation, lighting upgrades, or pavement work to prevent interruptions and safety risks. Learn more about utility locating for airports and aviation. ‍ Your team will receive access to SiteMap®, GPRS’ GIS software and mobile app, to view layered, interactive utility maps of your project site. ‍ Reasons to Choose GPRS for Utility Locating Services When you choose GPRS, you’re choosing accuracy, safety, and confidence on every project. From transparent pricing to unmatched SIM certified expertise, our team is committed to delivering detailed utility location field markings and maps that you need to plan, design, dig, and build without unexpected setbacks. Utility locating is an investment that protects your people, your budget, and your schedule, and with GPRS, you can move forward knowing your site has been mapped with industry leading precision. GPRS is the nation’s leading above and below-ground existing conditions visualization company, delivering unmatched utility locating accuracy through advanced technology and SIM-certified Project Managers to help our clients Visualize the Built World®. Contact GPRS for utility locating pricing, and let us help you complete your project safely, efficiently, and with total confidence. Request a free quote today.

How Much Does Private Utility Locating Cost?

GPRS Private Utility Locating Costs Explained

When it comes to the cost of utility locating, the most important thing to know is this: with GPRS, you only pay for what you need, and investing in accurate utility locating services saves you far more than it costs.

You can always count on GPRS for straightforward, upfront utility locating pricing built around your project goals and timeline, so you never pay for services you don’t need.

GPRS tailors every utility locating quote by project scope because every building and site are different. Utility locating pricing depends on several factors, including:

  • Soil conditions
  • Site size
  • Utility depth
  • Number of utilities present
  • Night/weekend work
  • Level of detail required
  • Deliverables required

GPRS provides pricing based on your specific site and project needs, not a one‑size‑fits‑all rate.

Request a free quote today.

‍

What You Get with Every Utility Locate

GPRS Project Managers locate, mark, and map all subsurface utilities using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating (EM) technology prior to excavation to help prevent strikes, protect your crew, and avoid costly damage and delays.

Comprehensive Subsurface Utility Detection

You will receive on site field markings with spray paint and/or pin flags, color-coded to American Public Works Association standards, plus utility maps to give your team a clear understanding of the exact location, depth, and layout of all underground utilities on your job site, including:

  • Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
  • Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and gaseous materials
  • Communication, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
  • Potable water
  • Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
  • Sewers and drain lines
  • Underground storage tanks
  • Abandoned lines
  • Unknown utilities
  • Manholes & well heads

CAD/BIM Outputs Delivered in SiteMap®

All data is delivered through SiteMap®, GPRS’ secure, cloud‑based GIS platform and mobile app, providing easy access to 99.8% accurate utility locates and a full suite of digital deliverables:

  • Job Summary Report
  • Layered, interactive utility maps
  • PDF and .KMZ formats
  • Point clouds captured via LiDAR laser scanners
  • 2D CAD drawings
  • 3D BIM models and CSM models
  • 3D Virtual Tours
    ‍
GPRS Utility Map
GPRS provides PDF utility maps of every utility on site, whether public or private, including depths, and can export your utility data into a wide variety of drawings, maps, and models.

‍

Why Professional Utility Locating Matters

Accurate utility locating helps your team to:

  • Avoid costly strikes and delays
  • Keep your crew and site safe
  • Stay compliant
  • Prevent change orders and rework
  • Keep your project moving confidently and on schedule

If you share a few details about your site, we can provide a fast, accurate quote for utility locating and mapping services and help you choose the most cost-effective utility loctating solution.

‍

Why Accurate Utility Locating is Essential for Damage Prevention

Utility locating services are significantly less expensive than the cost of striking a utility line.

A white paper published in April 2023 by the Infrastructure Protection Coalition (IPC) highlights major failures in the nation’s damage prevention system used to protect the public and prevent damage to underground utility lines. These failures are responsible for over $30 billion in annual societal and utility line damage costs, and an additional $61 billion in annual waste and excess costs.

The Common Ground Alliance 2024 DIRT Report, the only comprehensive accounting of buried infrastructure damages in North America, found that 9 of the top 10 known root causes of utility damages occur during utility work itself. This means that the very activities intended to install or maintain utilities are often the ones most likely to damage existing buried lines when locating is inaccurate.

It is important for general contractors and engineers to carefully plan and complete work with an accurate utility locate and map. By partnering with GPRS for accurate utility locating, your team can prevent costly outages, injuries, delays, and downtime, protecting your people, your schedule, and your budget.

‍

‍

Do You Need Both Public and Private Utilities Located?

Yes, you do. Both public and private utilities need to be accurately located and mapped to ensure safety, avoid costly repairs, and prevent service outages. Public utility locators (811) mark registered lines up to the meter, while private utility locators can both verify your 811 locates, and find service lines beyond the meter that are often unmapped and dangerously forgotten.

More than 65% of all buried utility lines on any given site are unregistered/private utilities that 811 does not locate.

Private utilities are utilities which extend beyond service meters or public utilities, often on to privately owned property. Examples of private utilities can include electrical feeders and gas mains running through parking lots or to critical facilities such as hospitals or fire stations. They can also include lines running to and from substations, heavy industrial facilities, and refineries. These utilities would be owned and maintained by the property owner, placing them outside of the jurisdiction of public utility locating companies.

‍

GPRS: The Most Accurate Utility Locating Team in the Industry

When you hire GPRS, you’re hiring highly trained SIM-certified specialists with over three times the training and hands on experience required by most providers.

With GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution.

Learn more about GPRS Utility Locating services.

‍

What is SIM Certification?

SIM certification is the rigorous training and qualification process GPRS Project Managers undergo in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), the industry’s most advanced standard for utility locating and subsurface investigation.

SIM is a structured, repeatable process designed to ensure maximum accuracy and safety when locating underground utilities or scanning concrete.

‍

Subsurface Investigation Methodology
SIM certification is the rigorous training and qualification process GPRS Project Managers undergo for utility locating and subsurface investigation.

What SIM Certification Involves

To become SIM certified, a GPRS Project Manager must complete:

  • 320 hours of mentored field training
  • 80 hours of classroom training (hands on and curriculum based)
This far exceeds typical industry recommendations, which call for only 8 hours of classroom work and 60 hours of practice for Level 1 GPR certification.

What SIM Certification Ensures

A SIM certified GPRS Project Manager is trained to:

  • Use multiple technologies (GPR + EM locators, and other complementary technologies) to cross verify findings
  • Follow a step by step, repeatable process for data collection
  • Adhere to a detailed SIM checklist to ensure accuracy in every situation
  • Be prepared for unique, real-world scenarios

Why It Matters to Customers

Choosing a SIM certified GPRS Project Manager means you get:

  • 99.8% accurate utility locating & mapping
  • Reduced risk of utility strikes, delays, and costly rework
  • Consistent, repeatable results across every project
  • Safety focused, highly trained professionals
GPRS Project Managers have maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate in utility locating since 2017.

Learn more about Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM).

‍

Industries GPRS Serves for Utility Locating

Healthcare & Hospitals

If you operate a hospital, clinic, surgical center, nursing home, lab, or pharmaceutical facility, you’re likely renovating, expanding, or adding new equipment regularly. You rely on uninterrupted power, water, and communications, so we locate your underground utilities to help you avoid service outages, reduce risk, and keep patients and staff safe during construction. Learn more about utility locating for Healthcare facilities.

Higher Education & K–12 Schools

Whether you manage a university campus, college, or school district, your facilities frequently undergo retrofits, construction, and infrastructure upgrades. We help you verify and map subsurface utilities, so your projects move forward safely and without unexpected delays. Learn more about utility locating for schools, universities, colleges, and campuses.

Data Centers

If you manage an enterprise, colocation, cloud, hyperscale, edge, or modular data center, you know a single utility strike can cause catastrophic downtime. We provide precise utility locating to protect your critical power and fiber lines during new builds, expansions, and retrofits so uptime stays uninterrupted. Learn more about utilty locating for data centers.

Manufacturing, Industrial & Agricultural Facilities

Plants, factories, and industrial sites constantly update production lines, equipment, and infrastructure. We help you locate underground power feeds, process piping, communications, gas, and water lines so your upgrades and installations stay on schedule and safe. Learn more about utility locating for facilities.

Telecom

Telecom networks depend on extensive underground fiber, conduit, power feeds, and communication lines that must remain active and protected during upgrades and new installations. Whether you're expanding fiber routes, installing 5G infrastructure, or upgrading network capacity, accurate utility locating helps you avoid strikes, prevent service outages, and keep projects on schedule. Learn more about utility locating for the telecom industry.

Oil & Gas

Oil and gas facilities depend on extensive underground infrastructure, including pipelines, flow lines, power feeds, communication cables, and control systems, that must be protected during maintenance, expansions, and new construction. Accurate utility locating helps your team avoid damaging critical lines, prevent shutdowns and environmental incidents, and keep high risk operations running safely and efficiently. Learn more about utility locating for oil and gas facilities.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Airports, railways, transit systems, ports, and DOT projects depend on complex underground networks. We help you map and avoid buried utilities so you can prevent strikes, maintain public safety, and keep major infrastructure projects on time. Learn more about utility locating for transportation and infrastructure.

Power Transmission, Distribution & Generation + Renewable Energy

Whether you're working on transmission lines, distribution networks, substations, power generation facilities, or building solar, wind, or EV charging infrastructure, you need accurate subsurface data to work safely. We locate underground utilities, grounding grids, duct banks, and conduits so you can trench, install foundations, and expand energy systems without risking outages, delays, or costly strikes. Learn more about utility locating for the power industry.

Real Estate Development & Commercial Property Management

Developers, landlords, and CRE teams rely on accurate utility locating to protect investments, speed up development, and reduce liability. Whether you’re doing due diligence, preconstruction planning, or a major redevelopment, we help you understand exactly what’s underground so you can build with confidence.

Public Works & Municipalities

City engineers, public utility districts, parks departments, and municipal campuses depend on accurate utility maps for capital improvement projects. We help you avoid service disruptions and keep critical community operations running smoothly.

Defense & Government Facilities

If you’re managing a military base, federal complex, or secure government site, precision and safety are non-negotiable. We help you locate underground utilities before construction or system upgrades so you can maintain security and avoid outages. Learn more about utility locating for government and defense.

Hospitality & Entertainment

Hotels, stadiums, arenas, theaters, and convention centers renovate frequently, and you rely on continuous power, water, and communications to serve guests and events. We help you avoid outages and protect your operations while work is taking place. Learn more about utility locating for hospitality and entertainment projects.

Historic Preservation & Adaptive Reuse

If you're restoring or converting an older property, you may be dealing with undocumented renovations and abandoned or unknown utilities. We help you safely locate aging electrical, gas, water, and sewer lines so your crews can work without damaging historically significant structures. Learn more about utility locating for historic preservation and adaptive reuse.

Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants

Your facilities contain dense, overlapping piping systems, chemical feeds, high voltage power, and control networks. We give you precise subsurface utility maps that support upgrades, expansions, and emergency repairs, without causing service disruptions. Learn more about utility locating for water and sewer projects.

Environmental Due Diligence

Accurate subsurface data is critical during Phase II environmental assessments. GPRS utility locating identifies underground utilities, UST components, and other subsurface features so you can clear soil borings, install vapor pins, and drill safely without risking damage. Our custom utility CAD maps protect existing infrastructure, while Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) help reveal potential contaminant migration pathways and guide informed next steps in your investigation. Learn more about utility locating for environmental due diligence.

Retail & Restaurants

If you manage retail spaces or restaurants, frequent remodels, kitchen upgrades, or tenant improvements require safe utility avoidance. We help you identify underground water, sewer, grease, gas, and electrical lines so your operations stay open and productive. Learn more about utility locating for retail and restaurants.

Airports & Aviation

From airfields to terminals and hangars, you operate above complicated underground networks, fuel lines, comms, runway lighting, stormwater, and power. We provide the accurate utility locating you need before construction, signage installation, lighting upgrades, or pavement work to prevent interruptions and safety risks. Learn more about utility locating for airports and aviation.

‍

Your team will receive access to SiteMap®, GPRS’ GIS software and mobile app, to view layered, interactive utility maps of your project site.

‍

Reasons to Choose GPRS for Utility Locating Services

When you choose GPRS, you’re choosing accuracy, safety, and confidence on every project. From transparent pricing to unmatched SIM certified expertise, our team is committed to delivering detailed utility location field markings and maps that you need to plan, design, dig, and build without unexpected setbacks.

Utility locating is an investment that protects your people, your budget, and your schedule, and with GPRS, you can move forward knowing your site has been mapped with industry leading precision.

GPRS is the nation’s leading above and below-ground existing conditions visualization company, delivering unmatched utility locating accuracy through advanced technology and SIM-certified Project Managers to help our clients Visualize the Built World®.

Contact GPRS for utility locating pricing, and let us help you complete your project safely, efficiently, and with total confidence.

Request a free quote today.

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GPRS Pinpoints Source of Slip Hazard at California Elementary School

When water surfaced around a high-traffic area, Thornhill Elementary called GPRS. By combining our utility locating and leak detection services, we located the source of the leak without affecting the school’s daily schedule.
leak detection, pinpoint leak detection, acoustic leak detection, utility locating, electromagnetic (EM) locators, EM locators, GPR, ground penetrating radar, water valve, hazardous leak, slipping hazard

GPRS utilized leak detection and utility locating equipment to help uncover the hidden source of a hazardous leak at an elementary school in California.

Thornhill Elementary School in Oakland, California has been in operation since 1958 and currently services approximately 400 students.

To keep pickups and drop offs organized, they have a designated area for that near the school’s entrance, so students and parents know where to go at the beginning and end of the school day. Administrators had noticed water surfacing in that area.

While no student had slipped or fallen, school officials didn’t want the problem to persist until someone did.

And algae had begun to grow in it as well, so they needed to address the issue quickly.

The school tasked GPRS Leak Detection Project Manager William Walhovd with locating the source of the leak before any kids were harmed.

Walhovd arrived at the school thirty minutes before the students arrived. However, students began showing up before he could identify the leak.

Thanks to his previous working relationship with the client, Walhovd was able to continue the job without affecting the school day.

“I've done a lot of work with that school district in the past,” Walhovd explained. “We usually try to get there as early as we can, but those guys are pretty good. They show up and have things ready for me before I get there because we try to get in and get out really quick.”

Walhovd began the leak detection process by listening for the leak with an acoustic leak detector.

“Usually when the water's surfacing, I try to listen to the surface where the water's coming out because usually, I can hear something,” Walhovd explained. “In this case, it was a pretty wide area and it wasn't making very much noise.”

Close-up of an elephant foot, a black and silver cylindrical ground sensor placed on asphalt beside a curb with blue utility markings, with construction equipment blurred in the background.
Acoustic leak detectors locate leaks with a sensitive ground microphone or an acoustic listening device like this elephant foot.

Since our Leak Detection Project Managers are also expertly trained in utility locating, Walhovd shifted gears to ensure he could pinpoint the leak.

“Then, we switched over to locating the pipes that may potentially run through there,” Walhovd explained. “So, we connected to a bunch of different water lines until that one showed up. We marked the location of it. We knew exactly where it was running through, and we knew what lines it connected to.”

Painted utility markings in pink and blue on cracked, wet asphalt near a building entrance, with a yellow extension cord running across the ground beside a door and outdoor furniture.
GPRS Project Managers mark the ground with spray paint, chalk, or flags using the industry’s universal color code to differentiate various utilities as they scan the site.

GPRS Project Managers utilize electromagnetic (EM) locators and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate utilities. The way these devices collect data is complementary to the other, allowing for the most accurate results.

New layers added over the years made the asphalt above the water lines very thick. Because of this, the signal was still faint.

However, Walhovd had one more trick up his sleeve to ensure he could listen to the pipes and locate the leak.

“Since we still couldn’t hear the pipes through the asphalt, we drilled some holes so that we could listen closer,” Walhovd explained. “I put a probe in the ground to allow the sound to reach my microphone better.”

Wet asphalt surface with red and blue spray paint markings indicating underground utilities, surrounded by a coiled yellow cable, a loose tire, a metal utility box, and nearby playground equipment in an outdoor area.

Upon further investigation, Walhovd discovered a previously unknown buried water valve that controlled the leaking pipe.

Without GPRS’ 99.8% accurate utility scans and pinpoint leak detection services, that valve would have stayed lost and the leak would have continued, putting more students, teachers, and parents at risk.

Walhovd shared his findings with the client via SiteMap® (patent pending), GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure management platform that shows your above and below ground infrastructure in one place.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Visualizes YOUR Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Schedule a Service
Request a Quote

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an annual leak survey and why do they matter?

An annual leak survey is a scheduled inspection of water infrastructure to identify and document leaks. These surveys are critical for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and cost control. Regular assessments reduce water loss, prevent hazardous conditions, and extend asset life. For municipalities and facilities, annual surveys support proactive maintenance and budget forecasting.

How long does a leak detection usually take?

How long it takes to find your leak depends on the system size, complexity, and access conditions. A standard survey of a small facility or municipal segment may take several hours, while larger networks can require multiple days. GPRS optimizes efficiency through pre-survey planning and site walks, real-time data collection, and advanced equipment, minimizing disruption and ensuring timely reporting.

Can GPRS determine the size of a detected leak?

GPRS determines the size of the leak by how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. GPRS does not, however, produce formal leak estimations.

What is SIM?

Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utility lines.  All GPRS Project Managers are required to achieve SIM 101 certification, which requires 80 hours of hands-on training in a classroom setting and 320 hours of mentorship in the field. For reference, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) minimum training recommendation includes eight hours for training and 60 hours practicing GPR to achieve NDT Level 1 certification in ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning.

SIM requires the use of multiple, complementary technologies, like GPR scanning and electromagnetic (EM) locating, when locating buried utilities or scanning a concrete slab.

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Concrete Scanning
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GPRS Helps Keep Workers & Patrons Safe by Pinpointing Leak in Ski Resort’s Snow Melting System

Ski resorts use snow melting systems to prevent snow and ice buildup in high traffic areas. When a leak affected Palisades Tahoe’s ability to keep patrons safe, GPRS Leak Detection Project Managers listened for and located the source of the leak.
leak detection, pinpoint leak detection, acoustic leak detection, utility locating, EM locator, ground penetrating radar, gas tracing, ski resort, snow-melting system, boiler loop

GPRS combined gas testing practices with pinpoint leak detection equipment to locate a leak at a ski resort in Olympic Valley, California.

Palisades Tahoe is recognized as one of the top ski resorts in the country and played host to the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Like most resorts, Palisades utilizes snow-melting systems in high traffic areas, like stairs, decks, and walkways, to maintain a safe environment for skiers and workers. The snow-melting systems produce radiant heat through a boiler loop in the ground.

So, when resort facilities management noticed a dip in their glycol levels - the amount of ethylene or propylene glycol that mixes with water for efficient heat transfer - they suspected trouble. Once the system failed a pressure test, they were certain they had a leak.

GPRS Leak Detection Project Manager William Walhovd was tasked with locating the source of the leak.

Walhovd began his search for the leak in the boiler room and used electromagnetic (EM) locators to locate where the boiler loop connects to the staircase.

“We started by connecting onto the copper piping at the boiler,” Walhovd explained. “It got us most of the way to the staircase and then the signal kind of died off, so we figured there was a transition from copper into another material. But we had that all marked out.”

EM locators are traditionally used by GPRS Project Managers to locate utilities with ground penetrating radar (GPR) used as a complementary technology along with it. However, utility locating practices help with leak detection by showing the location of subsurface infrastructure, so they know where to listen.  

The next stage involved the use of a thermal imaging camera to gain a better understanding of the piping in the staircase. With this information at his disposal, Walhovd began listening for leaks along the surface using an acoustic leak detector.

A GPRS Project Managers wearing safety gear, a hard hat, and a high visibility vest operates an acoustic leak detector with an elephant’s foot attached on a jobsite, while another Project Manager in similar protective gear scans the area using an EM locator.
GPRS Project Managers are trained in Subsurface Investigation Methodology, and one of the main guidelines includes the use of complementary technologies to produce the most accurate results.

Acoustic leak detectors locate leaks with a sensitive ground microphone or an acoustic listening device. GPRS Leak Detection Project Managers use headphones to listen for and isolate the leak tone. When used at the surface level, a bell-shaped acoustic shield referred to as an “elephant’s foot” can be added to the ground microphone to help isolate the sounds coming from the pipes.

After listening to the pipes in the staircase, Walhovd couldn’t hear anything that resembled a leak. So, he changed gears by applying gas tracing methods.

“When I didn't hear anything in the pipes along the stairs, we drained the system and applied a non-flammable, non-toxic gas mixture to essentially turn it into a gas leak,” Walhovd explained. “While listening in that area, we could hear the gas escaping.”

When asked what the difference was between the sound of a leaking pressurized water pipe with and without gas tracing, Walhovd explained the following:

“It's very different. If you can hear like the water running in your house if somebody uses the shower. That's what water leaks sound like. And [gas tracing a water leak] sounds like somebody blowing bubbles underwater. You'd hear water and gas escaping at the same time, but it's a totally different sound.”

A close-up view of buried piping and valve components surrounded by soil and broken debris, including multiple connected fittings and a metal valve cap marked with a yellow arrow. Water is leaking out of the valve.
Billions of gallons of water are lost daily to untreated leaks, which is why routine water infrastructure inspections are so important.

Upon further investigation, Walhovd found the source of the leak.

“We discovered that there was a box that was buried and the lid of the box was crushed,” Walhovd explained. “As soon as we opened it up, we could see that the manifold inside was up against the vault lid that was crushed and that was leaking. The vault lid was in rough shape and the client suspected that recent crane usage in the area was to blame for the leak.”

The client fixed the leak on the spot by using a pair of pliers to tighten the vault lid and hasn’t had any problems since.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Visualizes the Built World to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is an annual leak survey and why do they matter?

An annual leak survey is a scheduled inspection of water infrastructure to identify and document leaks. These surveys are critical for regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and cost control. Regular assessments reduce water loss, prevent hazardous conditions, and extend asset life. For municipalities and facilities, annual surveys support proactive maintenance and budget forecasting.

How long does a leak detection usually take?

How long it takes to find your leak depends on the system size, complexity, and access conditions. A standard survey of a small facility or municipal segment may take several hours, while larger networks can require multiple days. GPRS optimizes efficiency through pre-survey planning and site walks, real-time data collection, and advanced equipment, minimizing disruption and ensuring timely reporting.

Can GPRS determine the size of a detected leak?

GPRS determines the size of the leak by how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. GPRS does not, however, produce formal leak estimations.

What is SIM?

Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utility lines.  All GPRS Project Managers are required to achieve SIM 101 certification, which requires 80 hours of hands-on training in a classroom setting and 320 hours of mentorship in the field. For reference, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) minimum training recommendation includes eight hours for training and 60 hours practicing GPR to achieve NDT Level 1 certification in ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning.

SIM requires the use of multiple, complementary technologies, like GPR scanning and electromagnetic (EM) locating, when locating buried utilities or scanning a concrete slab.

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Leak Detection
Utility Locating

Risk Management Across Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream Projects

Oil and gas is the largest energy producer in the U.S., and is shape in complex, high-risk environments. GPRS’ comprehensive suite of above and below-ground deliverables gives project teams the accurate site data they need to avoid unnecessary risks and create a safer environment.
Oil & Gas, LNG, Natural Gas, Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, Digital Twins, Refineries, CADD, BIM, As-Builts, 2D CAD Drawings, Reservoir, 3D Laser Scanning, Utility Locating, CSM, Conceptual Site Models

By Amanda Zaslow, GPRS, April 2026

Risk Management in the Oil & Gas Industry

Oil and gas projects operate in highly intricate environments. From pipelines to refineries, every phase carries unique challenges. Whether the work is happening along a pipeline corridor, at a terminal, or inside a refinery, you need clear, accurate site information to plan safely and keep work moving.

Outdated or missing records can lead to big problems quickly. When information is scattered across teams, issues like design conflicts, utility strikes, delays, budget overruns, and risks for workers and nearby communities can arise.

That matters even more when you consider the size of the industry.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “The oil and gas sector is the largest energy producer in the U.S., responsible for about 74% of primary energy production.”

When all stakeholders can work from the same up-to-date, digitized information, your team can:

  • Reduce risk
  • Stay coordinated
  • Move projects forward with confidence

This applies across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

What Are the Oil & Gas Industry Segments?

The oil and gas industry has three main segments: upstream, midstream, and downstream. Together, these segments form the hydrocarbon value chain. This process begins with finding and producing resources. Next, it involves transportation and storage. Finally, it ends with refining and distribution. Large integrated companies might join all three areas, and other companies often focus on just one segment. Their choice depends on their assets, expertise, and market goals.

Upstream

The upstream segment focuses on finding and producing oil and natural gas. This segment includes exploration, drilling, field development, and production. In practical terms, this is the front end of the industry. Operators identify hydrocarbon reserves, drill wells, and complete them. They also bring crude oil and natural gas to the surface for initial handling and transfer.

This segment has some of the industry’s highest technical and financial risk, because no operator can fully predict the outcome of a well before drilling starts. The key uncertainties include:

  • Reserves
  • Reservoir quality
  • Expected production
  • Commodity prices

Upstream work requires capital, technical precision, and disciplined risk management. In 2025, upstream activity in the United States hit a record high. Crude oil production averaged 13.6 million barrels per day, based on the EIA data. That new annual record shows how central exploration and production remain to the domestic energy supply.

Midstream

The midstream segment connects upstream and downstream. This segment deals with gathering, transporting, storing, and transferring crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGL). Midstream relies on a broad network of infrastructure and logistics systems.

Thomson Reuters Practical Law states that “Oil and NGLs may be transported by ship, rail, pipelines, and truck. Because gas takes up a lot of space, it is primarily transported via pipelines or in specially designed vessels in the form of liquefied natural gas.”

However, pipeline construction requires a significant upfront investment because midstream infrastructure operates at an enormous scale. For example, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) oversees more than 3.4 million miles of pipelines. These systems transfer almost all the natural gas used in the U.S. and about two-thirds of hazardous liquid petroleum products.

Downstream

The downstream segment converts raw hydrocarbons into finished, usable products. This segment includes:

  • Refining
  • Processing
  • Blending
  • Marketing
  • Distribution

These assets make the segment closest to commercial and consumer demand. Refineries and processing facilities turn crude oil and natural gas into products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricants, asphalt, petrochemical feedstocks, and pipeline-quality gas.

Downstream operations require reliable, high-value equipment across refineries, processing plants, and storage facilities. industrial systems. Refining processes include major units such as:

  • Atmospheric distillation
  • Catalytic cracking
  • Catalytic reforming
  • Hydrocracking
  • Hydrotreating

All these units separate, upgrade, and treat hydrocarbons into marketable products. These products include fuel retail, wholesale distribution, chemical sales, and aviation fuel.

How the Oil & Gas Segments Work Together

These three segments operate as a continuous system rather than as isolated silos. Upstream gathers raw hydrocarbons. Midstream transports and stores them. Downstream turns the hydrocarbons into finished products and delivers them to the market. Each segment performs a distinct function, but none can operate effectively without the others.

That structure also explains why the oil and gas industry relies on such a wide range of disciplines. These include geology, drilling, engineering, logistics, processing, refining, integrity management, and large-scale infrastructure operations.

What is the Oil & Gas Industry Outlook?

Oil and gas companies enter 2026 with a more selective growth mindset. Deloitte's 2026 Oil and Gas Industry Outlook expects operators to balance policy-driven opportunities against weaker macro conditions, lower oil prices, and continued pressure on margins. That means many companies will stick to capital discipline. This will happen even as supportive U.S. policies create new chances for drilling, expanding acreage, and developing infrastructure.

U.S. natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies plan to boost spending and grow their shale positions. This comes as demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) rises and data centers increase their power needs.

These trends support a strong future for natural gas. Oil producers, on the other hand, are more likely to hold off on increasing investment. They prefer to see a clearer improvement in global supply and demand first.

A large data center building with a gray and beige exterior, a red accent panel, and rooftop mechanical equipment arranged in long rows, viewed from above in an industrial area.
Data centers rank among the most technically advanced built environments in operation today. They house complex infrastructure, including compute servers, data storage arrays, and networking equipment, to process, store, transmit, and secure digital information for enterprise operations and online services.
Deloitte also reports that nearly “70% of the U.S. oil and gas companies it analyzed plan to restructure portfolios, optimize costs, or divest noncore assets, while many continue directing a large share of cash flow to dividends and buybacks.”

In other words, the industry outlook predicts targeted growth, capital discipline, and higher-return assets over broad-based expansion.

Cost Pressures

Cost pressure remains one of the clearest constraints on industry growth. Deloitte highlights 10% to 25% tariff actions on crude feedstocks, steel, and aluminum that don't comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This agreement highlights that equipment like compressors and pumps are major cost drivers that could reshape the sector’s economics.

Oil and gas operators depend on materials and equipment from around the world. So, even small changes in trade policy can raise procurement costs for upstream, midstream, and downstream projects.

Deloitte estimates that “The announced US tariffs on these components and key input materials, including steel, aluminum, and copper, could increase material and service costs across the value chain by 4% to 40%, potentially compressing industry margins.”

As a result, many companies will likely change their procurement strategies to decrease volatility exposure. As documented in Deloitte industry outlook, this could involve operators to:

  • Diversify suppliers
  • Depend more on domestic or non-tariffed sourcing
  • Boost local fabrication when possible
  • Update contracts to share cost escalation risks with EPC firms and vendors

Scaling LNG

LNG remains one of the strongest growth drivers in the oil and gas outlook. The IEA expects global natural gas demand growth to accelerate in 2026 after slowing to less than 1% in 2025. The agency also expects global LNG supply growth to exceed 7% in 2026, marking the fastest pace of expansion since 2019.

North America will lead much of that expansion.

“North America is set to account for the vast majority of the 40 bcm increase,” per the IEA.

Investment activity also remains strong. In 2025, over 90 bcm per year of liquefaction capacity reached a final investment decision. This decision was marked the second-highest annual total ever recorded, with the United States accounting for more than 80 bcm of approved annual capacity.

Digital Transformation

Digital transformation is shifting from experimentation to scaled deployment.

According to Oleg Fonarov, CEO of Program-Ace, and author of Forbes' Trends In Digital Transformation In The Oil & Gas Industries, “relying on outdated methods entails higher costs, unexpected failures and unnecessary risks.”
Fonarov also states that “…using digital tools isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s a way to work smarter, cut unnecessary costs and create a safer, more efficient environment for everyone in the industry.”

More oil and gas companies are expected to move beyond isolated pilots and push advanced technologies, especially:

  • Real-time analytics
  • Cloud platforms
  • Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors
  • Digital twins
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
A close-up of a hand reaching toward a glowing digital graphic labeled “Machine Learning,” showing a microchip icon with a brain symbol and branching circuit lines on a blue background.
The digital transformation shift is most visible in day-to-day operations.
Energy, Oil, & Gas Magazine notes that “automated workflows reduce human error and boost safety.”

Upstream operators use advanced seismic imaging and AI to improve drilling accuracy. Downstream refineries rely on predictive analytics to fix maintenance issues before they turn into costly disruptions.

How Does the Oil & Gas Industry Leverage Digital Twins?

The oil and gas industry uses digital twins to create dynamic virtual representations of physical assets and systems. Operators update these models with real-time operational data, historical information, and advanced analytics.

IBM explains that this approach helps operators:

  • Predict future behavior
  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Gain deeper insight into critical asset performance in the field
IBM states that, “one of the most beneficial applications of digital twins in the oil and gas industry is predictive maintenance (PdM).”

As mentioned previously, operators can spot maintenance needs sooner. This way, they can reduce unplanned downtime and find potential failures before they occur. Digital twins also support improvements in efficiency, safety, and asset optimization. They help improve operations across upstream, midstream, and downstream.

How Can GPRS Support Oil & Gas Projects?

GPRS supports oil and gas projects across the country, from pipeline corridors to refinery facilities, delivering comprehensive site visualization both above and below-ground.

GPRS Project Manager in a high-visibility safety vest and hard hat stands in snow under a gas station canopy, holding an electromagnetic (EM) locator near fuel pumps and a parked car.
We deliver up-to-date, utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models to help you keep work on time, on budget, and safe, across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.

GPRS’ Services Include:

1. Utility Locating:

  • Identifies, marks, and maps underground infrastructure such as pipelines, tanks, and additional buried utility lines
  • Supports safer work across upstream fields, midstream corridors, and downstream facilities
  • Reduces the risk of utility strikes, environmental accidents, and costly project delays
  • Learn more about GPRS’ Utility Locating Services

2. Concrete Scanning:

  • Identifies rebar, conduits, and post tension cables before coring, cutting, or drilling
  • Protects slabs, well pads, and structures during refinery upgrades and plant modifications
  • Reduces risk during tie-ins, anchoring, crane setup, and shutdowns
  • Learn more about GPRS’ Concrete Scanning Services

3. 3D Laser Scanning:

  • Saves time, money, and headache compared to manual measurement methods
  • Captures 2-6mm accurate, real-world documentation of refineries, offshore platforms, and pipelines
  • Improves coordination by giving architects, contractors, and engineers a shared view of as-built site conditions
  • Learn more about GPRS’ 3D Laser Scanning Services

4. Video Pipe Inspection:

  • Inspects water, sewer, and lateral pipelines using a robotic crawler, lateral launch, and push cameras
  • Helps locate clogs, cross bores, structural faults, and pipe damage before maintenance, repairs, or tie-ins
  • Delivers NASSCO-certified WinCan reports with the exact location, video, photo, and severity for each defect
  • Learn more about GPRS’ Video Pipe Inspection Services

5. Leak Detection:

  • Non-destructive method to pinpoint hidden leaks in water distribution and/or fire suppression systems
  • Helps reduce downtime, repair costs, and system loss in active plants, terminals, and refineries
  • Enables you to address leaks early to avoid damage to the surrounding ground and structures
  • Learn more about GPRS’ Leak Detection Services

SiteMap®

  • Stores all your utility maps, KMZ files, CADD/BIM deliverables, and virtual tours for instant access
  • User-friendly and customizable GIS platform
  • Break down information silos to enhance safety, reduce costs, and plan with confidence
  • Learn more about GPRS' infrastructure visualization platform, SiteMap

GPRS utilizes a “boots on the ground” approach and deploys Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM)-Certified Project Managers across the country to provide in-person field services.

Case Study: GPRS Utility Locate and 3D Laser Scan for a Gas Station

A gas station needed precise utility locating and as-built documentation to support planned site upgrades and strengthen emergency response planning for potential leaks. GPRS delivered 2D utility maps, a 3D BIM model, and a conceptual site model (CSM) documenting the gas station, underground storage tank (UST) system, and surrounding infrastructure. Read the full case study.

A 3D conceptual site model (CSL) of a gas station site showing canopies, underground utility lines, and color-coded pipes running below the surface.
GPRS data can be used to build the utility portion of a conceptual site model (CSM) to map migration routes, support stakeholder communication, inform remediation, and protect on-site teams and the environment.

Problem

  • The gas station lacked reliable as-built site data needed for environmental compliance, upgrade planning, and emergency response
  • The client did not have an accurate CSM to understand the likely contaminant fate and transport in the subsurface

Solution

  • GPRS Project Managers performed utility locating, video pipe inspection, leak detection, 3D laser scanning, and drone photogrammetry to document existing structural and subsurface conditions
  • The CADD/BIM Team delivered data in point cloud, 2D maps, and 3D BIM formats to improve planning, reduce uncertainty, and help the client avoid dangerous mistakes
  • The deliverables gave the client accurate site data to support drilling, leak assessment, and upgrade planning

Benefits

  • Infrastructure locating and mapping supports safer subsurface work, including soil borings and concrete coring for vapor pins, by reducing clashes and utility strikes
  • Accurate as-built maps and models help teams avoid damaging USTs, system components, and buried utilities during investigation and sampling
  • Site data stored in GPRS' SiteMap supports stakeholder access, leak response planning, CSM development, and more-informed remediation decisions

Accurate structural and subsurface information helps you reduce risk, improve coordination, and make informed decisions in complex project environments. GPRS provides field-verified data and full-site visualization to support safer planning, streamlined communication, and more efficient execution across upstream, midstream, and downstream work.

Let us help you digitize your oil and gas operations. What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is utility locating?

Utility locating is the process of identifying, marking, and mapping buried private and/or public utilities before excavation, drilling, or coring begins. Utility locating helps contractors avoid utility strikes, reduce clashes, and verify existing site conditions. GPRS can locate private and public utilities and provide digital utility maps with depth information for oil and gas projects nationwide. Learn more about GPRS’ Utility Locating Services here.

What is 3D laser scanning?

3D laser scanning is a reality capture method that records accurate existing site conditions that is then processed into one cohesive point cloud. General contractors use this method to document architectural, structural, and MEP systems for planning, clash detection, and facility modifications. GPRS’ CADD/BIM Team can turn that scan data into 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D mesh models, and virtual tours for easier field, design, and office coordination. For example, GPRS used 3D laser scanning for a midstream energy project to capture flange data for gas processing and transportation components so the client could speed up prefabrication and reduce field changes in this case study: 3D Laser Scans Gas Processing and Transportation Components.

What is the difference between BIM models and digital twins?

A BIM model is a detailed, static, digital model used mainly for design and construction, while a digital twin adds live data to show how an asset performs over time. BIM is most valuable during planning and building, and digital twins are most valuable during operations and maintenance. GPRS delivers 3D BIM models, which can serve as the building blocks to your digital twins. Learn more about the difference between 3D BIM models and digital twins here.

How does GPRS create a conceptual site model (CSM)?

GPRS creates the utility portion of a conceptual site model by collecting accurate field data on buried infrastructure and existing site conditions. That data can identify likely liquid migration pathways and potential voids where soil vapor could introduce additional hazards. SiteMap can then store a CSM and geolocated, layered utility data so stakeholders can quickly access and share current site records.

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Risk Mitigation for EV Charging Installation and Management

As the demand for EV infrastructure increases, so does the need for accurate, field-verified data. GPRS 99.8% accurate subsurface scans and reality capture deliverables provide the clarity needed to reduce risk and prevent rework when installing or renovating EV charging stations.
EV charging, EV charging stations, EV charging infrastructure, commercial EV charging, NEVI, NEVI formula program, EVSE reliability, EVSE, EV charger permitting, electrical capacity upgrades, smart grid technologies, utility locating, concrete scanning, reality capture, SiteMap, 3D laser scanning, augmented reality, video pipe inspection, directional boring, trenching

Privately owned and publicly operated EV charging stations continue to populate nationwide. Whether they are commercial EV charging stations owned by businesses or public charging stations owned by local governments, EV charging adoption is growing rapidly.

In 2016, there were 44,354 EV charging ports and 17,810 charging stations in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

As of March 2026, that number has more than quadrupled as there are over 270,000 charging ports and over 80,000 charging stations.

The Department of Energy claims the U.S. will need 28 million EV charging ports by 2030, growing the current infrastructure by a multiple of ten in only a few years.

Despite the exponential growth in EV infrastructure, there are rising concerns among EV drivers, installers, and managers.

A screenshot from the SiteMap Augmented Reality Feature showing a parking lot with multiple electric vehicle charging stations aligned in a row. Red virtual markers and lines are overlaid on the ground, and interface icons are visible at the bottom of the screen.
SiteMap is powered by GPRS’ 99.8% accurate subsurface utility data that helps keep projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What is the EV Charging Delivery Landscape?

Rising Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure  

The usage of public EV charging ports reached an estimated 141 million sessions in 2025, which marked a 30% increase year-over-year.

The increase in EV adoption indicates a higher demand for EV charging infrastructure. However, in 2025, charging sessions increased by 34% while new charging ports only grew by 16%, according to a ChargePoint report.

Nationwide efforts are taking shape as federal programs develop a national EV charging infrastructure network.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enacted the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program in 2021, where they allocated $5 billion for states to “strategically deploy electric vehicle (EV) chargers and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability.”

As the nation needs more charging stations at an increasingly faster pace, projects will require tighter timelines and higher reliability expectations to meet the demand.

A row of Rivian electric vehicle charging stations is shown along a curbside area, with charging cables attached and additional stations visible in the background.
The NEVI program was structured to run from 2022-2026, but the deployment of additional charging networks is expected not continue into 2027 and 2028.

Permitting Process

The installation of EV charging stations involves extensive permit requests.

Before installing anything, property managers must obtain the proper permits to avoid citations, fines, business closures, and public endangerment from improper practices.

There are different permits for residential and commercial projects. Account to workflow specialists, PermitFlow, the permitting process can take 1-4 weeks for residential projects and 4 weeks to multiple months for commercial, as it depends on the scope of work.

The permitting process for commercial buildings includes:

  • Site assessments conducted by a qualified electrical contractor that assesses the electrical capacity and layout of the property
  • Submitting detailed site plans like electrical schematics and load calculations to local government agencies
  • Inspections that ensure the EV station meets building codes

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Commercial EV’s Intricate Construction Process

Once officials approve the permits, the installation process can begin.

Installing EV charging stations involves:

  • Upgrades as needed to the existing electrical systems
  • Running electrical conduit
  • Installing protective bollards
  • Mounting the chargers to walls or support structures
  • Connecting the unit to the site’s electrical panel.

The process can take weeks to years, according to industry advocates like the Center for Sustainable Energy, depending on the scope of the job and how extensive the necessary upgrades are.

Cutting concrete, trenching, and directional boring is usually required for installation. Any time a project involves breaking ground, there is the possibility of striking utilities or other subsurface obstructions, especially if the utility information is outdated. According to Construction Dive, damage to buried utilities imposes more than $61 billion per year in waste and excess costs on communities.

Without accurate utility data, the chances of striking a utility line are very high, which can lead to massive delays, high repair costs, and potentially fatal injuries for workers.

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Insufficient Grid Capacity Poses Risk

One of the biggest obstacles when installing EV chargers is the lack of grid capacity.

Many locations lack the electrical capacity needed to support EV charging stations.  Because of this and the exponential rise in EV demand, building managers have no choice but to implement upgrades to electrical panels, transformers, and/or utilities to avoid missing out on the business of EV drivers. These upgrades are also very expensive and often slow to install.

The massive expansion of EV infrastructure is also affecting citywide grid systems. Uncontrolled charging during peak hours, like mornings and evenings, can strain electricity systems, leading to reliability issues.

However, there are initiatives in place like grid modernization efforts and the implementation of smart grid technologies to increase electrical capacity and use AI-based forecasting to monitor energy usage.

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Mitigating for Unreliable EV Charging Performance

There is a rising concern among EV drivers regarding the reliability of public EV chargers. A recent study conducted by Harvard Business School analyzed 1 million EV charging customer reviews across North America, Europe, and Asia.

In the study, drivers mentioned coming across broken or malfunctioning equipment often. In the U.S. specifically, drivers claimed that charging stations were less reliable than gas stations, having an average of one in five chargers not working properly.

One way that the U.S. is combating the unreliability label placed on EV chargers is through a three-pronged approach stated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in February of 2023. They planned to address the issue by:

  • Increasing the technical skills and qualifications required for electrical technicians working on Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
  • Requiring a charging station to be fully functional, connected, and available to recharge a driver’s vehicle at least 97% of the time
  • Requiring the data for error codes and the duration of an outage during any unsuccessful charging sessions
A row of modern electric vehicle charging stations lines a parking area, each with a tall, ribbed exterior design and accompanying signage, set against an open lot with buildings and trees in the background.
GPRS provides above and below-ground documentation to ensure projects meet safety and reliability standards.

How Can GPRS Support EV Infrastructure Projects?

GPRS offers a wide range of visualization services that make us a trusted resource in AEC industries.

The services GPRS Project Managers execute on job sites include utility locating, concrete scanning, reality capture, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and facility management via SiteMap® (patent pending).

Utility Locating

Striking underground utilities near EV charging sites can cause delays, outages, and severe safety risks. GPRS Project Managers maintain 99.8% accuracy on underground utility scans, using complementary technologies like GPR and EM locators to precisely identify public and private utilities. This level of accuracy helps EV projects avoid strikes and stay on schedule.

Concrete Scanning

Damaging a post tension cable can cost up to $30,000 to repair and lead to structural failure. GPRS concrete scanning provides 99.8% accuracy when locating post tension cables, rebar, and conduit. The Green Box Guarantee® confirms areas are clear of obstructions, allowing installers to cut confidently.

Reality Capture

Inaccurate as builts create major project risks. GPRS uses LiDAR based 3D laser scanners to produce millimeter accurate point clouds that our in-house Mapping & Modeling team can convert into 2D or 3D deliverables. Reality capture also supports utility locating and concrete scanning by documenting marked out sites and creating models of the subsurface infrastructure. Accurate as-builts reduce miscommunications and rework for EV charging projects.

Video Pipe Inspection

Cross bores can cause backups, pipe damage, and even explosions. NASSCO certified GPRS Project Managers use CCTV equipment to identify cross bores, along with pipe cracks and defects. All findings are communicated through NASSCO-compliant WinCan reports that help prevent new cross bores from forming during EV power line installations.

Leak Detection

Cooling systems for high power chargers must avoid leaks to prevent system failures and fire hazards. GPRS pinpoints leaks by using advanced acoustic equipment and offer routine water loss surveys to maintain system efficiency.

SiteMap

All the data collected from GPRS’ core services are also delivered to our clients via SiteMap, our cloud-based infrastructure management platform. With SiteMap, clients can securely access all their subsurface utility data 24/7. And depending on the access level, clients can share valuable information with their teams and shareholders to make sure everyone is properly informed.

Since 2025, GPRS has added additional layers to the platform to enhance the user experience and house more valuable data. Those additional layers include:

  • Sewer Layer: a single source of truth for wastewater and storm assets that include RTK geolocation accuracy and maps with full WinCan reports and in app video for each pipe segment
  • Reality Capture Layer: securely stores all point clouds, virtual walkthroughs, and Revit models geospatially all in one place
  • Augmented Reality: allows clients to walk their jobsite or facility and see their subsurface utilities in their physical space through the SIteMap Mobile App

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How Does GPRS Assist with the Project Lifecycle of EV Installations?

Pre Construction Planning

Highly accurate subsurface utility maps and as builts help eliminate risk when planning any excavations or renovations.

Design Process

LiDAR based 3D laser scanners produce millimeter-accurate 2D and 3D models of sites to help ensure projects progress on time and safely.

Construction

Utility and concrete scanning results provide the information needed to avoid utilities, rebar, post tension cables, and conduit when installing chargers or renovating existing infrastructure.

Post-Construction

All utility, sewer, and reality capture data is at the client’s fingertips 24/7 via SiteMap for them to access and reference during any future projects on site.

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CASE STUDY: GPRS Utility Locating Ensures Safety of Ohio EV Charger Installation

The 99.8% underground utility scans conducted by GPRS ensured the safe installation of electric vehicle chargers at an Ohio service station.

PROBLEM

  • An EV charging station installer was hired to install chargers at a service station in Cambridge, Ohio
  • There were no accurate as-builts of the buried infrastructure on the site
  • The installation needed to be completed with minimal disruption to the station’s operations

Solution

  • GPRS utilized electromagnetic (EM) locating and ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate and map the utilities on-site
  • The accurate, actionable data was uploaded to SiteMap® (patent pending), GPRS’ infrastructure mapping, and construction and facilities project management software application
  • The GPRS Project Manager conducted their investigation without disrupting the service station’s operations

Benefits

  • The installers were able to complete their work without striking any buried utilities, ensuring the safety of everyone on-site and the success of the project
  • Services at the station were able to continue without the disruptions that would have occurred due to destructive and expensive potholing
  • SiteMap ensured the entire project team had 24/7, secure access to the information they needed to avoid costly and potentially dangerous mistakes
A satellite image of a facility on the SiteMap platform with white, red, blue, and green lines representing subsurface utilities and the scan area.

Let us help power your projects with accurate, actionable data as you continue to power the future.

What can we help you visualize?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What GPRS deliverables come with EV charging projects?

Some deliverables clients can expect to receive when working with GPRS on EV charging infrastructure projects are:

How do contractors and subcontractors utilize SiteMap?

Contractors use SiteMap to access information directly on the job site. They can view utility locations, reports, and drawings on a tablet or laptop.

Example: Before digging, a contractor can open SiteMap to check where utilities are located. They can also use My Dig Board in SiteMap to draw layouts, mark dig zones, plan access routes, and update plans so everyone knows exactly where to excavate.

Having this information in the field saves time and keeps workers safe.

With the role-based access, Subcontractors can use SiteMap to see only the information they need for their jobs. This helps them understand where utilities and structures are located without confusion.

Example: A subcontractor installing electrical lines can look at SiteMap to see nearby utilities and avoid conflicts with other trades.

How does the SiteMap Augmented Reality feature work onsite?

The Augmented Reality feature shows your subsurface utilities in real space with 99.8% accuracy on your phone or tablet. It can only be accessed through the mobile app.

The convenience of viewing your utilities in a physical space allows for enhanced clarity during site walks and reduces risk while digging.

What is SIM?

Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utility lines.  All GPRS Project Managers are required to achieve SIM 101 certification, which requires 80 hours of hands-on training in a classroom setting and 320 hours of mentorship in the field. For reference, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) minimum training recommendation includes eight hours for training and 60 hours practicing GPR to achieve NDT Level 1 certification in ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning.

SIM requires the use of multiple, complementary technologies, like GPR scanning and electromagnetic (EM) locating, when locating buried utilities or scanning a concrete slab.

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Guide to Environmental Due Diligence

Explore how Phase I and Phase II ESAs uncover environmental risks and how GPRS provides utility locating, mapping, and support for safe sampling and remediation planning.
Environmental Due Diligence: Phase I & Phase II ESA Guide What is Environmental Due Diligence? Environmental due diligence evaluates a property’s environmental conditions and risks. Buyers, lenders, developers, and attorneys request on site reviews to understand potential liabilities, like contamination or hazardous materials, before they purchase, occupy, refinance, or use a property as loan collateral. When is Environmental Due Diligence Required? Environmental due diligence is often required before a real estate transaction and is also used for refinancing or construction loans. Commercial lenders and real estate professionals receive a full risk report on a property to understand its potential benefits, downsides, and environmental concerns that may affect value or liability. What is the Purpose and Process of Environmental Due Diligence? Environmental due diligence is a key part of any commercial real estate deal because it helps buyers and lenders understand whether a property has any environmental issues that could impact health, safety, or value. The process typically starts with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), which reviews the site’s history and current conditions to identify any potential problems. If the Phase I ESA raises concerns, a Phase II ESA may follow, involving soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm whether contamination is present. What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment? A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or Phase I ESA is completed to research the current and historical uses of a property as part of a commercial real estate transaction. The intent of the assessment is to identify if current or historical property uses have impacted the soil or groundwater beneath the property and could pose a threat to the environment and human health. If these issues are found, it presents potential liability for the lender and owner, as well as affecting the value of the property. It includes a visual site inspection, review of historical records and regulatory databases, and interviews with owners to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) performed to the ASTM E1527-21 industry standard, without sampling, testing, or physical, on-site sampling. What are Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)? A REC is the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products due to a release, conditions indicative of a release, or a material threat of a future release. Examples include leaking USTs, historical solvent releases (e.g., PCE/TCE), or chemical spills affecting soil, groundwater, or structures. What is the ASTM E1527-21? ASTM E1527-21 is the current industry standard for conducting a Phase I ESA. It defines the scope, methods, and reporting needed to identify RECs and to support compliance with federal All Appropriate Inquiries requirements. What is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment? A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) or Phase II ESA is an intrusive investigation performed when a Phase I ESA indicates potential contamination. It confirms the presence, type, and extent of hazardous substances or petroleum products through field sampling (e.g., soil, groundwater, and sometimes soil gas/indoor air), laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. The results provide decision ready evidence of environmental conditions and potential liabilities to inform property transactions, redevelopment, and risk management. What are the Key Components of a Phase II ESA? • Soil Sampling – Borings at multiple depths to evaluate contamination. • Groundwater Sampling – Monitoring wells to assess groundwater quality. • Surface Water/Sediment Testing – If applicable, testing nearby bodies of water. • Soil Vapor Assessment – Evaluates VOCs and potential indoor air risks. • Laboratory Analysis – Certified lab testing for metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, SVOCs, and other contaminants. The results from these tests help determine whether contamination is present at levels exceeding regulatory thresholds and if remediation or further action is necessary. ‍ Phase II Environmental Site Assessments & Phase II ESAs Quick Guide to Soil and Groundwater Sampling Groundwater and soil sampling are collected using drilling rigs, augers, or direct‑push probes. Soil is cored at specific depths to see what’s happening beneath the surface, while groundwater is collected through monitoring wells or direct‑push tools. These methods are designed to keep samples clean and accurate so they truly represent site conditions. What Are Soil Borings? Soil boring is a geotechnical investigation technique used to collect soil samples from below the ground surface. These samples are analyzed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, such as composition, density, moisture content, strength, and bearing capacity. The information gathered is crucial for designing safe and effective foundations for buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Soil borings are also used in environmental assessments to detect contamination, monitor groundwater, and evaluate the suitability of land for agricultural or industrial use. What is Groundwater Sampling? Groundwater sampling is the process of collecting water from below the ground, usually through monitoring wells or direct push probes, to test for contaminants and assess the quality, chemistry, or environmental impact of groundwater at a site. It provides reliable, representative data about what’s happening beneath the surface, helping environmental professionals evaluate contamination, track pollutant movement, and make informed decisions about cleanup, redevelopment, or regulatory compliance. How Can GPRS Support Soil and Groundwater Sampling? Identifying safe boring locations is difficult when underground utilities are unknown or poorly mapped. Drilling without clearance can cause strikes, injuries, delays, and added costs. GPRS provides accurate maps of public and private utilities using utility locating and video pipe inspection. We clear drilling locations in advance to protect your team and infrastructure. Reliable utility data reduces risk, supports efficient sampling, and helps your team maintain safety while in the field. ‍ Quick Guide to Soil Vapor Assessment Contaminants like petroleum and solvents can migrate as vapor and infiltrate buildings. A soil vapor assessment measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the spaces between soil particles. It identifies if toxic vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater are moving into buildings, posing health risks to occupants. This assessment determines the need for mitigation, such as vapor barriers or venting systems What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)? Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily. They can be found in common household products, such as paints, cleaners, adhesives, and industrial processes. They can impact indoor air quality and health, especially in enclosed spaces. What are Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)? Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are a group of human-made chemicals that easily transition between solid/liquid and gas phases at ordinary temperatures. Common in indoor environments, they include plasticizers, flame retardants, and pesticides found in furniture, electronics, and building materials, often contained in dust and on surfaces. What is Vapor Intrusion? Vapor intrusion (VI) occurs when volatile chemicals migrate from contaminated soil or groundwater into buildings. It can expose occupants to hazardous compounds and complicate transactions and redevelopment if not addressed. How Can GPRS Support Soil Vapor Assessment? Installing vapor pins requires drilling through slabs, risking conduit strikes and damaging reinforcements, especially in buildings with little to no documentation. GPRS SIM-certified Project Managers use concrete scanning and utility locating to identify shallow utilities and reinforcement before drilling. We support vapor intrusion investigations with subsurface data, mapping, and modeling. You get accurate data that reduces disruption, prevents strikes, and supports compliance with health and safety regulations. ‍ Quick Guide UST & LUST Investigations What are Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)? USTs are tanks and associated piping buried underground to store petroleum or other hazardous substances. They are commonly found at gas stations, airports, truck fleet refueling facilities, automotive service stations, dry cleaners, and industrial facilities. USTs must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent leaks and ensure environmental safety. What are Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)? LUSTs occur when underground tanks develop cracks, rust, or fail due to mechanical or structural issues. These leaks can release hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater, leading to significant environmental contamination. Read more about USTs and LUSTs. What is the Cause of Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)? • Corrosion: Older steel tanks are prone to rust, leading to leaks. • Structural Failure: Pressure changes and environmental stressors can cause tank deterioration. • Improper Installation: Poor installation techniques may contribute to early failure. • Accidental Damage: Construction and excavation activities can rupture tanks or piping. • Neglected Maintenance: Lack of routine inspection and repair increases the risk of leaks. How Can GPRS Support UST Investigations & LUST Locating and Mapping? GPRS uses utility locating to safely locate orphaned, abandoned, or active UST systems. We provide CAD maps and conceptual site models (CSMs)to support remediation and compliance. Fast, accurate data helps you reduce risk, protect property value, and make informed decisions during due diligence. What is a Conceptual Site Model (CSM)? A conceptual site model or CSM is a 3D rendering of the subsurface data at the site that allows visualization of preferential pathways for delineation of liquids and may identify potential voids where soil vapor could create additional hazards. Case Study: Gas Stations May Be Leaking Underground ‍ Quick Guide to Delineation and Remediation What is Delineation and Remediation? Delineation defines the extent of soil or groundwater contamination, ensuring it is mapped accurately. It includes taking soil samples, installing groundwater monitoring wells, and using analytical chemistry to find where contamination exceeds legal thresholds. Remediation is the cleanup, removal, or containment of those contaminants to protect human health and the environment. This can include treating the contamination on-site, such as injecting chemical agents into the ground or removing the contaminated material and treating it off-site. How Can GPRS Support Delineation and Remediation? Tracking contamination across soil, groundwater, or soil vapor can be complex. GPRS provides scalable solutions from utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection as well as 3D laser scanning, CAD mapping, and BIM modeling to meet the needs of your project. Precise data and efficient workflows help you save time, reduce costs, and make confident decisions that support reaching No Further Action (NFA) or regulatory closure. What is No Further Action (NFA) or Regulatory Closure? A No Further Action (NFA) letter, or regulatory closure, is a formal document issued by an environmental agency (e.g., EPA, state DEQ) confirming that a contaminated site has been sufficiently investigated and remediated to meet safety standards. It signifies that no additional cleanup is required, allowing for property closure, financing, or redevelopment. ‍ GPRS Utility Locating, Mapping, and Modeling Services If you’re managing environmental concerns, or planning soil borings, vapor pin installations, or UST investigations, accurate subsurface data is essential for safety and cost control. GPRS utility locating identifies underground utilities and UST components, helping you clear soil borings, install vapor pins, drill safely, and avoid damage. We provide a full suite of services, including utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, and 3D laser scanning, tailored to your project needs to support safe sampling, hazard identification, and remediation planning. Our custom utility CAD maps protect infrastructure, while Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) reveal potential contaminant migration pathways and guide your next steps. Deliverables are uploaded to GPRS’ SiteMap® GIS platform, giving you fast access to accurate data and insights to help you reduce risk, stay compliant, and make confident decisions. As a trusted leader in damage prevention within the environmental sector, GPRS provides dependable results from the initial investigation through delineation, remediation, and project completion. With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are prepared to mobilize quickly for projects across the United States. How can we support your environmental due diligence and Phase II ESAs?

Environmental Due Diligence: Phase I & Phase II ESA Guide

By Jen Britt, GPRS, March 2026

‍

What is Environmental Due Diligence?

Environmental due diligence evaluates a property’s environmental conditions and risks. Buyers, lenders, developers, and attorneys request on site reviews to understand potential liabilities, like contamination or hazardous materials, before they purchase, occupy, refinance, or use a property as loan collateral.

When is Environmental Due Diligence Required?

Environmental due diligence is often required before a real estate transaction and is also used for refinancing or construction loans. Commercial lenders and real estate professionals receive a full risk report on a property to understand its potential benefits, downsides, and environmental concerns that may affect value or liability.

What is the Purpose and Process of Environmental Due Diligence?

Environmental due diligence is a key part of any commercial real estate deal because it helps buyers and lenders understand whether a property has any environmental issues that could impact health, safety, or value.

The process typically starts with a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA), which reviews the site’s history and current conditions to identify any potential problems. If the Phase I ESA raises concerns, a Phase II ESA may follow, involving soil, groundwater, or air sampling to confirm whether contamination is present.

What is a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment or Phase I ESA is completed to research the current and historical uses of a property as part of a commercial real estate transaction.  

The intent of the assessment is to identify if current or historical property uses have impacted the soil or groundwater beneath the property and could pose a threat to the environment and human health. If these issues are found, it presents potential liability for the lender and owner and can affect the value of the property.

It includes a visual site inspection, a review of historical records and regulatory databases, and interviews with owners to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs). These tasks are performed to the ASTM E1527‑21 industry standard and do not involve sampling, testing, or any physical on‑site investigation.

What are Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)?

A REC is the presence or likely presence of hazardous substances or petroleum products due to a release, conditions indicative of a release, or a material threat of a future release. Examples include leaking underground storage tanks, historical solvent releases (e.g., PCE/TCE), or chemical spills affecting soil, groundwater, or structures.

What is the ASTM E1527-21?

ASTM E1527-21 is the current industry standard for conducting a Phase I ESA. It defines the scope, methods, and reporting needed to identify RECs and to support compliance with federal All Appropriate Inquiries requirements.

What is a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment?

A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) or Phase II ESA is an intrusive investigation performed when a Phase I ESA indicates potential contamination. It confirms the presence, type, and extent of hazardous substances or petroleum products through field sampling (e.g., soil, groundwater, and sometimes soil gas/indoor air), laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. The results provide decision ready evidence of environmental conditions and potential liabilities to inform property transactions, redevelopment, and risk management.

What are the Key Components of a Phase II ESA?

  • Soil Sampling – Borings at multiple depths to evaluate contamination.‍
  • Groundwater Sampling – Monitoring wells to assess groundwater quality.‍
  • Surface Water/Sediment Testing – If applicable, testing nearby bodies of water.‍
  • Soil Vapor Assessment – Evaluates VOCs and potential indoor air risks.‍
  • Laboratory Analysis – Certified lab testing for metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, SVOCs, and other contaminants.

The results from these tests help determine whether contamination is present at levels exceeding regulatory thresholds and if remediation or further action is necessary.

‍

Phase II Environmental Site Assessments

Quick Guide to Soil and Groundwater Sampling

Groundwater and soil sampling are collected using drilling rigs, augers, or direct‑push probes. Soil is cored at specific depths to see what’s happening beneath the surface, while groundwater is collected through monitoring wells or direct‑push tools. These methods are designed to keep samples clean and accurate so they truly represent site conditions.

GPRS Soil and Groundwater Sampling

What Are Soil Borings?

Soil boring is a geotechnical investigation technique used to collect soil samples from below the ground surface. These samples are analyzed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the soil, such as composition, density, moisture content, strength, and bearing capacity. The information gathered is crucial for designing safe and effective foundations for buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Soil borings are also used in environmental assessments to detect contamination, monitor groundwater, and evaluate the suitability of land for agricultural or industrial use.

What is Groundwater Sampling?

Groundwater sampling is the process of collecting water from below the ground, usually through monitoring wells or direct push probes, to test for contaminants and assess the quality, chemistry, or environmental impact of groundwater at a site. It provides reliable, representative data about what’s happening beneath the surface, helping environmental professionals evaluate contamination, track pollutant movement, and make informed decisions about cleanup, redevelopment, or regulatory compliance.

How Can GPRS Support Soil and Groundwater Sampling?

Identifying safe boring locations is difficult when underground utilities are unknown or poorly mapped. Drilling without clearance can cause strikes, injuries, delays, and added costs. GPRS provides accurate maps of public and private utilities using utility locating and video pipe inspection. We clear drilling locations in advance to protect your team and infrastructure. Reliable utility data reduces risk, supports efficient sampling, and helps your team maintain safety while in the field. Contact GPRS today to support your soil and groundwater sampling efforts.

‍

Quick Guide to Soil Vapor Assessment

Contaminants like petroleum and solvents can migrate as vapor and infiltrate buildings. A soil vapor assessment measures volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the spaces between soil particles. It identifies if toxic vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater are moving into buildings, posing health risks to occupants. This assessment determines the need for mitigation, such as vapor barriers or venting systems.

GPRS Soil Vapor Assessment

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily. They can be found in common household products, such as paints, cleaners, adhesives, and industrial processes. These compounds can impact indoor air quality and health, especially in enclosed spaces.

What are Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are a group of human-made chemicals that easily transition between solid/liquid and gas phases at ordinary temperatures. Common in indoor environments, they include plasticizers, flame retardants, and pesticides found in furniture, electronics, and building materials, often contained in dust and on surfaces.

What is Vapor Intrusion?

Vapor intrusion (VI) occurs when volatile chemicals migrate from contaminated soil or groundwater into buildings. It can expose occupants to hazardous compounds and complicate transactions and redevelopment if not addressed.

How Can GPRS Support Soil Vapor Assessment?

Installing vapor pins requires drilling through slabs, risking conduit strikes and damaging reinforcements, especially in buildings with little to no documentation. GPRS SIM-certified Project Managers use concrete scanning and utility locating to identify shallow utilities and reinforcement before drilling. We support vapor intrusion investigations with subsurface data, mapping, and modeling. You get accurate data that reduces disruption, prevents strikes, and supports compliance with health and safety regulations. Contact GPRS today to support your soil vapor assessment efforts.

‍

Quick Guide UST & LUST Investigations

What are Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)?

USTs are tanks and associated piping buried underground to store petroleum or other hazardous substances. They are commonly found at gas stations, airports, truck fleet refueling facilities, automotive service stations, dry cleaners, and industrial facilities. USTs must be designed, installed, and maintained to prevent leaks and ensure environmental safety.

What are Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)?

LUSTs occur when underground tanks develop cracks, rust, or fail due to mechanical or structural issues. These leaks can release hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater, leading to significant environmental contamination.

Read more about USTs and LUSTs.

GPRS UST & LUST Investigations

What is the Cause of Leaking Underground Storage Tanks (LUSTs)?

  • Corrosion: Older steel tanks are prone to rust, leading to leaks.
  • Structural Failure: Pressure changes and environmental stressors can cause tank deterioration.
  • Improper Installation: Poor installation techniques may contribute to early failure.
  • Accidental Damage: Construction and excavation activities can rupture tanks or piping.
  • Neglected Maintenance: Lack of routine inspection and repair increases the risk of leaks.

How Can GPRS Support UST Investigations & LUST Locating and Mapping?

GPRS uses utility locating to safely locate orphaned, abandoned, or active UST systems. We provide CADD maps and conceptual site models (CSMs)to support remediation and compliance. Fast, accurate data helps you reduce risk, protect property value, and make informed decisions during due diligence. Contact GPRS today to support your UST & LUST investigations with locating and mapping.

What is a Conceptual Site Model (CSM)?

A conceptual site model or CSM is a 3D rendering of the subsurface data at the site that allows visualization of preferential pathways for delineation of liquids and may identify potential voids where soil vapor could create additional hazards.

Case Study: Gas Stations May Be Leaking Underground

‍

Quick Guide to Delineation and Remediation

What is Delineation and Remediation?

Delineation defines the extent of soil or groundwater contamination, ensuring it is mapped accurately. It includes taking soil samples, installing groundwater monitoring wells, and using analytical chemistry to find where contamination exceeds legal thresholds.

Remediation is the cleanup, removal, or containment of those contaminants to protect human health and the environment. This can include treating the contamination on-site, such as injecting chemical agents into the ground or removing the contaminated material and treating it off-site.

GPRS Delineation and Remediation

How Can GPRS Support Delineation and Remediation?

Tracking contamination across soil, groundwater, or soil vapor can be complex. GPRS provides scalable solutions from utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection as well as 3D laser scanning, CAD mapping, and BIM modeling to meet the needs of your project. Precise data and efficient workflows help you save time, reduce costs, and make confident decisions that support reaching No Further Action (NFA) or regulatory closure. Contact GPRS today to support your delineation and remediation efforts.

What is No Further Action (NFA) or Regulatory Closure?

A No Further Action (NFA) letter, or regulatory closure, is a formal document issued by an environmental agency (e.g., EPA, state DEQ) confirming that a contaminated site has been sufficiently investigated and remediated to meet safety standards. It signifies that no additional cleanup is required, allowing for property closure, financing, or redevelopment.

‍

GPRS Utility Locating, Mapping, and Modeling Services

GPRS Utility Locating, Mapping, and Modeling Services

If you’re managing environmental concerns, or planning soil borings, vapor pin installations, or UST investigations, accurate subsurface data is essential for safety and cost control.

GPRS utility locating identifies underground utilities and UST components, helping you clear soil borings, install vapor pins, drill safely, and avoid damage.

We provide a full suite of services, including utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, and 3D laser scanning, tailored to your project needs to support safe sampling, hazard identification, and remediation planning.

Our custom utility CADD maps protect infrastructure, while Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) reveal potential contaminant migration pathways and guide your next steps.

Deliverables are uploaded to GPRS’ SiteMap® GIS platform, giving you fast access to accurate data and insights to help you reduce risk, stay compliant, and make confident decisions.

As a trusted leader in damage prevention within the environmental sector, GPRS provides dependable results from the initial investigation through delineation, remediation, and project completion. With a nationwide network of Project Managers, we are prepared to mobilize quickly for projects across the United States.

How can we support your environmental due diligence and Phase II ESAs?

‍

Have Questions?
‍
Matt Piper

Market Segment Leader - Environmental

Matthew.Piper@gprsinc.com
‍720-618-8453

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Nuclear Power Plant Utility Locating for Security Fence

GPRS mapped public and private utilities with GPR/EM to safely install a nuclear plant security fence, preventing strikes, ensuring compliance, and delivering SiteMap® digital maps.
When a nuclear power plant plans to install a new security fence, accuracy beneath the surface matters just as much as the precision above it. At a power plant on the coast of Lake Michigan, a general contractor required verified underground utility locations across dozens of targeted areas to safely construct a new security fence. This included planning for augered fence posts, surface set concrete blocks, and hydro excavated footers, all of which needed to be installed without causing utility strikes, service outages, or security incidents. GPRS Project Summary GPRS partnered with the power plant’s general contractor to provide utility locating and mapping to support the design and installation of a new security fence. This project required locating and mapping of dozens of work areas. GPRS delivered field validated digital maps that helped to keep the project safe, compliant, and on schedule. Objective: Support installation of a new security fence by locating and mapping public and private underground utilities across multiple work areas. Scope: Clearances for 30 areas in preparation for 4 ft. x 4 ft. concrete block installation; 2 areas planned for hydro excavated footers, plus 4 locations to check for buried concrete at fence posts. Technologies: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technology was used to identify all public and private utilities, including metallic and non metallic lines. Deliverables: Utilities were clearly marked on the surface using paint, flags, and other appropriate indicators. All findings were captured via GPS and delivered through SiteMap®, GPRS’ GIS platform, as CAD/PDF maps along with KMZ and SHP file exports. ‍ GPRS partnered with the power plant’s general contractor to provide utility locating and mapping to support the design and installation of a new security fence. The Challenge Security fencing at a nuclear power plant is subject to strict federal regulations designed to prevent unauthorized access, maintain continuous operations, and protect vital equipment. According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the security fencing at nuclear power plants requires a high-security, multi-layered perimeter designed to detect, delay, and defend, typically involving two 8-foot chain-link fences topped with barbed wire, separated by a sterile, monitored "no man's land" isolation zone. These barriers must meet NRC regulations in 10 CFR 73.55. Security barrier enhancements are often driven by intelligence updates and regulatory requirements. The NRC states that work near or within these zones must be planned to avoid creating vulnerabilities or triggering alarms. Before any drilling or excavation takes place, thorough subsurface due diligence is essential to safeguard the power plant. Because private utilities at power plants are not typically marked by 811, the site may contain high voltage feeders, water and storm lines, communication pathways, and other specialized plant systems that must be identified and mapped before work begins. Hiring a private utility locator is a critical step to prevent accidental damage to critical infrastructure during the installation of security barriers, because even a single utility strike can jeopardize safety, disrupt operations, and trigger compliance violations. Nuclear power plants also follow strict, multi layered personnel access authorization protocols to verify identity and ensure only qualified individuals enter secure areas. This process includes REAL ID–compliant identification, comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting, criminal history, credit review, and employment verification and approval only after completing required safety training and fitness for duty evaluations. The GPRS Approach: Utility Locating at a Nuclear Power Plant GPRS partnered with a general contractor to provide utility locating, mapping, and digital deliverables to prevent damage, injuries, and delays. The GPRS Project Managers on location at the nuclear power plant all passed the personnel access authorization requirements. GPRS Project Managers follow Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) to accurately locate, mark, and map underground utilities and concrete structures. SIM combines the expertise of highly trained technicians, each completing 320 hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom instruction, with multiple technologies, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating. This standardized approach consistently delivers a 99% accuracy rate, helping prevent costly and dangerous utility strikes. Once utilities are located, all findings are marked on the surface and captured with GPS for a complete set of digital deliverables in SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF maps, KMZ/SHP files, and a collaborative web viewer. This provided the GC and plant stakeholders with a single source of truth for planning excavation locations, confirming clearances, and sequencing work inside the nuclear power plant. Deliverables Field Markings: Paint and flags to guide crews in real time. Digital Utility Maps: Delivered through SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF, KMZ, and SHP for design teams and security stakeholders. Benefits Safe Excavation: Underground utility locating and mapping identifies the precise depth and position of utilities, mitigating the risk of accidental strikes during excavation, which can lead to electrocution, explosions, or hazardous leaks. It significantly reduces the danger to workers and surrounding communities. Preventing Costly Damages and Delays: Knowing the exact location of utilities prevents costly damages and emergency repairs, which can derail project schedules and budgets. Security Aligned Planning: Subsurface data supports construction sequencing that respects protected area controls and minimized potential system impairments. Regulatory Compliance: Accurate mapping provides documented evidence of due diligence, helping power plants comply with stringent federal and local safety standards. Shared Digital Maps: SiteMap® centralizes utility data so the GC, plant facilities, and security teams could coordinate from the same, current map. ‍ Once utilities are located, all findings are marked on the surface and captured with GPS for a complete set of digital deliverables in SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF maps, KMZ/SHP files, and a collaborative web viewer. Final Recommendations Effective planning and documentation are essential when upgrading security infrastructure at a power plant. To keep projects safe, compliant, and on schedule, teams must take a strategic approach to subsurface investigation and construction planning. First, plan with a security first mindset. Treat every fence upgrade as critical security work, ensuring construction activities align with the plant’s protected and vital area controls. This helps maintain regulatory compliance and prevents disruptions to sensitive systems. Next, insist on private utility locating. Because 811 does not mark most privately owned utilities within power plants, specialized locating is essential to avoid strikes to high voltage lines, water and storm systems, and other critical infrastructure. Finally, document everything thoroughly. Provide facilities and security teams with GIS ready maps, update them as conditions change, and ensure all stakeholders have access to current data for safe, coordinated decision making throughout the project lifecycle. Partner with GPRS for Safe, Accurate Project Planning With GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution. How can GPRS support your project?

Utility Locating for Power Plant Security Fence Installation

When a nuclear power plant plans to install a new security fence, accuracy beneath the surface matters just as much as the precision above it.

At a power plant on the coast of Lake Michigan, a general contractor required verified underground utility locations across dozens of targeted areas to safely construct a new security fence. This included planning for augered fence posts, surface set concrete blocks, and hydro excavated footers, all of which needed to be installed without causing utility strikes, service outages, or security incidents.

GPRS Project Summary

GPRS partnered with the power plant’s general contractor to provide utility locating and mapping to support the design and installation of a new security fence. This project required locating and mapping of dozens of work areas. GPRS delivered field validated digital maps that helped to keep the project safe, compliant, and on schedule.

Objective: Support installation of a new security fence by locating and mapping public and private underground utilities across multiple work areas.

Scope: Clearances for 30 areas in preparation for 4 ft. x 4 ft. concrete block installation; 2 areas planned for hydro excavated footers, plus 4 locations to check for buried concrete at fence posts.

Technologies: Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating technology was used to identify all public and private utilities, including metallic and non metallic lines.

Deliverables: Utilities were clearly marked on the surface using paint, flags, and other appropriate indicators. All findings were captured via GPS and delivered through SiteMap®, GPRS’ GIS platform, as CAD/PDF maps along with KMZ and SHP file exports.

‍

Nuclear Power Plant Utility Locating for Security Fence
GPRS partnered with the power plant’s general contractor to provide utility locating and mapping to support the design and installation of a new security fence.

The Challenge

Security fencing at a nuclear power plant is subject to strict federal regulations designed to prevent unauthorized access, maintain continuous operations, and protect vital equipment.

According to the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the security fencing at nuclear power plants requires a high-security, multi-layered perimeter designed to detect, delay, and defend, typically involving two 8-foot chain-link fences topped with barbed wire, separated by a sterile, monitored "no man's land" isolation zone. These barriers must meet NRC regulations in 10 CFR 73.55.

Security barrier enhancements are often driven by intelligence updates and regulatory requirements. The NRC states that work near or within these zones must be planned to avoid creating vulnerabilities or triggering alarms.  

Before any drilling or excavation takes place, thorough subsurface due diligence is essential to safeguard the power plant. Because private utilities at power plants are not typically marked by 811, the site may contain high voltage feeders, water and storm lines, communication pathways, and other specialized plant systems that must be identified and mapped before work begins. Hiring a private utility locator is a critical step to prevent accidental damage to critical infrastructure during the installation of security barriers, because even a single utility strike can jeopardize safety, disrupt operations, and trigger compliance violations.

Nuclear power plants also follow strict, multi layered personnel access authorization protocols to verify identity and ensure only qualified individuals enter secure areas. This process includes REAL ID–compliant identification, comprehensive background checks, including fingerprinting, criminal history, credit review, and employment verification and approval only after completing required safety training and fitness for duty evaluations.

The GPRS Approach: Utility Locating at a Nuclear Power Plant

GPRS partnered with a general contractor to provide utility locating, mapping, and digital deliverables to prevent damage, injuries, and delays. The GPRS Project Managers on location at the nuclear power plant completed the personnel access authorization requirements.

GPRS Project Managers follow Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) to accurately locate, mark, and map underground utilities and concrete structures. SIM combines the expertise of highly trained technicians, each completing 320 hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom instruction, with multiple technologies, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating. This standardized approach consistently delivers a 99% accuracy rate, helping prevent costly and dangerous utility strikes.

Once utilities are located, all findings are marked on the surface and captured with GPS for a complete set of digital deliverables in SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF maps, KMZ/SHP files, and a collaborative web viewer. GPRS provided the GC and plant stakeholders with a single source of truth for planning excavation locations, confirming clearances, and sequencing work inside the nuclear power plant.

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Nuclear Power Plant Utility Locating for Security Fence
Before any drilling or excavation takes place, thorough subsurface due diligence is essential to safeguard the power plant.

Deliverables

Field Markings: Paint and flags to guide crews in real time.

Digital Utility Maps: Delivered through SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF, KMZ, and SHP files for design teams and security stakeholders.

Benefits

Safe Excavation: Underground utility locating and mapping identifies the precise depth and position of utilities, mitigating the risk of accidental strikes during excavation, which can lead to electrocution, explosions, or hazardous leaks. It significantly reduces the danger to workers and surrounding communities.

Preventing Costly Damages and Delays: Knowing the exact location of utilities prevents costly damages and emergency repairs, which can derail project schedules and budgets.

Security Aligned Planning: Subsurface data supports construction sequencing that respects protected area controls and minimized potential system impairments.

Regulatory Compliance: Accurate mapping provides documented evidence of due diligence, helping power plants comply with stringent federal and local safety standards.

Shared Digital Maps: SiteMap® centralizes utility data so the GC, facility managers, and security teams could coordinate from the same, current map.

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Nuclear Power Plant Utility Locating for Security Fence
Once utilities are located, all findings are marked on the surface and captured with GPS for a complete set of digital deliverables in SiteMap®, including CADD/PDF maps, KMZ/SHP files, and a collaborative web viewer.

Final Recommendations

Effective planning and documentation are essential when upgrading security infrastructure at a power plant. To keep projects safe, compliant, and on schedule, teams must take a strategic approach to subsurface investigation and construction planning.

First, plan with a security first mindset. Treat every fence upgrade as critical security work, ensuring construction activities align with the plant’s protected and vital area controls. This helps maintain regulatory compliance and prevents disruptions to sensitive systems.

Next, insist on private utility locating. Because 811 does not mark most privately owned utilities within power plants, specialized locating is essential to avoid strikes to high voltage lines, water and storm systems, and other critical infrastructure.

Finally, document everything thoroughly. Provide facilities and security teams with GIS ready maps, update them as conditions change, and ensure all stakeholders have access to current data for safe, coordinated decision making throughout the project lifecycle.

Partner with GPRS for Safe, Accurate Project Planning

With GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution.

How can GPRS support your project?

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Schedule a Service
Request a Quote

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is private utility locating required at a nuclear power plant?

Because 811 does not mark most privately owned utilities inside a nuclear facility, specialized locating is essential to identify high‑voltage lines, water and storm systems, communications pathways, and other plant‑specific infrastructure. Accurate locating prevents dangerous utility strikes, protects plant operations, and supports NRC‑aligned security requirements during fence construction.

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What technologies does GPRS use to locate utilities safely in a high‑security environment?

GPRS uses a combination of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, supported by GPS mapping and deliverables through SiteMap®. This multi‑technology approach provides the accuracy needed to plan augered posts, concrete block placements, and hydro‑excavated footers without risking outages or system damage.

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How does GPRS maintain compliance with nuclear security and access requirements?

All GPRS Project Managers working onsite must meet the plant’s personnel access authorization requirements, which typically include identity verification, background checks, safety training, and fitness‑for‑duty screening. This ensures locating work can be completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the plant’s protected‑area and regulatory controls.

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Subsurface Risk Checklist

Get field‑verified data before drilling or excavation. Use this checklist to identify hidden utilities, reduce risk, and ensure safe, compliant construction decisions.
Subsurface Risk ChecklistBefore any drilling, excavation, or construction activity, understanding what lies beneath the surface is critical to preventing costly mistakes and ensuring site safety. Inaccurate utility maps, hidden utilities, unknown structures, and outdated as-builts can all create significant risk for your team. Use this checklist to identify project risks and get the field verified data required for confident, compliant decisions.1. Documentation & Records☐ Are utility maps or utility site plans available?☐ Are utility maps or existing records current, accurate, and complete?☐ Have abandoned or orphaned utilities been documented? ☐ Are there discrepancies between plans and field conditions?2. Utility Locating & Verification☐ Has utility locating (GPR, EM, or both) been performed? ☐ Have all public utilities been marked and verified? ☐ Have private utilities (electrical, telecom, water, gas, fiber) been located? ☐ Are depth, orientation, and material types known? ☐ Have conflicts, cross overs, or congested areas been identified?3. Structural & Concrete Considerations☐ Has concrete scanning identified rebar, conduit, PT cables, or sleeves?☐ Are slab thickness and reinforcement patterns known? ☐ Are safe drilling/coring zones clearly marked? 4. Environmental & Soil Conditions☐ Have potential contamination zones (soil, groundwater, vapor) been identified? ☐ Is a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) available or in development? ☐ Are groundwater levels, soil types, and subsurface pathways known? 5. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) & Infrastructure☐ Have active, abandoned, or orphaned USTs been located? ☐ Have stormwater, sewer, and drainage lines been mapped? ☐ Have VPI inspections been completed if needed? ☐ Are pipelines assessed for condition and structural integrity?6. Excavation & Drilling Safety☐ Are safe boring, coring, or excavation locations clearly identified?☐ Is the work area free of known strike hazards? ☐ Have depth and clearance tolerances been confirmed?☐ Has the team reviewed subsurface data prior to mobilization?7. Mapping, Models & Deliverables☐ Have updated utility maps (PDF, CAD, or KMZ) been provided? ☐ Are point clouds, 2D drawings, or 3D BIM models available if needed?☐ Is all subsurface data stored in a digital system? ☐ Are records accessible to all project stakeholders?8. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements☐ Are utility clearance and dig policies being followed? ☐ Is documentation available for due diligence or environmental compliance? ☐ Do safety procedures meet OSHA and local guidelines?☐ Are NASSCO certified assessments required (PACP/LACP/MACP)?9. Communication & Coordination☐ Has the field team reviewed subsurface findings? ☐ Are utility marks, scan results, or risk areas clearly communicated? ☐ Has coordination occurred with facility owners, contractors, and engineering teams? ☐ Is a GPRS Project Manager assigned and engaged?10. Final Go / No Go Readiness☐ All utilities and structures verified ☐ Safe drilling/excavation zones confirmed ☐ Data reviewed and documented ☐ Risk mitigation plan in place ☐ Greenlight to proceed safely‍Your Next Step: GPRS SupportOnce you’ve identified risks or missing information, GPRS is here to help you fill those gaps with accurate, reliable subsurface and site data.‍GPRS Services OverviewGPRS provides professional utility locating, concrete scanning, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and mapping & modeling services to support safe, accurate project planning and design. We are the only company in the U.S. capable of capturing your entire site, above and below ground, and delivering accurate as-builts, utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, virtual tours, WinCan reports, and more, all documenting architectural, structural, MEP, and subsurface conditions.All project data is delivered through SiteMap®, our secure, cloud-based GIS platform, providing 24/7 access to real time utility, structural, and water/sewer infrastructure data that can be easily shared with your team. With 25 years of experience, GPRS helps keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.‍GPRS SIM Certification ProcessEvery GPRS Project Manager completes our industry leading Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) certification. SIM is a rigorous training program created to ensure consistent, high-quality results in utility locating, concrete scanning, reality capture, VPI, and leak detection.Training Requirements Include:Utility Locating & Concrete Scanning: Use of multiple technologies (GPR + EM) with 320+ hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom instruction.Reality Capture: 40 additional hours of LiDAR focused training for 3D laser scanning.Video Pipe Inspection: NASSCO certification in PACP, LACP, and MACP standards.Leak Detection: Dedicated specialists trained in multiple acoustic and electromagnetic tools.SIM ensures every Project Manager, regardless of experience, delivers accurate, verified, and safety driven results that meet or exceed OSHA and local guidelines.‍Utility Locating ServicesGPRS locates, marks, and maps all subsurface utilities using ground penetrating radar GPR and electromagnetic locating technology including electrical, gas, water, sewer, steam, irrigation, and telecommunication lines prior to excavation to help prevent strikes, protect your crew, and avoid costly damage and delays. We deliver GPS enabled utility maps in interactive digital, CAD, PDF, or KMZ formats, complete with depths and attributes.‍Concrete Scanning ServicesOur non-destructive concrete scanning identifies rebar, post tension cables, beams, conduits, piping, and other embedded objects in concrete before you cut, core, anchor, or drill. With our Green Box Guarantee, any green boxed area is verified clear of obstructions. Concrete imaging can also be captured via 3D laser scanning and delivered as 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and virtual site tours.‍3D Laser Scanning ServicesGPRS documents exact architectural, structural, and MEP layouts using survey grade laser scanners to capture 2–4 mm accurate point clouds.Our Mapping & Modeling team converts this data into:• 2D CAD drawings• 3D BIM models• 3D mesh models• TruViews• 3D virtual toursThis gives you a measurable, model ready digital record of existing conditions.‍Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)Our VPI services use robotic crawler cameras, lateral launch cameras, and push cameras to assess water, sewer, and lateral pipelines. We provide NASSCO certified PACP/LACP/MACP assessments with full WinCan reporting, including exact defect locations, photos, videos, and severity ranking.‍Leak Detection ServicesGPRS leak detection specialists use acoustic leak detectors, leak noise correlators, video pipe inspection, GPR, EM, and more to locate leaks in municipal, industrial, and residential systems. We map findings and provide actionable insights into water distribution and fire suppression systems.‍Environmental Due Diligence & Sampling SupportSoil & Groundwater SamplingWe identify safe boring locations, clear drill sites, and map utilities to prevent strikes, delays, and added costs. Field verified utility data reduces risk and strengthens environmental investigations.Soil Vapor AssessmentWe scan for shallow utilities and reinforcement before installing vapor pins, especially in poorly documented buildings. Our data reduces disruption and improves safety and regulatory compliance.UST Investigations and LUST Project SupportGPRS locates abandoned, orphaned, or active UST systems, providing CAD maps and Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) to support remediation, compliance, and due diligence.‍Submittal LetterEach project includes a detailed submittal letter summarizing findings, technologies used, and instructions for reviewing all maps, models, and reports.‍SiteMap®: GIS Platform and AppSiteMap® is GPRS’ cloud based GIS platform delivering secure, 24/7 access to:Customized utility maps2D CAD drawings3D BIM modelsPoint cloudsVirtual toursNASSCO reportsAll above and below ground dataEverything is stored, organized, and instantly shareable with your team.‍Partner with GPRS for Safe, Accurate Project PlanningWith GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution.How can GPRS support your project?

Subsurface Risk Checklist

By Jen Britt, GPRS, April 2026

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Before any drilling, excavation, or construction activity, understanding what lies beneath the surface is critical to preventing costly mistakes and ensuring site safety. Inaccurate utility maps, hidden utilities, unknown structures, and outdated as-builts can all create significant risk for your team. Use this checklist to identify project risks and get the field verified data required for confident, compliant decisions.

1. Documentation & Records

  • ☐ Are utility maps or utility site plans available?
  • ☐ Are utility maps or existing records current, accurate, and complete?
  • ☐ Have abandoned or orphaned utilities been documented?
  • ☐ Are there discrepancies between plans and field conditions?

2. Utility Locating & Verification

  • ☐ Has utility locating (GPR, EM, or both) been performed?
  • ☐ Have all public utilities been marked and verified?
  • ☐ Have private utilities (electrical, telecom, water, gas, fiber) been located?
  • ☐ Are depth, orientation, and material types known?
  • ☐ Have conflicts, cross overs, and congested areas been identified?

3. Structural & Concrete Considerations

  • ☐ Has concrete scanning identified rebar, conduit, PT cables, and sleeves?
  • ☐ Are slab thickness and reinforcement patterns known?
  • ☐ Are safe drilling/coring zones clearly marked?

4. Environmental & Soil Conditions

  • ☐ Have potential contamination zones (soil, groundwater, vapor) been identified?
  • ☐ Is a Conceptual Site Model (CSM) available or in development?
  • ☐ Are groundwater levels, soil types, and subsurface pathways known?

5. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) & Infrastructure

  • ☐ Have active, abandoned, and orphaned USTs been located?
  • ☐ Have stormwater, sewer, and drainage lines been mapped?
  • ☐ Have VPI inspections been completed if needed?
  • ☐ Are pipelines assessed for condition and structural integrity?

6. Excavation & Drilling Safety

  • ☐ Are safe boring, coring, and excavation locations clearly identified?
  • ☐ Is the work area free of known strike hazards?
  • ☐ Have depth and clearance tolerances been confirmed?
  • ☐ Has the team reviewed subsurface data prior to mobilization?

7. Mapping, Models & Deliverables

  • ☐ Have updated utility maps (PDF, CAD, or KMZ) been provided?
  • ☐ Are point clouds, 2D drawings, or 3D BIM models available if needed?
  • ☐ Is all subsurface data stored in a digital system?
  • ☐ Are records accessible to all project stakeholders?

8. Compliance & Regulatory Requirements

  • ☐ Are utility clearance and dig policies being followed?
  • ☐ Is documentation available for due diligence or environmental compliance?
  • ☐ Do safety procedures meet OSHA and local guidelines?
  • ☐ Are NASSCO certified assessments required (PACP/LACP/MACP)?

9. Communication & Coordination

  • ☐ Has the field team reviewed subsurface findings?
  • ☐ Are utility marks, scan results, and risk areas clearly communicated?
  • ☐ Has coordination occurred with facility owners, contractors, and engineering teams?

10. Final Go / No Go Readiness

  • ☐ All utilities and structures verified
  • ☐ Safe drilling/excavation zones confirmed
  • ☐ Data reviewed and documented
  • ☐ Risk mitigation plan in place
  • ☐ Greenlight to proceed safely

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Your Next Step: GPRS Support

Once you’ve identified risks or missing information, GPRS is here to help you fill those gaps with accurate, reliable subsurface and site data.

‍

GPRS Services Overview

GPRS provides professional utility locating, concrete scanning, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and CAD & BIM services to support safe, accurate project planning and design.

We are the only company in the U.S. capable of capturing your entire site, above and below ground, and delivering accurate as-builts, utility maps, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, 3D virtual tours, WinCan reports, and more, all documenting architectural, structural, MEP, and subsurface conditions.

Each project receives a detailed submittal letter summarizing findings, technologies used, and instructions for reviewing all maps, models, and reports. All project data is also delivered through SiteMap®, our secure, cloud based GIS platform, providing 24/7 access to real time utility, structural, and water/sewer infrastructure data that can be easily shared with your team. With 25 years of experience, GPRS helps keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

‍

GPRS Utility Locating Services
GPRS provides professional utility locating, concrete scanning, 3D laser scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and CAD/BIM services to support safe, accurate project planning.

Utility Locating Services

GPRS locates, marks, and maps all subsurface utilities using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating (EM) technology including electrical, gas, water, sewer, steam, irrigation, and telecommunication lines prior to excavation to help prevent strikes, protect your crew, and avoid costly damage and delays. We deliver GPS enabled utility maps in interactive digital, CAD, PDF, or KMZ formats, complete with depths and attributes.

‍Learn more about GPRS Utility Locating Services.

Concrete Scanning Services

Our non-destructive concrete scanning identifies rebar, post tension cables, beams, conduits, piping, and other embedded objects in concrete before you cut, core, anchor, or drill. With our Green Box Guarantee, any green boxed area is verified clear of obstructions. Concrete imaging can also be captured via 3D laser scanning and delivered as 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and virtual site tours.

Learn more about GPRS Concrete Scanning Services.

3D Laser Scanning Services

GPRS documents exact architectural, structural, and MEP layouts using survey grade laser scanners to capture 2–4 mm accurate point clouds.

Our Mapping & Modeling team converts this data into:

  • 2D CAD drawings
  • 3D BIM models
  • 3D mesh models
  • TruViews
  • 3D virtual tours

3D laser scanning gives you a digital record of existing conditions.

Learn more about GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services

Video Pipe Inspection (VPI)

Our VPI services use robotic crawler cameras, lateral launch cameras, and push cameras to assess water, sewer, and lateral pipelines. We provide NASSCO certified PACP/LACP/MACP assessments with full WinCan reporting, including exact defect locations, photos, videos, and severity ranking.

Learn more about GPRS Video Pipe Inspection Services.

Leak Detection Services

GPRS leak detection specialists use acoustic leak detectors, leak noise correlators, video pipe inspection, GPR, EM, and more to locate leaks in municipal, industrial, and residential systems. We map findings and provide actionable insights into water distribution and fire suppression systems.

Learn more about GPRS Leak Detection Services.

Environmental Due Diligence & Sampling Support

Soil & Groundwater Sampling

We identify safe boring locations, clear drill sites, and map utilities to prevent strikes, delays, and added costs. Field verified utility data reduces risk and strengthens environmental investigations.

Soil Vapor Assessment

We scan for shallow utilities and reinforcement before installing vapor pins, especially in poorly documented buildings. Our data reduces disruption and improves safety and regulatory compliance.

UST Investigations and LUST Project Support

GPRS locates abandoned, orphaned, or active UST systems, providing CAD maps and Conceptual Site Models (CSMs) to support remediation, compliance, and due diligence.

Learn more about Environmental Due Diligence and Sampling Support.

GPRS SIM Certification Process

Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) certification.
Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) certification.

Every GPRS Project Manager completes our industry leading Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) certification. SIM is a rigorous training program created to ensure consistent, high quality results in utility locating, concrete scanning, reality capture, VPI, and leak detection.

Training Requirements Include:

  • Utility Locating & Concrete Scanning: Use of multiple technologies (GPR + EM) with 320+ hours of mentored field training and 80 hours of classroom instruction.
  • Reality Capture: 40 additional hours of LiDAR focused training for 3D laser scanning.
  • Video Pipe Inspection: NASSCO certification in PACP, LACP, and MACP standards.
  • Leak Detection: Dedicated specialists trained in multiple acoustic and electromagnetic tools.

SIM ensures every Project Manager, regardless of experience, delivers accurate, verified, and safety driven results that meet or exceed OSHA and local guidelines.

Learn more about Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) certification.

SiteMap®: GIS Platform and App

SiteMap® GIS Software gives GPRS customers control of your communications, workflows, record-keeping, and accountability. It provides a single source of truth capable of aggregating, tagging, geolocating, and layering existing subsurface and above-ground conditions to eliminate information bottlenecks, and reduce mistakes that lead to expensive clashes, change orders, reworks, and even serious injuries.

SiteMap® provides secure, 24/7 access to:

  • Customized utility maps
  • 2D CAD drawings
  • 3D BIM models
  • Point clouds
  • Virtual tours
  • NASSCO reports

All above and below ground data is stored, organized, and instantly shareable with your team.

Learn more about SiteMap GIS Platform.

GPRS SiteMap
With SiteMap, engineers, architects, construction teams, and facility managers get instant access to accurate project data to streamline design, construction, and maintenance.

Partner with GPRS for Safe, Accurate Project Planning

With GPRS as your partner, you gain the field verified data and expert support you need to eliminate guesswork, reduce risk, and keep your project on track. No matter the complexity of your site, we deliver the clarity needed to make safe, informed, compliant decisions, from planning through execution.

How can GPRS support your project?

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How GPRS Supports Power Delivery Projects

Explore today’s evolving power delivery landscape. Discover how GPRS provides the subsurface and structural data needed to reduce risk, prevent rework, and support safe, efficient grid construction and upgrades.

By Curtis Hoag, Market Segment Leader – Power & Amanda Zaslow, GPRS, March 2026

Risk Management for the Power Industry

Outdated substations and distribution systems pose a serious risk across today’s grid.

A single equipment failure can trigger a cascade of outages that disrupt entire regions. According to Construction Dive, damage to buried utilities imposes more than $61 billion per year in waste and excess costs on communities.

Meanwhile, demand continues to surge. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) report that data centers used about 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023. They might consume around 6.7% to 12% by 2028.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transmission spending has nearly tripled since 2003. Meanwhile, distribution investment has increased by about 160% through 2023.

DOE’s GRIP selections are directing about $2 billion to 38 projects. These projects will strengthen the U.S. power grid against extreme weather. They will also lower costs for communities and increase capacity.

What is the Power Delivery Project Landscape?

Rising Electric Demand in Power Generation

The power generation market is changing. Rising electric demand comes from electrification, new manufacturing, and data centers. Trends highlighted in the DOE 2024 GRIP program briefings and EIA data show that utility capital spending has experienced consistent growth over the last two decades.

According to DOE, “U.S. electricity demand is projected to account for data center expansion and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, domestic manufacturing growth, and electrification of different industries. DOE has anticipated this growing demand trend — it reflects robust industrial investments in America and national leadership on technology innovation.”

Despite these shifts, the portfolios are still a hybrid mix of nuclear, hydro, gas, coal, geothermal, and renewables.

Transmission Expansion and Uprates

Utilities and RTOs/ISOs focus on swapping conductors in busy corridors. They also work on line uprates and adding some new routes, which helps meet higher loads, connect renewables, and improve resilience.

Under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order No. 1920, regions use a 20‑year outlook with clear cost‑sharing rules and a tighter project‑selection process. The goal is to pick the builds that prove they deliver value.

What “value” looks like under the rule:

  • Production cost savings
  • Low congestion on key paths and interfaces
  • Lower loss‑of‑load risk or a smaller planning reserve margin for the same reliability target
  • Stronger performance in extreme weather events

Plus, there are other measured benefits like reduced electrical losses and better transfer capability across regions.

Substations and Grid Reinforcement

New transformers, switchgear, voltage support, and station rebuilds are being added across many systems. This work helps reduce congestion and integrate storage.

As previously mentioned, and according to ENR Future Tech, “DOE announced Oct. 18 nearly $2 billion for 38 projects in 42 states and the District of Columbia that will shore up the U.S.”

Recent federal awards focus on marquee transmission projects. These include almost 1,000 miles of lines and 7,100 MW of capacity. State plans, such as California ISO's (CAISO) portfolio, call for bus upgrades, new 500 kV yards, and series/reactor work tied to renewables and offshore wind.

Distribution Modernization and Undergrounding

Utilities at the distribution level focus on:

  • Covered conductors
  • Segmentation to isolate faults quickly
  • Feeder rebuilds
  • Underground installation in high-risk corridors

The Underground Transmission and Distribution Lines report from Energy.gov shows that, as of 2023, around 20% of distribution line miles are underground. This is an increase from about 18% in 2009.

Underground transmission at ≥200 kV still accounts for under 0.5% of total mileage.

The underground and overhead split helps teams focus on cost, schedule, and constructability. The split guides their decisions on where to dig and where to stay overhead.

Renewable Interconnections and Offshore Wind

ISO New England’s March 2025 screening shows the region can handle about 9.6 GW of offshore wind. This means it could fit around eight 1,200-MW projects without needing new transmission. However, this requires placing projects at the most suitable substations.

About 38% of major coastal substations evaluated may accept a 1,200 MW injection with no thermal upgrades. A smaller subset could host ~2,000 MW without add-ons.

To cut network costs, ISO-NE suggests moving some points of interconnections (POI) southward from Maine to Boston. They also mention that North-South interface reinforcements will still be necessary as electrification and northern generation growth increase flows.

The findings come from an N‑1 DC thermal steady‑state screen, which is useful for prioritizing POIs. However, stakeholders will still need full interconnection studies to ensure safety and reliability.

Emergency Restoration and Resilience Programs

Post-disaster work in wildfire areas now combines quick rebuilds with undergrounding and system hardening. This helps lower ignition risks and shorten outage times.

In January 2025, 14 major wildfires hit the Los Angeles area and San Diego County in California.

An article by HeySocal states that “Southern California Edison will install over 150 miles of underground electrical lines as part of a plan to rebuild infrastructure in wildfire burn areas.”

Southern California Edison’s (SCE) rebuild will place distribution lines underground where practical and leverage cutting‑edge technology to lower wildfire risk.

Power Infrastructure Construction Challenges

  • Limited Outage Windows: Limited outage windows and reliability coordination requirements compress construction and testing. Seasonal restrictions and NERC-mandated outage processes can lead to schedule conflicts. This may delay energization for multiple parties.
  • Tight Tie-In Tolerances: Tight tie-ins to existing bus, pipe, or cable allow little room for mistakes. Even a millimeter of misalignment can lead to rework, longer outages, and failed QA.
  • Unknown Embedded Conditions in Older Structures: Expect hidden duct banks, rebar, grout pads, sleeves, and patchwork repairs to surface only at demolition or coring.
  • Wildfire and Extreme Weather: Wildfires and extreme weather in transmission corridors raise outage and safety risks.
The Western Fire Chiefs Association states that “Between 2016 and 2020, electrical power networks caused 19% of the wildfires that occurred in those five years. With the growing risk of wildfires amid climate change, there is heightened concern about electrical power conductors igniting wildfires.”
  • Quality and Rework: One of the most hidden, expensive costs in construction is rework. Inaccurate as-built data can lead to costly delays and change orders.
‍Autodesk states that “poor project data and miscommunication on projects is responsible for 48% of all rework in construction in the U.S.”

How Can GPRS Support Your Power Delivery Projects?

From generation to the last mile of distribution, power delivery projects succeed when teams have accurate, field‑verified information, both structural and subsurface. GPRS delivers that clarity for your projects with reality capture, utility locating, concrete scanning, NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (VPI), and leak detection. And with SiteMap®, our secure cloud-based infrastructure management platform, you gain 24/7 access to all drawings, models, utility maps, and deliverables in one place.

Electric Utilities and their subcontractors are constantly looking for asset verification to help with their projects. Front end, GPRS has been proven over and over to help with the design of the projects, from underground utility identification to LiDAR and creating a BIM model for a substation or power plant. Once GPRS captures the existing conditions, all the information can flow down the construction pipeline into the execution phase of the project. Again, the findings and field markings can be updated with accurate information to help mitigate risk for line strikes or change orders. The ROI GPRS provides pays dividends throughout the entire life cycle of a construction project. – Curtis Hoag, Market Segment Leader – Power

Utility Locating

GPRS’ 99.8% accurate utility locating services give your team subsurface certainty across power plants, transmission corridors, substations, and distribution streetscapes. GPRS Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM)-certified Project Managers combine ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators (EM) to identify public and private utilities, abandoned lines, and unknowns before excavation or horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Our field‑verified utility maps and depth data help you avoid redesigns, relocations, and utility strikes that disrupt limited outage windows and tight tie‑ins. You can learn more about GPRS Utility Locating services here.

Concrete Scanning

GPRS concrete scanning services remove risk from coring, anchoring, and cutting in generation, distribution, and substation environments. GPRS SIM-certified Project Managers locate rebar, post tension cables, conduits, voids, and embedded utilities. This is done with high‑resolution GPR and complementary detection tools. GPRS’ Mapping & Modeling Team can export scans of the concrete to create accurate as-built models in a format you can easily work with and share with your team. You can learn more about GPRS Concrete Scanning services here.

Reality Capture

LiDAR-based 3D laser scanning produces millimeter‑accurate as‑builts, point clouds, and 3D BIM models. These deliverables power informed design and clearance studies across boiler rooms, turbine decks, and balance-of-plant areas. You receive precise documentation for design changes, clash detection, and informed decision-making throughout the construction and maintenance lifecycle. You can learn more about GPRS Reality Capture services here.

Video Pipe Inspection

Video Pipe Inspection (CCTV), performed by GPRS’ NASSCO‑certified technicians, scopes your sewers to locate clogs, identify cross bores, find structural defects & damages, and conduct lateral sewer line inspections. For power line installations beneath roads and neighborhoods, VPI NASSCO reports help to assess sewer conditions and identify defects. You can learn more about GPRS Video Pipe Inspection services here.

Leak Detection

Power projects often include water‑based fire protection systems and underground process/cooling loops at generation plants and substations. GPRS Project Managers use acoustic leak detection, GPR, and other complementary technologies to pinpoint pressurized water line leak. This helps you know exactly where to dig and fix it. You can learn more about GPRS Leak Detection services here.

SiteMap®

All your structural and subsurface information lives in SiteMap so that your team works from the same, current data set. This GIS-based infrastructure visualization platform stores your utility maps, concrete imaging, 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, NASSCO reports, virtual tours, and more. You can access this data 24/7, from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can learn more about SiteMap here.

A colorized 3D point‑cloud scan of an industrial construction site showing a large circular steel structure with radial support beams at its center. Surrounding platforms, scaffolding, and equipment are visible, with the point cloud rendering displaying vivid shades of red, yellow, green, and blue to indicate different elevations and surfaces.

The Benefits of GPRS Data

GPRS provides your team with reliable data. From grounding grid maps and LiDAR 3D laser scans to utility layouts, you can plan, build, and manage with confidence. Turn unknowns into knowns.

Avoid Utility Strikes

99.8% accurate utility locating and mapping of grounding grids, duct banks, and private utilities significantly reduces excavation damage across:

  • Substations
  • Transmission corridors
  • Public right-of-way (ROW)

Reduce Rework

Field-verified as-builts and 3D BIM models from LiDAR 3D laser scanning reduce guesswork. This information helps you with tie-ins and clearances, cutting down on change orders and schedule churn.

Reduce Step‑and‑Touch risk and Outage Time

GPRS maps grounding grids, duct banks, and buried conductors and delivers construction-grade, accurate point clouds. With this information, substation teams plan safe excavations, validate clearances, and execute expansions away from energized equipment.

Prevent Cross Bores

For power line installs beneath roads and neighborhoods, GPRS’ VPI Project Managers document sewer condition and defects to help you prevent cross bores. At power plants, VPI pinpoints internal defects, blockages, and structural issues within pipelines.

Wildfire Risk Management

BIM models are the building blocks of digital twins. Digital twins of overhead transmission lines help prevent wildfires. These digital replicas allow utilities to see the corridor clearly and forecast ignition risk with field‑level precision.

GPRS 3D BIM model of a power plant, featuring a tall central structure with multiple steel frameworks, pipes, and tanks. The scene includes large rectangular buildings on the left, a tall cylindrical tower with a platform on the right, and various equipment, walkways, and piping systems throughout the site.
While GPRS does not provide digital twins, our BIM models provide the foundational geometry and attributes to power your digital twins.

Coordinate with the Same Single Source of Truth

SiteMap gives owners, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPCs), engineers, contractors, and stakeholders 24/7 access to GPRS data, both aboveground and below. Let us help you improve collaboration and schedule certainty.

Case Study: GPRS Reality Capture Services Aid in Upgrades to Hydroelectric Dam

GPRS Reality Capture Project Managers captured high-fidelity existing conditions documentation for hydroelectric powerhouses using terrestrial 3D laser scanning to support planned upgrades.

Problem

  • Operators of a nearly century-old hydroelectric dam needed precise as-built documentation and 3D BIM models to reduce risks during upgrades
  • The dam sits in a remote and rural location
  • Each powerhouse spans multiple stories and is densely packed with mechanical and electrical systems

Solution

  • A GPRS Project Manager executed comprehensive 3D laser scans of the powerhouses and surrounding infrastructure
  • The Project Manager spoke with on-site personnel before scanning to understand the dam’s distinctive infrastructure
  • GPRS' in-house Mapping & Modeling Team registered the scan data and processed it into one cohesive point cloud, then produced a virtual walkthrough, 3D model, and floor plans

Benefits

  • Stakeholders plan and design from trusted existing conditions and will be able to limit site visits
  • Accurate geometry and documentation will minimize change orders, days, and costly overruns

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GPRS 3D BIM Model of a hydroelectric dam built into a rocky canyon wall. The image shows a multi‑level structure with rows of large rectangular windows, external pipes, stairways, and metal frameworks. A smaller attached building with a flat roof sits in front of the main structure. The surrounding terrain consists of steep, textured rock faces on both sides.
3D BIM models help architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders collaborate from one sheet of music to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making.

Every GPRS Project Manager is SIM‑certified. SIM is a structured, multi‑technology process honed in the classroom and in the field to produce the best non-destructive results. This methodology directly supports safer excavation and higher fidelity data on your power projects.

Let us help keep you on the grid.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is utility locating critical for power delivery projects?

GPRS utility locating services are vital for power projects. A single utility strike can stop work, cause outages, lead to last-minute redesigns, and cause serious injury or even death. GPRS’ 99.8% accurate utility locating services give project teams confidence before excavation or HDD. This helps your team avoid damage to buried utilities that already cost communities over $61 billion per year in waste and excess costs.

How does GPRS support safe construction and upgrades across substations, distribution systems, transmission corridors, and power plants?

GPRS provides a unified suite of subsurface and structural mapping services that reduce risk across every part of the power delivery network. In substations, GPRS locates underground utilities, grounding grids, and duct banks. This helps to ensure safe excavation and prevent strikes in brownfield environments.

Power generation facilities leverage as-built documentation, concrete scanning, 3D laser scanning, and pipeline assessments to support safe construction, design changes, and maintenance in complex, utility‑dense environments.

In transmission corridors, GPRS locates buried utilities and underground transmission lines with 99.8% accuracy to ensure safe tower placement and construction on both public and private properties.

For distribution and undergrounding work, GPRS maps existing utilities, scans concrete, and performs NASSCO‑certified VPI to prevent cross bores and avoid conflicts during pole or duct bank installations.

All data is delivered through the SiteMap. This is your single source of truth for utility maps, CAD drawings, BIM models, WinCan reports, and more.

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GPRS’ Green Box Guarantee Ensures the Safety and Success of Over 1,000 Concrete Cores for Apartment Renovation

GPRS Project Managers performed over 600 concrete scans with 99.8% accuracy to help a full building remodel stay on schedule.
concrete scanning, GPR, ground penetrating radar, rebar, conduit, post tension cables, renovation, Green Box Guarantee

GPRS Project Managers spent three months scanning concrete to provide clearances at more than 600 sites over 17 floors to guarantee the renovation of an apartment complex proceeded safely and on schedule.

Morley Builders began an extensive renovation of a nearly 60-year-old building that once served as a nursing home. The structure didn’t have air conditioning, had mold damage, and still contained asbestos, so they needed to perform a full remodel.

One aspect of the project involved over 1,000 concrete cores so they could run new electrical and communication lines throughout the complex. That was where GPRS came in.

GPRS had not previously worked with Morley Builders, so Project Manager Adrian Orozco started with a few scans to show them our process and results.

“They saw that I was able to help them out, so there was some trust being built,” Orozco explained. “Being able to supply what they need and being able to communicate with their superintendent, we were able to come to an agreement on how long they needed me to be there.”

GPRS Project Manager Adrian Orozco
GPRS Project Manager Adrian Orozco is trained in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) which involves the use of complementary technologies to make sure all findings are accurate.

Orozco was then tasked with scanning concrete on every level of the 17-story building. By using ground penetrating radar (GPR), Orozco provided clearances at each requested area to ensure they could safely cut into the concrete.

He marked his findings on the concrete’s surface with red, blue, and green markers. When Orozco was confident he’d located an area free of obstruction, he marked the area with GPRS’ trademark green box and check mark, showing it would be safe to cut or core within that green box. This is known as GPRS’ Green Box Guarantee®. When a Project Manager marks a slab with a green box, we are so confident in our scan data that, if we’re wrong, we will pay for the material costs of the damage.

A concrete floor with visible piping on the wall in the background. On the slab are red, black, and green markings. The red lines consist of perpendicular lines with multiple diagonal lines in between that represent post tension cables. There are similar markings in black but of smaller size. There are also words written in black like, “PT CABLE,” and “POST TENSION.” There are four green boxes with green check marks representing GPRS’ Green Box Guarantee.
GPRS Project Managers maintain an industry-leading 99.8% accuracy rate when scanning concrete.

Within the first week, Orozco’s results showed that some of the areas they planned on coring were too congested with post tension cables for them to drill into.  

If the client hadn’t had GPRS-verified data marked out in front of them, they would have cored into those areas, struck PT cables, and the project would have faced larger issues than a few months of delays.

A single severed post-tension cable can cost upwards of $30,000 to repair or replace, and it can also lead to structural failure that endangers the lives of not only those completing the work but anyone in the immediate area.

For most of the three-month job, Orozco was a one-man show, but he did call in help from fellow Project Manager Joseph Hertada, Area Manager Ryan Hanahan, and two PM trainees for a few days.

Orozco developed a massive collection of photos from the job over the course of the job.

“I have over 600 images in my gallery for just that job because I like to keep an album for big jobs like this,” Orozco explained.

Even though GPRS Project Managers have maintained a 99.8% accuracy rate on concrete scans with GPR, there are some limitations of GPR that must be considered. Some factors that could affect GPR when scanning concrete include electromagnetic interference from nearby electronic devices, the depth & size of the target, and moisture content since GPR is often more successful in dry conditions.

After GPRS cleared more than 600 locations and Morley successfully performed over 1,000 cores, Orozco noted only two incidents. Despite the hiccup in production these moments caused, the outcomes ultimately served the project in the long run.

“We were limited to how much we could scan, because of a stud rail that they had placed,” Orozco explained. “Unfortunately, perfectly aligned below the stud row, there was a J-box where the conduit was running right beneath the slab. So, they had asked why we weren't able to locate it and I explained to them the limitations of GPR. Because of this, they cut out every single stud row for every wall they were going to cut out to avoid that.”

The one other issue occurred when a subcontractor dug in an area Orozco’s team had marked unsafe.

“The subcontractor saw the area they needed to core and dug even though I marked the area in red,” Orozco explained. “It turned off all the lights in the whole room. The client was understandably upset as they had thought something was mismarked, but they got up there and saw for themselves what was laid out already.”

Both of these unusual incidents allowed the client to address an anomaly in their planning and make sure their subcontractors know to trust the markings presented by GPRS.

A concrete floor with a wall under construction in the background in the background. On the slab are red, black, and green markings. The red lines consist of perpendicular lines with multiple diagonal lines in between that represent post tension cables. There are similar markings in black but of smaller sizes. There are also words written in black like, “PT CABLE,” and “POST TENSION.” There are four green boxes with green check marks representing GPRS’ Green Box Guarantee.

After all his time with GPRS, Orozco couldn’t help but marvel at the scale of work he had completed.

“I’ve been with the company for two years and this is the biggest job I’ve done,” Orozco explained. “This was a three-month job and each floor was around 250 square feet. We’re looking at over 4,000 square feet of space scanned, at least.”

Upon the completion of the job, Morley was so thrilled with the results that they have already requested to work with GPRS again on more projects.

“We were able to get them up to date on their quota and they want to continue working with us,” Orozco explained. “They have a second project, another apartment renovation, and they want us to solely be their scanners on site for that job.”

From apartments to arenas, GPRS Visualizes Your Built World®—above, below, and beyond—to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Schedule a Service
Request a Quote

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does GPRS contribute to jobsite safety in construction?

GPRS’ #1 focus is safety and part of our mission is the pursuit of 100% subsurface damage prevention because sending your team home safe and sound every day is the most important job we can help you do.

Our Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) provides the gold standard in underground utility locating and concrete scanning, so we can help you ensure your team is clear to cut, core, or drill with confidence. Our Video Pipe Inspection services provide NASSCO-compliant PACP-coded defect and condition reporting, pipe locations, and more. And, our reality capture services provide 2-4 millimeter-accurate structural measurements to help you avoid clashes, reworks, and downtime. Because when you know what’s hidden/underneath, you can build more safely.

Can GPR scan concrete slab-on-grade?

Yes, it can. Unlike with X-ray, where both sides of a concrete slab must be accessible to obtain a picture of the subsurface structure, GPR only requires access to one side of a slab to obtain a comprehensive view of what’s inside the slab. This makes it an ideal technology for evaluating concrete slab-on-grade.

Can GPRS scan vertical surfaces or ceilings?

Yes, GPR can scan for the location of rebar in concrete columns and walls. It can also scan the underside of a floor to mark out the reinforced steel and any embedded conduits.

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Concrete Scanning

AT&T Stadium Preps for FIFA World Cup with GPRS Verified Data

GPRS provided our guaranteed concrete scanning clearances and data to keep AT&T Stadium’s FIFA 2026 preparations on track.
concrete scanning, GPR, ground penetrating radar, FIFA, FIFA World Cup, AT&T Stadium, NFL, precast stadium seating, rebar, conduit, post tension cables

GPRS’ 99.8% accurate concrete scans kept all strikes on the field, and not under it, when asked to help Dallas’ AT&T Stadium prepare to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In June of 2022, the home of the Dallas Cowboys was chosen to host nine soccer matches for the global event.

A white and black truck with GPRS branding on it is in a parking lot outside of AT&T Stadium.
GPRS has over 500 Project Managers that assist with projects across the United States.

In preparation for the games, Lindamood, Inc. was tasked with expanding the field area. FIFA soccer fields are typically 20-25 yards wider than NFL fields, so they needed to make the necessary renovations to accommodate those regulations. While the wider field represented only one piece of the stadium’s multi-year, 300-million-dollar restoration project, it played a role in the finishing touches that the client needed to execute closer to the first game that would be played on June 14, 2026.

In January of 2026, the Dallas Cowboys’ season officially ended when they were eliminated from playoff contention. This meant it was time to make the final renovations to the stadium for the other football games to come this summer. This is where GPRS comes in.

Dean Sturt was one of the GPRS Project Managers on site. He explained the following when asked what renovations they had planned and how GPRS’ concrete scanning services helped.

“Basically, what they're doing is chopping out the corners of the stands, which were all precast,” Sturt explained. “They're all precast panels and had pillars and beams that those precast panels would sit on. Then, the bleachers were all anchored to those precast panels. Our job was marking out all that rebar below it to make it easier for them when they anchor into those stands to pull them out, so that they're not hitting that rebar.”

Anchoring into concrete is the process of fastening objects or structures to concrete with specialized hardware. This process entails drilling appropriately sized holes into the concrete, inserting the specific anchor, and tightening or bonding it until the connection is secure. Because it can ensure the area is stable, anchoring is widely used when installing mass amounts of stadium seating that will deal with mass amounts of foot traffic.

When drilling into concrete, cutting through rebar or other reinforcements like conduits and post tension cables can lead to costly repairs, project delays, and serious injuries. That’s why GPRS highly recommends hiring concrete scanning professionals before cutting or coring into any slab.

The client didn’t have any current plans or as-built drawings that would indicate where any rebar is located.

Sturt and the other field team members utilized ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate the subsurface rebar.

Four GPRS Project Managers wearing high visibility clothing. Each of them are holding equipment like a tablet, a straight edge, and ground penetrating radar (GPR).
GPRS Project Managers boast a 99.8% accuracy rate on concrete and underground utility scans thanks to the training process of Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM).

All GPRS Project Managers undergo hundreds of hours of training in the field and classroom settings to learn how to properly read GPR results.  These results populate onto a tablet and are displayed through many hyperbolas that are used to assess what’s beneath the slab. To the untrained eye, it can seem like nothing. To the well-trained eyes of our elite team of visualization professionals, they paint a clear picture of where it is and isn’t safe to dig, cut, or drill.

They marked their findings on the surface using red markers. Through a post scan site walk and the information provided in the Job Summary Report, our field team was able to communicate the safest way to anchor into the slabs and remove the necessary seating areas safely and efficiently.

Seating areas with concrete floors and stairs that have red lines marked out to represent subsurface rebar. A GPRS Project Manager stands at the bottom row of the seats wearing a high visibility vest, jeans, and a black baseball hat. Beyond the seats is a portion of the Dallas Cowboys field and endzone.

From sewer to stadiums to skyscrapers, GPRS Visualizes the Built World® above- and below-ground to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Schedule a Service
Request a Quote

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does GPRS contribute to jobsite safety in construction?

GPRS’ #1 focus is safety and part of our mission is the pursuit of 100% subsurface damage prevention because sending your team home safe and sound every day is the most important job we can help you do.

Our Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) provides the gold standard in underground utility locating and concrete scanning, so we can help you ensure your team is clear to cut, core, or drill with confidence. Our Video Pipe Inspection services provide NASSCO-compliant PACP-coded defect and condition reporting, pipe locations, and more. And, our reality capture services provide 2-4 millimeter-accurate structural measurements to help you avoid clashes, reworks, and downtime. Because when you know what’s hidden/underneath, you can build more safely.

Can GPR scan concrete slab-on-grade?

Yes, it can. Unlike with X-ray, where both sides of a concrete slab must be accessible to obtain a picture of the subsurface structure, GPR only requires access to one side of a slab to obtain a comprehensive view of what’s inside the slab. This makes it an ideal technology for evaluating concrete slab-on-grade.

Can GPRS scan vertical surfaces or ceilings?

Yes, GPR can scan for the location of rebar in concrete columns and walls. It can also scan the underside of a floor to mark out the reinforced steel and any embedded conduits.

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Concrete Scanning

Texas Substation Safely Installs Communications Tower with GPRS Verified Data

GPRS SIM-certified Project Managers verified the location of a grounding grid and other utilities, so the client can dig safely and avoid strikes.
grounding grid, substation, power, electrical substation, communication, communication tower, utility locating, electrical line, SiteMap, GPR, ground penetrating radar, EM locator, electromagnetic locator, risk management, induction clamp

GPRS’ 99.8% accurate underground utility scans provided an electrical substation in Austin, Texas the confidence needed to safely dig on site.

S&K Electrical needed to install a new communications tower and contacted GPRS to help make sure they did it safely.

Project Manager Daniel Reis went on site to provide accurate utility locations and excavation clearances for the proposed installation site.

A dirt and gravel site with power transformers in the background. On the ground are some red lines in the shape of a cross made from red spray paint. Also written in red spray paint within the red cross is “1’-2’.”
Striking an electrical line or grounding grid during excavation could lead to project delays, widespread power outages, or fatal worker electrocutions.

Before the installation, they needed to know the locations and depths of an underground electrical line and the substation’s grounding grid. Without this information, the risk of a line strike is very high.

Another utility locating company had provided information on a buried electrical line, but S&K needed verification, so they brought Reis out to verify the location of both the electrical line and the grounding grid before they broke ground.

“They had an idea of where it was at, but they wanted to make sure they knew where it was at before they started digging,” Reis explained. “So, I was able to tell them with certainty, ‘the grounding grid is right here, it crosses here, and here's the grid pattern.’ That's pretty much where they figured, but they needed to know for certain what they were dealing with.”

Reis used ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locators, and induction clamps to meet the client’s requests.

A black and yellow induction clamp wrapped around a brown pipe that is attached to a brown brick building.
Induction clamps are used regularly by GPRS Project Managers to apply a tracing signal to pipes or conduits.

Induction clamps assist with the location of power or electrical lines when it is placed around a pipe or cable that is grounded at both ends to induce a frequency. EM locators can trace the frequency produced by the clamps, allowing PMs to precisely map the locations and depths of grounded subsurface utilities.

GPRS Project Managers are trained in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM). A main principle of SIM is that all PMs use complementary technologies. This helps them sustain 99.8% accurate underground utility scans. GPR and EM locators are a prime example of that as they each have capabilities that, when combined, ensure accurate results.

Reiss used the same combination of technologies to verify the location of the grounding grid. He marked all his findings with red spray paint, including the depths of the subsurface utilities.

Reiss also conducted a post-scan site walk with the client to explain his findings and ensure they know where it is, and isn’t, safe to break ground.

Since spray paint doesn’t last forever, Reiss used GPS positioning to create a map of his findings and uploaded them into SiteMap® (patent pending) for the client to review at a moment's notice. SiteMap is GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure management platform that securely stores our clients’ site data in one place to allow for better communication across teams and fewer delays caused by utility strikes.

A satellite image from the SiteMap platform of a light grey area depicting a substation. White lines are used to represent the scanned area with red and green lines within it representing an electrical line and a grounding grid.
With the scan results in SiteMap, they can analyze and reference the data during projects in the future.

Thanks to Reiss’ precise and timely results, the client was able to dig with confidence and knows they can rely on data provided by GPRS.

“They were really pleased that I was able to get out there so quick and get them everything that they needed,” Reiss explained. “Since then, I've gotten phone calls directly from them asking me for future locates.”

From substations to skyscrapers, GPRS Visualizes the Built World® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Schedule a Service
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of deliverables do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service. GPRS also uses Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) Positioning and Robotic Total Stations (RTS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services.

How does GPRS contribute to jobsite safety in construction?

GPRS’ #1 focus is safety and part of our mission is the pursuit of 100% subsurface damage prevention because sending your team home safe and sound every day is the most important job we can help you do.

Our Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) provides the gold standard in underground utility locating and concrete scanning, so we can help you ensure your team is clear to cut, core, or drill with confidence. Our Video Pipe Inspection services provide NASSCO-compliant PACP-coded defect and condition reporting, pipe locations, and more. And, our reality capture services provide 2-4 millimeter-accurate structural measurements to help you avoid clashes, reworks, and downtime. Because when you know what’s hidden/underneath, you can build more safely.

What is SIM?

Subsurface Investigation Methodology is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utility lines.  It is also the standard GPRS requires for its Field Team and Project Managers.

SIM-certified utility locators provide superior results including GPRS’ industry leading 99.8% accuracy rate on scans from hundreds of thousands of projects.

SIM’s purpose is to yield precise results and lower hit rates through its three primary elements: experience-based training, technological strategies, and comprehensive methods.

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A picture of a house with the words Industrial Revolution 4.0. - GPRS Images

Industry 4.0 Explained: How to Build Your Digital Foundation

The Fourth Industrial Revolution is redefining how AEC firms design, build, and manage projects with 2D CAD maps, 3D BIM models, and real-time data.
Industry 4.0, Fourth Industrial Revolution, 3D BIM Models, Point Clouds, SiteMap, Maps and Models, Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, IoT

What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

According to IBM, Industry 4.0, or the Fourth Industrial Revolution, is “the realization of the digital transformation of the [manufacturing], delivering real-time decision-making, enhanced productivity, flexibility, and agility to revolutionize the way companies manufacture, improve, and distribute their products.”

The digital wave doesn’t just affect the manufacturing industry, it also impacts the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

“In response, forward-thinking firms are increasingly adopting new tools to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape,” states Sandesh Joshi, Founder & CEO of Indovance Inc.

For GPRS’ customers, the practical meaning is straightforward. You need digital as-builts of your building or facility to outsmart the unknowns and keep your projects moving.  

The answer is to create a digital foundation that begins with accurate, accessible as-built drawings, 3D BIM models, and 2D CAD maps. Advanced tools such as Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, artificial intelligence (AI) analytics, and digital twins deliver full value only when accurate project information is available at your fingertips.

When it comes to the AEC industry, this means moving beyond traditional methods and adopting reality capture deliverables. Technologies like 3D laser scanning and BIM modeling link the physical and digital worlds. Digital data is a key component of Industry 4.0 because it enables better planning, fewer surprises, and informed decision-making. Read on to learn how to build that foundation and stay on the cutting edge of the latest Industrial Revolution.

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What is the History of Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 did not appear overnight. It’s the newest chapter in a long story of industrial modernization. Manufacturing shifted from manual craft to mechanized power, and then mass production moved to programmable automation. Now, manufacturers use cyber-physical systems, also known as cybersecurity, to link assets, data, and decisions in real time. This timeline explains how today’s transformation focuses more on building reliable maps, models, and user-friendly data than on purchasing faster machines.

The First Industrial Revolution: Mechanization and Steam Power

The late 18th and early 19th centuries introduced mechanization through water and steam power, which enabled factories to scale output beyond human and animal labor. Steam engines and mechanical looms changed handmade work into high-volume machine production. Finished goods could now be made with much less manual labor.

The Second Industrial Revolution: Electricity and Assembly Lines

By the late 19th century, the Second Industrial Revolution introduced the use of oil, gas, and electric power, along with assembly lines.

This period also marked the rise of standardized processes and global trade expansion, driven by the widespread adoption of cars, ships, and airplanes.

The Third Industrial Revolution: Digital Technology and Automation

The Third Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 or the Digital Revolution, began in the middle of the twentieth century. Unlike the first two revolutions, which depended on mechanical and electrical energy, digital technology changed the game in Industry 3.0. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, and early automation systems allowed factories to achieve precision and continuous digital data management. This era also saw the rise of computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing.

The main technologies of Industry 3.0 included:

  • Personal computers (PCs)
  • Industrial robots
  • CNC systems
  • Computer networks

The Fourth Industrial Revolution: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, and the Internet of Things

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, currently known as Industry 4.0, started in the early 21st century. This revolution does not focus on a single technology. Instead, this era combines many fields like physics, digital technology, and biology. This mix creates a new way to make and use products. The system is smart, connected, and can work on its own using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing.

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What Are the Components of Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 includes several core technologies that work together to create smart, connected, and efficient systems.

What Part Does The Internet of Things (IoT) Play?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a big part of what makes smart factories tick. Picture this – the factory floor machines loaded with sensors, each having its own IP address, so they can connect to other web-enabled devices with ease.

  • Benefit: Helps monitor equipment and reduce downtime

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a cornerstone of Industry 4.0 because it links engineering, supply chain, production, sales, and service. The cloud stores and processes large amounts of data fast and at a lower cost.

  • Benefit: Cuts IT costs and scales with business growth

The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essentially a machine’s ability to perform cognitive functions we usually associate with human minds – things like perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with the environment, solving problems, and even showing creativity. Chances are, you’ve already interacted with AI without realizing it. Voice assistants like Siri and Alexa? Powered by AI. Those helpful chatbots that pop up on websites? Also, AI at work.

Now, machine learning, a branch of AI, takes this concept further by enabling systems to learn from data, identify patterns, and improve over time through experience rather than explicit programming.

Deep learning pushes the boundaries even more, using neural networks inspired by the human brain to process images, text, and audio.

A hand reaches toward a glowing digital circuit with a neural network icon at the center and the words ‘Machine Learning’ on a blue futuristic background.
Machine Learning is what powers facial recognition, advanced chatbots, and generative AI tools.
  • Benefit: Boosts efficiency and prevents costly breakdowns

Edge Computing

Edge computing analyzes data at its source or “edge,” which eliminates delays and enables immediate action when safety or quality issues arise with manufacturing equipment. This component keeps data close to its origin, which reduces exposure and strengthens security.

  • Benefit: Enables real-time decisions and improves safety

Cybersecurity

Industry 4.0 connects machines and systems across the factory floor, creating a highly integrated environment. This level of connectivity introduces potential entry points for attacks and malware. Cybersecurity protects IT infrastructure and operational equipment from threats and minimizes risks.

  • Benefit: Reduces the risks of cyberattacks and keeps operations secure

Digital Twin

3D BIM models developed by GPRS can serve as the base for a digital twin, which is an exact virtual representation of a physical space that uses real-time data to stay updated and accurate. By using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, the model of the space can continuously update with high accuracy.

  • Benefit: Lets you test ideas and optimize workflow without stopping production

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How Is 3D Laser Scanning Used for Industry 4.0 in AEC?

Why it Matters

According to ScienceDirect, “In Industry 4.0, 3D [laser] scanners are helpful for designing, assessing the minor features of any product, capturing freeform, and providing precise point clouds for complicated geometry and curved surfaces.”
GPRS Project Manager wearing a white hard hat and red safety vest operates a 3D laser scanner mounted on a tripod inside a building.
3D laser scanning is important because it links the real world to the digital world and allows project teams to receive exact measurements of their most valuable assets.

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These details create 3D BIM models. They power digital twins, as mentioned before, aid in making informed predictions, and automate systems. Without this technology, firms would struggle to stay connected and work at the level of efficiency required by Industry 4.0.

Key Applications:

1. Industrial Design: LiDAR-based 3D laser scanning technology is prevalent in the AEC industry. Before 3D laser scanning, interns would take measurements in the field with the use of graph paper, pencils, and tape measures. The “old ways” of taking measurements were very time-consuming and labor-intensive.

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2. Assisting Architects/Building Site: Architects and builders leverage 3D laser scanning to capture exact details of a building. A 3D laser scanner is set up on location and collects millions of data points at X, Y, and Z coordinates. Modeling software, like Autodesk Revit, turns this field data into a complete digital 3D BIM model.

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3. Create Virtual Environment: 3D laser scanners create digital spaces, like TruView virtual site visits for visualization. These environments help teams test ideas and take measurements fast without a physical presence on site.

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4. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing in many industries and has the potential to improve the capabilities of 3D laser scanning systems. These technologies support greater accuracy, faster decision-making, and streamlined workflows. Recent advances in machine learning (ML) show strong potential to automate point cloud processing and produce accurate as-built models.

Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning:

  • Speed and Accuracy – Captures millions of data points in seconds
  • Cost Savings – Cuts rework and material waste
  • Flexibility – Applies to many industries, including healthcare and automotive
  • Collaboration – Connects global teams with shared digital models
  • Sustainability – Reduces waste and optimizes resources

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Reasons to Use GPRS to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Industry 4.0 depends on precise, connected information. Before Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, augmented reality (AR) workflows, or artificial intelligence (AI) analytics can deliver value on a campus or jobsite, project teams need verified maps and models that reflect above and below-ground conditions.

3D BIM model of Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center with orange walls, blue floor slabs, and pink vertical supports, displayed on a gray background with multicolored utility lines and site elements.
At GPRS’ Reality Capture department, you have access to complete and accurate above and subsurface site data, showing you every detail beyond line-of-sight.

GPRS addresses this with utility locating, concrete scanning, and consolidating field data into SiteMap®, a single, geolocated source of truth available 24/7 from any device. This foundation reduces clashes, rework, and helps keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

The SiteMap Reality Capture Layer stores all your 3D laser scan data in one secure platform. This includes 3D point clouds, virtual walkthroughs, and BIM models. The Reality Capture Layer accelerates planning, design coordination, and maintenance across distributed campuses and facilities.

You can learn more about the SiteMap Reality Capture Layer here.

Augmented Reality for Visualizing Infrastructure

According to Innoarea Projects, “Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are two essential technologies for the transition to Industry 4.0, as they enable industrial companies to embark on this path towards digitalization.”

Augmented reality is coming to SiteMap 3.0 in early 2026, available via your mobile device. Soon, you’ll click on a map and drop into a real-world view, like Google Street View, built for your jobsite.

SiteMap augmented reality interface displays underground utility data on a mobile device, showing water lines, hydrants, and feature group visibility for a jobsite.
You’ll be able to hold up your phone, and a crosshair will point to assets around you, delivering attributes, specs, and details in an instance.

You can tap an item to explore deeper and watch a sewer inspection video, see animated flow arrows, or review maintenance history – all in augmented reality.

A “tabletop mode” will also become available.

So, you and I could be sitting at a table across from each other, both on our phones, and looking at the entire sewer system for a city on the table in front of us,” said Jason Schaff, Chief Strategy Officer & Product Executive – SiteMap.

Stay tuned for the launch in early 2026.

And augmented reality (AR) is just the beginning. After its launch, “My Buildings” will redefine how you manage your site.

SiteMap’s “My Buildings” showing building information for a corporate office, including address, site name, building contacts, point clouds, virtual tours, and floor plans, alongside detailed building data such as year built, architect, general contractor, and structural engineer.
A mockup of “My Buildings,” coming to SiteMap in 2026.

You’ll be able to pick your boundaries, draw a line around a certain segment, assign names to buildings, and click a building to unlock the deliverables.

Stay tuned for the launch in 2026.

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3D BIM Models to Digital Twins

Every digital twin begins with a 3D BIM model. Our Mapping & Modeling Team turns raw point cloud data from 3D laser scanning into detailed 3D BIM models, which are the backbone for Industry 4.0 workflows.

Point clouds provide millions of precise measurements of your site and capture every detail. Our team uses the point cloud data to build intelligent BIM models. The models include geometry, asset attributes, and spatial relationships. As mentioned before, they are then integrated into SiteMap, along with a wealth of tools to help you gain a better understanding of your built world. Some of these tools include first-person point of view, measuring tools, explode, media browser, and more.

You can learn more about BIM models vs. Digital Twins here.

Industry 4.0 starts with accurate 3D BIM models and 2D CAD maps.

Start building your foundation today to stay on the cutting edge. The sooner you get your accurate 3D BIM models and 2D CAD maps, the sooner you unlock the full potential of Industry 4.0.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step toward Industry 4.0 for my facility?

Start by building your foundation with accurate maps and models. GPRS provides utility locating, concrete scanning, and reality capture services to eliminate unknowns and keep your projects running on time, on budget, and safe. From there, our Mapping & Modeling Team delivers above and below-ground documentation – all to SiteMap, preparing your facility for digital twins and Internet of Things integration.

Why are BIM models critical for Industry 4.0?

BIM models are the backbone of Industry 4.0 because they provide structured, data-rich 3D representations of your facility. These models enable the creation of digital twins, which power real-time monitoring, simulation, and predictive maintenance. GPRS’ Mapping & Modeling Team turns point cloud data into precise BIM models. They then integrate these models into SiteMap for streamlined collaboration.

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At-Depth Modeling: What Is It and How It Can Help Your Next Project?

By combining GPRS’ industry leading utility locating and concrete scanning services with a dynamic, customizable 3D BIM model, clients receive one comprehensive digital model of your site. Otherwise known as an at-depth model.
at-depth modeling, at-depth model, 3D model, 3D modeling, 3D BIM model, BIM model, Building Information Model, utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, VPI, NASSCO, SIM-certified, Project Manager, 2D CAD, 2D CAD drawing, Reality Capture, LiDAR, 3D laser scanning, GPR, ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic (EM) locator, EM locator, Mapping & Modeling, SiteMap

GPRS is known for our industry-leading underground utility, concrete, and reality capture scans. You may also be aware of our video pipe inspection (VPI) services where our NASSCO-certified Project Managers non-destructively assess the conditions of sanitary and storm sewer lines.

When utilizing at-depth modeling, the GPRS team combines these services into one comprehensive, detailed digital model of your site.

A grey and white 3D model of a site with blue, yellow, purple, red, and green lines and circles representing underground utilities.
GPRS Project Managers and Mapping & Modeling Team work as a well-oiled machine to show our clients what they need to see.

WHAT IS AT-DEPTH MODELING?

At-depth models are a type of Revit model, which is a building information modeling (BIM) software used to create, edit, and review 3D models of buildings and infrastructure in exceptional detail.

With the addition of data collected by Project Managers in the field, at-depth models accurately insert the subsurface utilities and concrete obstructions, like post tension cables, conduit, and rebar, below the surface of the model.

HOW IS AN AT-DEPTH MODEL CREATED?

At-depth modeling is done by performing utility locating scans, concrete scans, video pipe inspections, and reality capture scans of a site. Typically, the utility and concrete scans are performed first. GPRS Project Managers conduct these scans using electromagnetic (EM) locators and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Our SIM-certified Project Managers utilize these complementary technologies to maintain our industry-leading 99.8% accurate underground utility and concrete scans.

Sewer inspections would be performed next. VPI reports, like NASSCO-compliant WinCan reports, provide the Mapping & Modeling Team with the size of the pipes that can be represented on the model and provide the client with a better visual of the underground sewer lines. While the same can’t be done to that extent with other utilities, they are always represented using the industry standard color code and with linework that emulates CAD drawings.

A 3D model on a white background with grey shapes representing a campus of buildings. There are also green and red lines that represent subsurface utilities.
Due to the diverse data sets required to create at-depth models, it is vital that everyone involved is a professional in their respective field. Whether it’s utility locating or mapping & modeling, GPRS’ team is full of professionals in each field.

Once the subsurface data is collected, our Reality Capture Project Managers document the site with LiDAR-based 3D laser scanners. These scanners document sites with 2-4 mm accuracy.

Performing the reality capture scans after the utility and concrete scans can streamline the process, because of the markings placed on the surface by Project Managers in the field. By capturing those markings with millimeter-accuracy, the Mapping & Modeling Team will already have the location of the utilities and obstructions mapped out within the scans. This eliminates the possibility of missing data within the at-depth model.

Upon the completion of the scans, the data is stitched together and forms a point cloud of the area. The point cloud consists of millions of data points that serve as the template that our Mapping & Modeling Team will use to create 2D CAD drawings, 3D BIM models, and, in this case, at-depth models.

One factor that is crucial when creating at-depth models is the surface’s terrain. When asked about its importance, GPRS Modeling Lead Adam Silbaugh said:

“Everything is dependent on the terrain. The measurements that they take in one area could be different from another. If the area is slightly tilted, five feet over in one corner is not the same as five feet in the other. So, getting that information is incredibly important so that we can put those measurement marks where they need to be.

GPRS Modeling Lead Adam Silbaugh
GPRS Modeling Lead Adam Silbaugh

HOW CAN AT-DEPTH MODELING BENEFIT MY NEXT PROJECT?

When asked what one of the biggest benefits is when utilizing at-depth models, Silbaugh said, “Having that visual representation of what's going on underneath the ground.”

GPRS is constantly in pursuit of 100% subsurface damage prevention. At-depth modeling serves as another steppingstone towards that ultimate goal.

Every 60 seconds, there is a utility strike in the United States. By knowing what is below your feet before you dig eliminates the possibility of striking utilities that can lead to expensive repairs, costly delays, and serious injuries or death.

The data presented in at-depth models clearly depict the location of underground utilities and obstructions so your next project and every project after that can progress without the risk of utility strikes.

Three images separated by white borders. One larger image on the left and two smaller ones on the right. The image on the right is a GPRS Project Manager wearing a red safety vest and safety helmet while using a GPR push cart to locate underground utilities, The image in the top right is another GPRS Project Manager wearing a red safety vest and helmet using a LiDAR-based laser scanner. The image in the bottom right is a member of GPRS’ Mapping & Modeling Team at their desk with two desktop screens that is analyzing 3D models.
GPRS takes pride in being a “Team of Teams” – multiple teams with different expertise working together.

Silbaugh stated the following when asked about the difference in results when collaborating directly with GPRS Project Managers in the field:

“At-depth modeling really depends on the skills of our team members in the field, which is something that we pride ourselves on. A lot of other companies can go in and do LiDAR modeling, but us going in and being able to gather the information ourselves really makes a difference. Getting our team out there that can go in and tell you, “Okay, this is electrical conduit, this one is storm water, this one is electrical,” is a blessing. So, it really does depend on the data collected by the team in the field and luckily, we're in good hands with them.”

For an at-depth model to be useful, utility locating experts and CAD technicians with a lot of experience in their respective fields are needed to ensure the results and the models are accurate. Without the proper training, the model will not present valuable information. Luckily, GPRS’ team can accommodate all of that.

And with the addition of the SiteMap® (patent pending) Reality Capture feature, clients have a wealth of knowledge all in one platform. They can review the 99.8% accurate underground utility scans on a satellite map of their site and analyze the at-depth BIM model all within one secure platform.

Let GPRS be your partner in safety by Visualizing Your Built World® above and below-ground.

What can we help you visualize?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW CAN I UTILIZE THE SITEMAP REALITY CAPTURE LAYER?

All you have to do is ask! GPRS customers with Project, Pro, and Team access can have their Reality Capture data uploaded directly into SiteMap upon the completion of the scanning and modeling process. Additionally, if your previous jobs involved reality capture, reach out to us and we’d be happy to include that in your SiteMap.  

Take control of your facility by taking control of your reality with the SiteMap Reality Capture Layer.

WHAT IS LIDAR?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing tool that builds accurate 3D models of objects and surfaces. Instead of using radio waves like radar, LiDAR sends out laser pulses from a scanner. These light pulses bounce off objects, and the system measures how long they take to return. This helps calculate exact distances and shapes. It creates detailed three-dimensional data about an object.

WHAT DELIVERABLES CAN GPRS PROVIDE?

GPRS can deliver point cloud data in many formats, including:

• 2D CAD Drawings

• 3D BIM Models

• 3D Revit Models

• 3D Mesh Models

• BOMA Calculations

• Virtual Walkthroughs

We can also deliver the following customizable deliverables upon request:

• Aerial Photogrammetry

• Deformation Mapping

• Digital Drawings of GPR Markings

• Floor Flatness Analysis / Contour Mapping

• At-Depth Modeling

• Native Modeling

• New Construction Accuracy Analysis/Comparative Analysis

• Point Cloud Modeling Training Webinars

• Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings

• Reconciliation of Clients 3D Design Model

• Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis

• Template Modeling

• Volume Calculations

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About GPRS
A green and yellow cover of a book titled Recommendations. - GPRS Images

Improving Locate Timelines, Addressing Cross Bores, and Giving Enforcement Teeth: Breaking Down the 2024 DIRT Report, Part 2

The five recommendations point to a broad-spectrum approach to reducing utility damages: focusing on everything from 811 locate timelines to the risks inherent in directional drilling telecommunication installation, and beyond.
Common Ground Alliance, Dirt Report, 2024 DIRT Report, utility locating, 811, One Call, cross bores, video pipe inspection, electromagnetic locating, EM locating, directional drilling, trenchless technology, telecommunications, water/sewer, sewer inspections, pre and post-cross bore, CCTV, sewer inspection, sewer scope, excavators, public utilities, registered utilities, private utilities, next practices, CGA Index, damages, root cause, commercial construction, utility installation, facility owners, 811 tickets, enforcement, utility mapping programs, sitemap, GPS, digital utility maps

This is the second in our multi-part series on the findings, recommendations, and potential impacts of the Common Ground Alliance’s 2024 DIRT Report. You can find Part 1, here.

“The Path Forward Requires Systemic Change” says a headline on page 5 of the Common Ground Alliance’s 2024 DIRT Report.

The cover of the CGA 2024 DIRT Report: An image of red lines being installed in a trench with an excavator in the background and workers in PPE is surrounded by blue and green triangular graphics and the report title, all on a navy background
Image Credit: The Common Ground Alliance

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Citing a continued increase in damages caused by excavation and construction-related utility strikes, and the peer-reviewed results of 58 excavation companies as part of the their Damage Prevention Institute (DPI), the CGA has developed five “Recommendations for Breaking Through the Damage Prevention Plateau.”

These five recommendations point to a broad-spectrum approach to reducing utility damages: focusing on everything from 811 locate timelines to the risks inherent in directional drilling telecommunication installation, to the lack of data available to decision makers, and calling for strengthening federal, state, and local policy and enforcement requirements. Specifically, “investments in public utilities and regulatory frameworks that balance deployment speed with safety.”

“Predictable, enforceable standards across all stakeholders – not just excavators – may be necessary to break through the current plateau and achieve transformative change.”

The continued persistence of the top “root cause” damage patterns and escalation in the CGA Index to 96.7, the organization, which represents some 4,000 damage prevention professionals, says a fundamental shift – from voluntary Best Practices to what it calls “enforceable standards and forward-thinking Next Practices” is required.

Two side-by-side screen shots of videos in the CGA's Next Practices Initiatives Project. A midtone blue background with graphical light blue-grey arrows, the words Next Practices Initiative in white and lime green, and the titles and names of those featured in the videos in white - Jerry Schmitz of Southwest Gas and Trisha Stefanski of the Minnesota Dept. of Transportation
Industry leaders are sharing their paths to “next practice” innovations on the CGA’s website.

Its five recommendations are designed to focus on those Next Practice innovations.

Priority 1: Improve Locate Timeliness Across All Operators to Target Top Damage Root Cause

The most persistent root cause of damages in DIRT Reports, regardless of year, is failure to notify 811 prior to excavation. The most common reason cited for this failure to report and receive a positive result from a state’s 811/One Call system is unpredictability. Excavators cannot be assured of when their 811 ticket will be executed, and the CGA’s data shows that excavators were delayed an average 38% of the time due to either incomplete or no response to their public utility locate requests.

A GPRS Project Manager in the field, using an EM locator to find buried utilities on a jobsite. There is standing water in front of him beside a concrete pediment, a concrete wall to his left, and a sidewalk with two construction workers and equipment in the background.
Excavators are required to receive a positive response to their 811 tickets before breaking ground. Registered utility/facility owners generally hire utility locating subcontractors who use technology like the electromagnetic locator being used here by a GPRS Project Manager to find and mark public utility lines. GPRS can locate both public/registered and private/unregistered lines for customers anywhere in the U.S.

Considering that each state has its own federally mandated 811 reporting system, charged with notifying registered utility owners of an excavator’s intent to dig so that the utility owner can provide the location of their utility lines prior to digging, 38% shows that while some states are effective in those efforts, others are clearly falling behind, leaving themselves, the utility owners, and the excavators at risk.

How does the CGA recommend addressing this issue? As with each of its recommendations, the organization breaks down its suggestions by area of responsibility among regulators and policymakers, facility owners, and excavators.

The CGA urges policymakers and regulators to strengthen enforcement strategies across all functions and levels of ownership in the 811 process, especially regarding 811 timelines. They also suggest establishing “financial accountability mechanisms” that alleviate the financial burden placed on excavators due to operational delays in the 811 process, and point to the success New Mexico has seen with its updated enforcement.

Facility owners, aka registered utility owners, are urged to put quality over savings when engaging utility locating contractors, to ensure reliability and accuracy. They are also asked to ensure their third-party utility locators prioritize 811 notifications and requests, to invest in, or hire those who already have, GPS-enabled, real-time mapping capabilities, and to share 811 ticket-level facility maps with excavators to improve collaboration among utility owners, utility locating companies, and excavators.

The excavators, those who are the most at risk in these scenarios, are asked to commit to proper 811 reporting and usage, and to report “late locates” to their 811 system to help them improve, track, and analyze performance and enforcement.

Priority 2: Target Water/Sewer and Telecommunications Dominance in Work Performed

Water/Sewer and Telecommunications utility work have been found to have consistently broad issues regarding utility damages “across several practices,” according to the CGA, who recommends “specific interventions to address their unique operational and policy challenges.”

Specifically, the CGA seeks to address the water and sewer industry’s failure to implement best practices for damage prevention with their contractors and subcontractors, advocates for additional excavator/contractor training via the organization’s free online excavator training modules, and is calling for state and federal funding of “comprehensive utility mapping programs,” due to the part outdated and incomplete maps play in damages.  

They want regulators, specifically, to remove 811 membership exemptions for those not “traditionally included,” i.e. water and sewer facility owners, to dedicate funding for water/sewer mapping as part of ongoing infrastructure investment, create and enforce mandatory damage prevention protocols for telecommunications installers (re: cross bores), and develop “strong liability and enforcement frameworks” for each industry segment.

A directional drilling machine digging a trench in a green field. On one side of the machine is a spade, sunk into the ground. On the other, the torso and legs of a construction worker wearing blue jeans, workboots, gloves, and a safety tee
Trenchless technology like this directional drilling machine is the standard practice for telecommunication line installation. The CGA wants to see enforcement efforts surrounding cross bores in water and sewer utilities.

Municipalities across the U.S. have begun mandating pre and post directional drilling surveys/assessments to reduce or eliminate cross bores caused by trenchless technology telecom installations. GPRS can provide those assessments as part of our CCTV video pipe inspection services. Learn more about cross bores, here.

Priorities 3, 4, and 5 share the common thread of scale and acceleration of proven programs and practices based on “data-driven decision-making.” Look for Part 3 of this series soon to learn about those initiatives and how the CGA’s calls for expansion and quality control of data-centric practices and accurate utility mapping are being received in the industry.

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A man wearing a hard hat and safety vest is holding a device. - GPRS Images

Four New Applications of Reality Capture from GPRS 3D Laser Scanning

Explore four powerful uses of reality capture technology, including litigation protection, concrete floor contouring, progressive site documentation, and above/below ground modeling. Learn how 3D laser scanning delivers accurate, defensible records and a single source of truth to reduce risk, improve collaboration, and keep projects on time, on budget, and safe.

Documenting existing conditions is just the beginning of a project’s lifecycle. With reality capture, teams gain a foundation for data‑driven decisions that guide design, construction, and long‑term facility management. The precise data generated through 3D laser scanning reduces risk, improves collaboration, and safeguards investments. Reality capture can protect against litigation, provide clear visualization of concrete floor contours, track construction progress, and model both above‑ and below ground infrastructure.

In this article, we’ll explore each of these uses in more detail and share case study examples that demonstrate how reality capture delivers measurable value to real projects. These applications for reality capture give project teams accurate, defensible records and a single source of truth, helping them plan smarter, collaborate more effectively, and deliver projects with confidence.

1. Reality Capture for Litigation Protection

Before and After Scanning of the Buildings Next to a Construction Site

Reality capture can play a critical role in supporting and preventing litigation by documenting the condition of buildings adjacent to a construction site. By performing 3D laser scanning both before and after construction activities, clients can capture precise digital records of exterior and interior details. These scans create indisputable evidence of a structure’s existing conditions, helping to resolve disputes over damage claims and protect contractors, owners, and stakeholders from costly legal challenges.

3D laser scan data can be delivered in formats such as point clouds, CAD, or BIM. With accurate, time-stamped data, project teams gain peace of mind knowing they have defensible documentation to safeguard against litigation.

Case Study: 101 Federal Street – Pre-Construction 3D Laser Scan Survey

Reality Capture for Litigation Protection
Read the 101 Federal Street Pre-Construction 3D Laser Scan Survey Case Study.

Project Background

101 Federal Street is a 381-foot tall, 31-story-high rise located in Boston’s financial district. Completed in 1988 by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the tower is a prominent fixture in the city’s skyline. When a neighboring parking garage was demolished to make way for a new mixed-use tower of similar size, the proximity of the new construction, just 10 feet from 101 Federal Street, raised concerns about potential structural impacts.

Challenge

To assess and identify any damage from this nearby construction project, the building owners, at the request of their insurance company, requested the completion of a pre-construction 3D laser scan survey. Traditional inspection methods lacked the precision and defensibility required to stand up in potential legal disputes.

Solution

A comprehensive 3D laser scan survey was conducted to reality capture every exterior and interior detail of 101 Federal Street prior to the start of construction. This high-resolution digital documentation created an indisputable record of pre-existing conditions, ensuring that any future claims of damage could be evaluated against precise baseline data.

Benefits

  • Defensible Documentation: The scan provided time-stamped, verifiable records that could be used in litigation or insurance claims.
  • Risk Mitigation: Owners and insurers gained peace of mind knowing they had objective evidence of the building’s condition.
  • Collaboration Support: Architects, engineers, and contractors can reference the digital model to understand site constraints and protect the existing structure.
  • Future Asset: Beyond litigation protection, the digital as-built serves as a valuable resource for ongoing maintenance and future renovations.

By leveraging 3D laser scanning, the owners of 101 Federal Street safeguarded their investment against potential disputes arising from nearby construction. Pre-construction reality capture established a clear, defensible baseline of the building’s condition, demonstrating how reality capture technology can serve as both a risk management tool and a long-term asset for property owners.

Read the case study.

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2. Concrete Floor Contouring

Clear Visualization of Floor Elevations and Levelness

Concrete floor contouring provides a clear visualization of floor elevations and levelness, by mapping the surface exactly as it exists. Floor contouring utilizes reality capture technology to generate a digital map of a floor’s elevation profile. 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry records millimeter-accurate data, capturing millions of data points across the slab. This provides far more comprehensive coverage than traditional sampling methods, which might only measure every 10 feet.

Contour maps are typically presented in color-coded formats; for example black, white, and red contour lines, to highlight major elevations, making measurements easy to interpret. For floors with significant undulation, additional detail can be provided through heat map overlays, offering a more intuitive view of elevation changes. Results can be exported as 2D CAD drawings, BIM models, or detailed reports. These visualizations make it easy to identify high and low points, undulations, and general slope patterns.

Floor contours help project teams understand site conditions, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions during construction and renovation. Unlike a flatness analysis, which compares slope and levelness against client-specified tolerances, contouring simply records the actual surface conditions. Contouring does not determine whether the floor meets industry standards (ASTM, ADA, AISC) for flatness or levelness. That requires a structural engineer’s analysis and certification.

Case Study: Floor Contours for Accurate Concrete Documentation

Concrete Floor Contouring
Read the Detroit High-Rise Floor Contours Case Study.

Project Background

A 49-story high-rise construction project in Detroit, Michigan required precise documentation of concrete slab conditions on floors 12 through 23 to support the safe installation of MEP and HVAC systems. In addition to mapping post tension cable layouts, the project team needed detailed records of slab elevations to ensure accuracy for design and construction coordination. To achieve this, 3D laser scanning was performed across each of the 12 floors, covering approximately 12,500 square feet per level, capturing the PT cable layout and floor contours with high precision.

Challenge

Concrete slabs often exhibit undulations, slopes, and elevation changes that can affect the installation of MEP equipment, finishes, and structural systems. Traditional measurement methods provide limited sampling and can miss localized variations. The client required a comprehensive record of floor contours to understand the true levelness of each slab and to prevent costly clashes or rework.

Solution

GPRS deployed 3D laser scanning technology to capture millions of data points across each floor with 2–4mm accuracy. The laser scan point cloud data was transformed into 2D floor contour maps documenting the actual floor elevation. Data was integrated into CAD and BIM deliverables, providing the client with an intuitive understanding of slab elevations and depth of cover.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Full floor contour maps documented actual elevations across 12,500 square feet per floor.
  • Enhanced Visualization: Color contour lines and heat maps made elevation changes easy to interpret.
  • Risk Reduction: Accurate elevation records helped prevent clashes, change orders, and delays.
  • Integration: Deliverables aligned to survey control and client design models, ensuring seamless collaboration.

GPRS delivered precise floor contours and slab elevations that improved collaboration and reduced risk across the project. The combination of 3D laser scanning, CAD drawings, and BIM models provided the team with a clear record of concrete floor conditions, supporting safe construction practices and informed decision-making throughout the project.

Read the case study.

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3. Progressive Site Capture

Understand Progress on a Construction Site

Reality capture technology documents every phase of construction with 3D photogrammetry, capturing precise details such as concrete reinforcements before pours, MEP installation locations, and more. By scanning the site regularly, clients can track its evolution, monitor milestones, and ensure work stays on schedule.

These scans can be performed on a customized schedule, bi-weekly, monthly, or tailored to client needs, to record every critical milestone in a project’s lifecycle. Accurate site records help prevent clashes, reduce change orders, and streamline communication.

Progressive capture is especially valuable for managing projects remotely or overseeing multiple sites. Digital as-builts can be delivered via GPRS SiteMap® GIS Platform (patent pending) and can be downloaded, saved, and shared across laptops, tablets, or smartphones—accessible anytime, anywhere.

Case Study: Riverside Labs – Reality Capture for Mechanical Coordination

Progressive Site Reality Capture
Read the Riverside Labs Reality Capture for Mechanical Coordination Case Study.

Project Background

Riverside Labs, a high tech laboratory facility undergoing transformation into a premier life sciences campus, required precise documentation to support complex mechanical coordination. Shawmut Construction & Design and its partners needed to ensure that demolition and reconstruction activities proceeded according to plan, with critical infrastructure installed to specifications before being enclosed.

Challenge

Managing construction in a high-tech lab environment presents unique challenges. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, clean rooms, utilities, and specialized infrastructure must be coordinated with extreme accuracy. The client needed to verify exposed element, including MEP lines and structural components, post-demolition, while maintaining confidence that construction milestones were achieved on time and on budget.

Solution

GPRS performed comprehensive 3D laser scanning, creating 2D CAD drawings, 3D Revit models, and MEP/FP documentation, both before and after demolition. Pre-demolition documentation established a clear baseline of existing conditions, ensuring future construction proceeded smoothly. Post-demolition scans provided Shawmut and its subcontractors with precise records to guide mechanical installation and coordination. These deliverables were accessible remotely via SiteMap, enabling Shawmut Construction & Design to monitor progress and resolve issues without being on site.

Benefits

  • Remote Oversight: Project teams can review progress and address challenges from any location.
  • Construction Verification: Confirmed that MEP systems, cleanroom infrastructure, and specialized utilities were installed to specifications before enclosure.
  • Risk Reduction: Accurate records minimized change orders and delays.
  • Collaboration Support: 2D CAD drawings, 3D Revit models, and MEP/FP documentation improved communication between contractors, engineers, and owners.
  • On Time, On Budget Delivery: Reality capture ensured Riverside Labs’ transformation was completed efficiently and safely.

Through pre- and post-demolition reality capture, Shawmut Construction & Design and its partners coordinated complex mechanical systems with confidence. The use of 3D laser scanning created 2D CAD drawings, 3D Revit models, and MEP/FP system documentation to streamline collaboration, ensuring Riverside Labs’ redevelopment into a premier life sciences campus was delivered on time, on budget, and safe.

Read the case study.

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4. Above and Below Ground Infrastructure Modeling

Record Comprehensive Infrastructure Documentation

3D laser scanning provides comprehensive documentation once utility locating and concrete scanning are complete, capturing a precise digital record of both above ground and subsurface conditions. After utilities are flagged and concrete elements are marked, laser scanning creates a high resolution point cloud that captures the exact layout of architectural features, structural features, MEP systems, utility locations, and concrete field markings.

This documentation can be transformed into CAD drawings, BIM models, and 3D virtual tours, giving project teams clear, accessible records that integrates seamlessly into design and construction workflows. Clients can extract 3D coordinates, take distance measurements, and view location details to more effectively communicate with the project team. With 3D laser scanning, stakeholders gain access to structural and subsurface conditions, for accurate planning, reducing risk, avoiding costly rework, and increasing efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.

Case Study: BIM Model Aids Stadium Renovations

Above and Below Ground Infrastructure Modeling
Read the Florida State BIM Model Aids Stadium Renovations Case Study.

Project Background

Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee required extensive renovations as part of a $255 million project to update seating with founders' boxes and a field level club. The scale of the facility, over 600,000 square feet of interior space and two acres of subsurface utilities—demanded precise documentation to support design changes, material selection, cost estimation, and construction phasing.

Challenge

Renovating a stadium of this size presented multiple challenges. The client needed accurate as built documentation of both above ground and below ground conditions to avoid costly mistakes. On a college campus, a utility strike could disrupt classes, extracurricular activities, and even endanger lives. Additionally, the complexity of the renovation required a single source of truth where architects and engineers could access the latest site data and coordinate updates seamlessly.

Solution

GPRS deployed LiDAR laser scanners to capture detailed dimensions and layouts of the architectural, structural, and MEP systems on the 600,000-square-foot facility with 2–4 mm precision. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating equipment were used to identify and mark underground utilities, including fire water mains, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and power lines. The Mapping & Modeling team converted this data into utility maps and a 3D BIM model, delivered in Revit and ArchiCAD formats. These models contained both 3D design elements (walls, columns) and 2D drafting elements (dimensions, labels), providing a comprehensive digital representation of the stadium.

Benefits

  • Accurate Utility Maps: Prevented accidental damage during excavation and enhanced on-site safety.
  • Comprehensive BIM Model: Allowed architects to plan renovations precisely, reducing change orders and saving time.
  • Collaboration Support: Technical construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, cross sections) were easily generated and shared across disciplines.
  • 24/7 Access via SiteMap®: All as-built data was uploaded into GPRS’ GIS-based platform, enabling mobile access and eliminating information silos.
  • Informed Decision Making: Stakeholders can visualize complex design updates and coordinate confidently across project teams.

By combining utility locating with 3D laser scanning, GPRS delivered a comprehensive BIM model that streamlined stadium renovations. The integration of above- and below ground data into SiteMap® provided architects and contractors with a single, accessible source of truth—ensuring the $255 million renovation of Doak Campbell Stadium was designed right the first time, completed safely, and executed efficiently.

Read the case study.

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Let GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Help You Visualize The Built World®

Reality capture is more than existing conditions documentation; it is a strategic resource that empowers owners, contractors, and designers to make informed decisions, avoid costly errors, and protect investments. Whether used to document pre-existing conditions, visualize slab elevations, monitor construction milestones, or integrate subsurface data into BIM models, reality capture delivers clarity and certainty. By adopting these practices, project teams gain a single source of truth that drives efficiency, reduces risk, and ensures successful outcomes from planning through completion.

‍GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services provide 2-4mm accuracy by capturing 2 million data points per second for efficient planning, design, and construction. Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team can export your GPR utility locates & concrete scans, 3D laser and photogrammetry data, and video pipe inspection reports to create accurate existing condition as-builts, above and below ground, to give you the accurate information you need in a format you can easily work with and share to keep your project on time, on budget, and safe.

How can we help you?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is reality capture and how does it differ from traditional documentation methods?  

Reality capture uses 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry to create precise digital records of existing conditions. Unlike traditional methods that rely on limited sampling or manual measurements, reality capture captures millions of data points with millimeter accuracy, providing comprehensive, defensible documentation that can be transformed into CAD drawings, BIM models, and 3D visualizations.

How can reality capture help reduce risk on construction projects?  

By documenting site conditions before, during, and after construction, reality capture provides indisputable records that safeguard against litigation, prevent utility strikes, and reduce costly rework. Accurate data helps project teams anticipate challenges, avoid clashes, and make informed decisions, ultimately lowering risk and improving efficiency across the project lifecycle.

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training manuals

Utility Locating: Electromagnetic Locating
View Manual
Ground Penetrating Radar: Rebar Slabs
View Manual
Ground Penetrating Radar: Dielectrics
View Manual
Concrete Scanning – Slab-On-Grade
View Manual
Ribbed Slab Construction: Slab Type – Ribbed and Waffle
View Manual
Understanding Decking from a Concrete Scanning Perspective
View Manual
Understanding Decking from a Concrete Scanning Perspective - Hollow Core
View Manual