Regional differences exist within every facet of our collective human experience – including the way in which we mark out subsurface infrastructures.
Grasping the intricacies of underground infrastructure empowers construction crews across the nation to conduct operations safely and efficiently. Throughout the United States, construction sites are adorned with color-coded flags or other field markers, signifying different subsurface utilities such as water lines, sewer systems, gas, and electric lines. These markers act as a visual aid for construction teams, denoting the existence and type of underground infrastructure in any given area.
The color codes for utility marking can differ from region to region, leading to confusion and potential safety risks. To tackle this challenge, SiteMap® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, provides innovative solutions to enhance understanding of infrastructure and reduce the hazards associated with regional marking variations.
The 411 on 811
Construction crews rely on the 811 One Call hotline system to obtain utility locates from public utility locating contractors before digging, because it is the law and a crucial safety measure. The 811 system has implemented specific color codes for marking utility locates nationwide, ensuring consistency and clarity across different regions. However, while 811 locates public utility lines, private property lines are not included in these markings, highlighting the importance of additional measures for comprehensive infrastructure understanding. Here, SiteMap® plays an important role by providing advanced GIS mapping capabilities, enabling construction professionals to visualize and interpret infrastructure data with precision and accuracy. This is even more important for private utilities, who often don’t have access to the same level of data that public utilities may.
The Colors of SiteMap®
Given that underground utility lines vary in depth across different regions of the United States, having precise information about their location and depth prior to excavation is crucial. While the 811 system offers utility locates, it often lacks details regarding the depth of utility lines, and occasionally, the data provided by a public utility locator may be inaccurate. SiteMap® bridges this gap by employing an array of technologies, utilized by the proficient Project Managers at GPRS, to achieve 99.8%+ accuracy in utility locating. These technologies include (but are not limited to) Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) Utility Locators, to accurately pinpoint underground utilities. Adhering to the industry-leading Subsurface Investigative Methodology (SIM), SiteMap® equips construction crews with extensive information about the location and depth of utility lines, promoting safe and efficient excavation practices.
After utility lines are located and precisely mapped, construction crews use color-coded flags and spray-painted lines to mark the location of underground utilities on site. However, variations in regional marking standards can cause confusion and pose potential safety hazards. SiteMap® incorporates the guidelines set forth by the American Public Works Association (APWA) for color marking utility locates as part of its Subsurface Investigation Methodology protocols, ensuring uniformity and clarity across different regions. By adhering to these nationwide guidelines, construction crews can accurately interpret utility markings, reducing the risk of utility strikes and safeguarding the safety of workers and bystanders on site.
Markings of Many Colors
As mentioned above, different colors typically represent different things. While these colors can differ, standards have been set to try and prevent these differences, at least within public infrastructure. The APWA’s “Uniform Temporary Marking of Underground Facilities” recommends the specific color code that should be used to mark the location of underground facilities, temporary survey markings, and intended excavation sites. When a utility company marks a location, they are advised to include a color code that consists of white, pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and purple color markings of both flags and spray paint to represent what each of the lines located represent.
Yellow Flag
A yellow utility flag stands for natural gas and oil, steam, petroleum, or other gaseous or flammable materials.
Red Flag
A red utility flag stands for electric power lines, cables, or conduit, and lighting cables.
Orange Flag
An orange utility flag stands for phone and telecommunication lines, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduits, and fiber optics.
Blue Flag
A blue utility flag stands for potable (drinking) water.
Green Flag
A green utility flag stands for storm and sanitary sewers, drainage facilities, or other drain lines.
Purple Flag
A purple utility flag stands for reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
White Flag
A white utility flag means pre-marking of the outer limits of the proposed excavation or marking the centerline and width of proposed lineal installations of buried facilities.(proposed excavation limits or route)
Pink Flag
Pink utility flags are for temporary survey markings, unknown / unidentified facilities
SiteMap®’s Role in Accurate Utility Marking
SiteMap® uses APWA’s standard when integrating these markings into its maps and visuals. This helps project managers and other professionals quickly and easily identify which utility exists where. SiteMap® offers more than just colors, offering aggregated and carefully mapped visuals backed by GPRS’ 99.8%+ accurate data. This means that those using SiteMap® get accurate, easy to understand data that can be shared easily and seamlessly with their entire team, helping prevent utility strikes and delays.
Once you sign up for a locate job with GPRS, our elite team of Project Managers get to work carefully mapping every inch of your specified work area or job site. This data is then available in your SiteMap® account often within just a few minutes of job completion. Depending on your account tier, you may even have access to extra features, including the ability to add and see historical data, creating a single source of truth for everyone involved. GPRS is committed to accuracy and safety, and utilizing APWA’s color standards is just one piece of the puzzle that makes SiteMap® one of the best infrastructure mapping solutions.
SiteMap® plays a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure understanding and mitigating risks associated with regional marking differences. By providing advanced GIS mapping capabilities, and adhering to industry standards for utility marking, SiteMap® enables construction professionals to visualize and interpret infrastructure data accurately, ensuring safe and efficient construction practices. With SiteMap®, construction crews can navigate regional marking differences with confidence, minimizing the risk of utility strikes and enhancing overall project safety and success.
GPRS’ SiteMap® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap® demonstrations. Click below to schedule your demo and see how SiteMap® can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better today!
