industry insights

In November of 2023, South Carolina-based Global Location Strategies CEO, Didi Caldwell, told Construction Dive that then-current manufacturing construction was “a once-in-a-lifetime or once-in-a-century-type event that we’re experiencing.” The article went on to list industries that were all racing to feed the appetites of the auto, smartphone, electronics, EVs, and even various military and security applications for technology that had long been imported from other countries.

What is “Onshoring” and How Does it Impact the Construction Industry?

Onshoring refers to operations and work previously outsourced to countries outside the U.S. being brought back to America. The most prevalent example of onshoring in current news comes from the microchip and semiconductor industries, spurred by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act. All of that industry coming into the United States has to be housed somewhere, which has led to what some have called the biggest boon to U.S. manufacturing construction since 1979.

It’s been nearly six months since publication after publication breathlessly touted the construction boom in their headlines, GPRS included. So, we wanted to check back in to see if general contractors, manufacturers, AEC professionals, and trades were still booming, or eyeing a bust on the horizon.

Where We Were

In February of 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau clocked December 2023 construction spending at a seasonally adjusted 14% increase over December 2022. “The year over year gains [in 2023] were nearly universal across project types,” according to Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) Chief Economist, Ken Simonson.

Simonson also touted a “more impressive 20 percent” gain in non-residential construction spending in the same period with every Census Bureau-reported construction spending area experiencing an increase of between 1% and 61%.

That 61% increase in non-residential construction was in manufacturing construction, with $81 billion in gains over 2022. $68 billion of that gain was attributed to “computer/electronic/electrical manufacturing,” which would include onshoring and expansions like recent projects we’ve reported on in Ohio and Kentucky, among others.

The Census Bureau figures bear out continued new investment and construction across various manufacturing sectors in 2023 which are ongoing into 2024, including a big bump in the power construction sector, which includes renewables, of some 24%.

The investment in power of all types is important, as data center construction was booming as we entered 2024, causing traditional data corridors in places like Virginia to look to innovate as their energy needs soar.

Where We Are

Even with lending rates still surpassing 10% or more for non-residential construction, the construction industry is still racing to fill unclaimed jobs across the board. The most recent Labor Department figures reported on April 5, 2024 showed that 39,000 new construction industry jobs added to the surprisingly strong jobs report.

As reported by NPR’s Scott Horsley, Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) chief economist Anirban Basu called it “a blockbuster jobs report,” and noted that the new report highlighted the fact that construction doubled its hiring gains average over the last 12 months, adding, “recession is not arriving anytime soon.”

Perrysburg, Ohio’s Kwest Group was also tapped by NPR, and their CEO, Ryan Odendahl, said they are looking to hire more people right now and that, “Young people are starting to see the opportunity, both from an earnings potential and a growth potential that the construction industry offers.”

In fact, ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reports that 48% of builders anticipate additional new hires over the next six months – traditionally construction’s “busy season” across the U.S. – with only 11% expecting to shrink their workforce over the same period.

Those figures are in line with the construction unemployment rate, which still sits higher than the 3.4% national average, at 5.4%. However, that number is down from 5.6% in 2023.

It is important to note that a wide swath of the northern U.S. enjoyed far warmer than normal temperatures for most of the early months of 2024, which means more projects could proceed without stopping for harsh outdoor conditions, as well.

The weather, along with onshoring and the unprecedented federal manufacturing spending boost have led many companies to step up their recruitment and hiring efforts. Some 501,000 new construction sector jobs, over and above the pace of “normal” hiring, will need to be filled to complete most 2024 projects, according to ABC.

Further, according to Builder Online, AGC’s 2024 outlook reporting shows that, “[M]ore than two-thirds of respondents [to their annual survey] expect to add to their headcount in 2024… “Additionally, nearly one-quarter of respondents anticipate headcount for their firm increasing by more than 10% in 2024.”

More than 75% of those same respondents also said they’re struggling to fill open positions, and expect it to become more difficult to find salaried or skilled tradespeople throughout 2024.

This is leading firms to look at increasing base pay, add to their portion of paid benefits, and provide additional incentives and bonuses to secure the workforce they need. Nearly every area of construction is impacted: heavy equipment operators, masons, carpenters, plumbers, and electricians are all in demand.

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Where We’re Headed: Embrace the Boom, but Tread Carefully

If construction workers can command top dollar, and relatively high interest rates are not slowing manufacturing construction in the near-term, that means something has got to give.

Many industry watchers are predicting a slowdown in project completion caused by workforce issues. And, while some industry economists are looking at a mixed overall bag for growth in 2024, there is no denying that non-residential construction is moving full speed ahead as we get into Q2.

Specific to large design-build projects, developers, and general contractors, one of the cement industry’s top economists, Ed Sullivan, said the PCA’s (Portland Cement Association) forecast expects the market to “weaken” over the first half of 2024 and recover as the construction season moves ahead. And Electrical Contractor calls the marketplace “Strong but challenged,” but also admits that this economy is unprecedented, exemplifying many industry-watchers desire to embrace the boom, but tread carefully.

GPRS helps customers Intelligently Visualize The Built World® and provides existing conditions documentation, damage prevention, and site and facility data management solutions to the construction and related industries.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does GPRS help general contractors and construction supervisors increase productivity?

GPRS provides accurate as-built documentation – above and below-ground – for the construction and related industries nationwide. We can capture existing conditions with 2-4mm accuracy for aboveground features and provide 99.8%+ accurate utility mapping. All of our data capture, maps, and models are delivered to customers via SiteMap®, our damage prevention and facility management application that allows you to securely share information with your team, on site or off, 24/7. Every GPRS customer receives a complimentary SiteMap® subscription – learn more here.

What specific visualization services does GPRS provide?

GPRS provides 99.8% accurate utility locating and concrete scanning and imaging services, 3D laser scanning with 2-4mm accuracy, NASSCO-certified video pipe (CCTV sewer scope) inspections, leak detection, and can build customized 2D and 3D drawings, maps, models, and reports to meet your specific project needs. We are the only company in the U.S. with the ability to provide full site visualization on a national scale, with 500 elite Project Managers stationed throughout the country, so there’s always a professional utility locator, concrete scanner, laser scanner, leak detector, and sewer inspection company near you.

How do I get a job with GPRS?

At GPRS, we don’t want to give you a job, we want to provide you with a career. That’s why our Project Managers undergo extensive training in Subsurface Investigation Methodology; so that they can arrive on any jobsite anywhere in the country (and sometimes outside it) and provide professional visualization and damage prevention services to keep construction jobs on time, on budget, and safe. Learn more about a career with GPRS, here.

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The average depth of the ocean floor bed is just over 12,000 feet. The deepest part of the ocean is called the Challenger Deep, and it’s estimated to run 35,867 feet deep. The world below our feet is vast, from the ocean to the soil beneath your favorite geraniums. One of the greatest challenges lies beneath the surface – navigating the complex network of underground utilities. Accidental damage to buried pipes, cables, or conduits can result in costly delays, safety hazards, and environmental concerns. To mitigate these risks, industry professionals rely on advanced technologies such as digital utility mapping software. Among these solutions, SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS,  stands out as a comprehensive tool for interactive underground utility mapping.

Understanding Digital Utility Mapping

Digital utility mapping entails generating comprehensive maps and databases that illustrate the position, type, and attributes of underground utilities. This data is essential for the planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining of projects. Conventional utility mapping techniques, like manual surveys or paper-based documentation, can be laborious, imprecise, and error-prone. By employing advanced technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), digital utility mapping offers accurate and current insights into subsurface infrastructure.

The History of Modern Underground Utility Mapping

The history of underground utility mapping can be traced back to the early 20th century when urbanization and industrialization spurred the need for more comprehensive infrastructure networks. Initially, utility mapping primarily relied on manual methods such as hand-drawn maps, paper records, and physical surveys to document the location of underground assets. However, these methods were labor-intensive, prone to errors, and lacked the ability to provide real-time updates. The advent of technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the latter half of the 20th century revolutionized utility mapping by enabling more accurate and efficient data collection and analysis.

These advancements paved the way for the development of digital utility mapping solutions, which utilize sophisticated sensors, GPS technology, and computer software to create detailed maps and databases of underground infrastructure. Today, underground utility mapping has become an integral part of construction, engineering, and urban planning projects, playing a vital role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of our built environment.

The process, as we know it today, can be accurate enough to support SUE (subsurface utility engineering) at level QL-B. While GPRS doesn’t offer SUE, how we use our technology can support surveyors in some ways.

The Development of SUE

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) developed in the early 1980s as a solution to the shortcomings of conventional methods in managing subsurface utilities. Traditionally, projects were planned without comprehensive knowledge of underground utilities, leading to complications such as avoidable relocations, delays, and unforeseen encounters during construction. Engineers recognized the necessity for a more anticipatory approach and began integrating nascent technologies—specifically air/vacuum excavation and surface geophysics—to accurately identify subsurface utilities at the early stages of project planning.

Air/vacuum excavation was adopted as a safer substitute for traditional trenching, especially in highway construction where the danger of damaging utilities posed considerable safety risks. By revealing subsurface utilities before digging commenced, the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and property damage markedly decreased. This method quickly gained traction among progressive professionals in the highway sector.

Alongside, surface geophysics was introduced as an essential adjunct to overcome the limitations of vacuum excavation alone. Early SUE advocates, recognizing the challenges posed by relying solely on potentially inaccurate or incomplete utility records, stressed the importance of employing sophisticated surface geophysical tools to precisely locate subsurface utilities horizontally. Through the use of cutting-edge geophysical technologies, SUE innovators sought to deliver accurate and dependable data, thus enhancing decision-making in infrastructure development projects.

The Late 1980s

In the late 1980s, the significance of Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) began to resonate with highway engineers, marking a pivotal moment in its adoption. The Virginia Department of Transportation emerged as a trailblazer, becoming the first state agency to integrate SUE into its regular operations. Subsequently, its implementation spread to neighboring states such as Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, signifying a growing recognition of its benefits across the transportation sector.

Additional facets of SUE emerged, including surveying subsurface information, data management, and integration with clients' Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) systems or project plans. This expanded scope underscored the importance of SUE as a comprehensive service offering, encompassing not only utility identification but also data management and project coordination.

Furthermore, the late 1980s saw significant developments in the professionalization of SUE practices. Key initiatives included the sealing of deliverables and the procurement of professional liability insurance, which positioned SUE as a recognized professional service rather than merely a contractor service. These measures aimed to uphold industry standards, enhance accountability, and mitigate potential risks associated with utility-related projects.

In 1989, a pivotal moment occurred at the First Annual National Highway Utility Conference in Cleveland, where the term "Subsurface Utility Engineering" was introduced to a national audience as an umbrella term for the process formerly known as "Designating and Locating." This designation quickly gained traction and was abbreviated to "SUE," cementing its place as a foundational practice in infrastructure development and utility management.

Brief Breakdown

• 1982–SUE developed
• 1985 – First statewide SUE contract with Virginia Department of Transportation
• 1986 – First statewide UC contract with Virginia Department of Transportation
• 1991 – FHWA began promoting SUE
• 2002 – Standard ASCE 38-02 was adopted by American Society of Civil Engineers
• 2018 – 38+ State DOTs using Statewide\DistrictWide\Region-Wide UES Services
• 2022 – Anticipated the release of Standard ASCE 38-22

Understanding SiteMap^®

SiteMap^® is a cutting-edge utility mapping app developed to streamline the process of underground utility management. Designed for professionals in the construction, engineering, and utility sectors, SiteMap^® offers a range of features and functionalities tailored to meet the diverse needs of users.

Key Features of SiteMap^®

Interactive Mapping Interface

SiteMap^® provides users with an intuitive and user-friendly interface for visualizing underground utilities with ease. The interactive map allows users to zoom in, pan, and overlay different layers of utility data, providing a comprehensive view of the subsurface environment. Whether it's water lines, sewer pipes, gas mains, or electrical cables, SiteMap^® helps users identify and analyze underground assets with ease.

Data Integration and Collaboration

SiteMap^® allows seamless data portability with existing GIS databases, CAD drawings, and utility records, ensuring compatibility and data interoperability. Depending on your subscription level, users may have the ability to upload, edit, and share utility information in a centralized platform, facilitating collaboration and communication among project stakeholders. With SiteMap^®, teams can access the latest updates and revisions from their favorite device, reducing the risk of conflicts or discrepancies during construction activities.

Mobile Accessibility

SiteMap^® is available as a mobile application, allowing users to access utility maps and data directly from the field. In fact, SiteMap^® was designed with mobile in mind. Equipped with advanced technology, the app enables users to understand their location and navigate underground infrastructure with precision. Field personnel can view annotated maps, read observations, and view photographs on-site, enhancing data accuracy and efficiency. SiteMap^® empowers users to make informed decisions and respond quickly to changes or emergencies, regardless of their location.

Benefits of SiteMap^®

Improved Safety

By providing accurate and up-to-date information about underground utilities, SiteMap^® helps mitigate the risk of accidental damage or excavation-related incidents. Users can identify potential hazards, such as buried gas lines or high-voltage cables, and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety on the job site. With SiteMap^®, safety becomes a top priority, protecting workers, assets, and the surrounding environment. This safety is supported by GPRS’ 99.8% accuracy rating, providing accurate data across more than 500,000 jobs nationwide.

Cost Savings

SiteMap^® minimizes costly errors and rework associated with utility conflicts, clashes, or relocations during construction projects. By optimizing excavation activities and avoiding utility strikes, users can reduce downtime, delays, and repair expenses. The ability to plan and coordinate utility work more efficiently translates into significant cost savings over the lifecycle of a project. SiteMap^® helps maximize productivity and profitability, enabling projects to stay on schedule and within budget.

Regulatory Compliance

SiteMap^® facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards for underground utility management. Users can use SiteMap^® to help generate reports, documentation, and as-built drawings to demonstrate adherence to safety regulations and permit conditions. SiteMap^® also supports efforts in asset inventory tracking, maintenance scheduling, and historical record-keeping, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.

SiteMap^® represents a change in the way we navigate and manage underground utilities. SiteMap^® offers an advanced, easy-to-use solution for interactive underground utility mapping, enabling users to visualize, analyze, and manage subsurface infrastructure with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Whether it's planning a construction project, conducting maintenance activities, or responding to emergencies, SiteMap^® empowers professionals to make informed decisions and achieve optimal outcomes. With SiteMap^®, the path beneath the surface becomes clearer, safer, and more manageable.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. Click below to schedule yours today!

Fire suppression systems are a critical component of building safety, providing a first line of defense against the outbreak of fire.

Like any system, however, these systems are not immune to wear and tear. Leaks can occur over time.

Leaks in fire suppression systems can lead to reduced effectiveness in the event of a fire, increased maintenance costs, and the risk of water damage to property. Regular inspections of these systems by professional leak detection specialists can keep them working properly, ensuring they’re ready in the event of an emergency.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are the cornerstone of maintaining the integrity of fire suppression systems. According to Control Fire Systems, a leading provider of fire protection equipment, a comprehensive inspection should include a visual examination of all system components, a check for signs of corrosion or damage, and a test of the system's functionality. During these inspections, professionals can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. It is recommended that inspections be carried out at least annually, with more frequent checks in environments that are prone to corrosion or where the system is subject to heavy usage.

Acoustic Leak Detection

One of the most effective methods for detecting leaks in fire suppression systems is acoustic leak detection. This technology works by identifying the sound of escaping water or gas within the system's pipes. Acoustic leak detection devices are highly sensitive and can pinpoint the location of a leak with remarkable accuracy. This method is non-invasive, meaning that it can be carried out without disrupting the normal operation of the system. By implementing acoustic leak detection, facility managers can detect leaks early, reducing the risk of system failure and minimizing water damage.

Leak Detection Correlators

Leak detection correlators are another advanced tool for identifying leaks in fire suppression systems. These devices work by analyzing the sound of a leak collected by sensors placed at various points along the system's piping. By comparing the time it takes for the sound to reach each sensor, the correlator can accurately determine the location of the leak. This technology is particularly useful for locating leaks in large or complex systems where traditional methods may be less effective. By using leak detection correlators, maintenance teams can quickly identify and repair leaks, ensuring the system remains in optimal condition.

Non-Revenue Water Loss

Leaks in fire suppression systems can also contribute to non-revenue water loss, which is water that is lost before it reaches the consumer due to leaks, theft, or metering inaccuracies. In the context of fire suppression, non-revenue water loss can result in increased operational costs and reduced system efficiency. By implementing effective leak detection and repair strategies, organizations can minimize non-revenue water loss, leading to cost savings and improved system reliability.

Best Practices for Leak Mitigation

In addition to regular inspections from companies specializing in the use of advanced leak detection technologies, there are several best practices that can help mitigate the risks of leaks in fire suppression systems:

1. Proper Installation: Ensuring that the system is installed correctly by qualified professionals is critical in preventing leaks.
2. Corrosion Protection: Implementing measures to protect against corrosion, such as using corrosion-resistant materials and applying protective coatings, can extend the lifespan of the system and reduce the likelihood of leaks.
3. Pressure Monitoring: Regularly monitoring the system's pressure can help identify fluctuations that may indicate a leak.
4. Training and Awareness: Educating staff about the importance of leak detection and encouraging them to report any signs of leaks can aid in early detection and repair.
5. Emergency Response Plan: Having a plan in place for responding to leaks can minimize damage and ensure a swift return to normal operations.
6. Valve Exercising: When water system valves stiffen, they can impact flow and pressure with corrosion, rust, and mineral deposits. If left in a static position too long, stiffened valves can become inoperable or incompletely shut off. Exercising your valves regularly can avoid stiffening and the issues it can cause. GPRS can provide valve exercising services to keep every part of your pressurized water system intact.

Leaks in fire suppression systems pose a significant risk to building safety and operational efficiency.

How GPRS Leak Detection Services Protect Fire Suppression Systems

By hiring a professional leak detection company that utilizes advanced leak detection technologies such as acoustic leak detection and leak detection correlators, and adhering to best practices, organizations can effectively mitigate these risks. Not only does this ensure the reliability of the fire suppression system, but it also contributes to cost savings and the prevention of non-revenue water loss.

GPRS Project Managers specialize in all types of leak detection, including the inspection of fire suppression systems. Using commercial acoustic leak detectors in combination with leak detection correlators, we eliminate the need for exploratory digging to find leaks, saving you money and time and causing minimal surface disruption.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does GPRS typically inspect water systems in the early hours of the morning, or late at night?

Our acoustic listening equipment is highly sensitive and amplifies leaks and other noises which mask leak signals during the day. If we work in urban environments, there is often a significant amount of ambient noise. This noise includes airplanes, traffic, mowers, machinery, and most importantly, people using water. It is up to the Project Manager to determine if night work should be utilized to minimize all other noise to focus on the leak signal.

Can you tell me how big the leak is that you’ve detected?

We determine the size of the leak based on how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. We do not, however, produce formal leak estimations.

Why don’t I see any water at the location you’ve pinpointed as the leak?

Water finds the path of least resistance. Water can run through cracks in subsurface rock or make its way into storm, sanitary, and conduit piping. If the subsurface contains a high volume of sand, it will naturally flow farther down. There is no water visible on the surface in more than 99% of the leaks we locate.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive geophysical method used for subsurface imaging. It's widely employed in various fields such as geology, archaeology, environmental studies, and civil engineering, particularly for utility locating and precision concrete scanning and imaging.

The accuracy of GPR is influenced by several factors, which are crucial to understand for anyone involved in subsurface exploration, including professional utility locators and concrete scanning technicians.

These factors include:

Soil and Material Composition – The type of soil or material through which the GPR signal travels significantly affects its accuracy. Different materials have varying electrical properties, which can either attenuate or reflect the radar waves. For instance, sandy soils with low moisture content are ideal for GPR as they allow deeper penetration, whereas clay soils with high moisture content can absorb the radar waves, limiting their penetration depth.

Moisture Content – Water content in the soil is another critical factor. High moisture levels can increase the conductivity of the soil, leading to a quicker attenuation (reduction of the force/effect) of the radar waves. This is why GPR surveys are often more successful in dry conditions.

Frequency of the Radar – GPR systems use antennae with different frequencies, typically ranging from 10 MHz to 2.6 GHz. Lower frequency antennae can penetrate deeper but provide lower resolution images, while higher frequency antennae offer higher resolution images but have a shallower penetration depth. Selecting the appropriate frequency based on the specific application is crucial for achieving accurate results.

Depth and Size of the Target – The depth and size of the target also play a significant role in the accuracy of GPR. Shallower and larger targets are easier to detect and provide clearer images, while deeper and smaller targets might be more challenging to identify due to signal attenuation and dispersion.

Surface Conditions – The condition of the ground surface can affect the quality of GPR data. Smooth and flat surfaces are ideal for GPR surveys, as they allow for consistent contact between the antenna and the ground. In contrast, rough or uneven surfaces can cause signal scattering and loss, leading to less accurate results.

Electromagnetic Interference – GPR accuracy can be compromised by electromagnetic interference from nearby power lines, radio transmitters, or other electronic devices. Such interference can distort the radar signal, making it difficult to interpret the data accurately.

Data Processing and Interpretation – The accuracy of GPR is not only dependent on the data collection process but also on the subsequent data processing and interpretation. Advanced processing techniques can enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and improve image clarity. Additionally, experienced professionals are better equipped to interpret the data accurately, identifying subsurface features and distinguishing between different materials.

Operator Experience – The skill and experience of the operator conducting the GPR survey can significantly impact the accuracy of the results. Experienced operators are more adept at selecting the appropriate settings, conducting the survey efficiently, and interpreting the data accurately.

Understanding and managing the factors that affect the accuracy of GPR is crucial for anyone involved in subsurface exploration. By carefully considering these factors, it's possible to maximize the accuracy and reliability of GPR scanning, ensuring that the technology provides valuable and actionable information for a wide range of applications.

GPRS Project Managers (PMs) are experts at utilizing not only GPR, but other technologies such as electromagnetic (EM) locating to help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World^®.

We have achieved and maintained a 99.8%+ rate of accuracy on the over 500,000 utility locating and concrete scanning projects we’ve completed to date, in large part thanks to our adherence to Subsurface Investigation Methodology, or SIM.

Through this program, GPRS PMs complete 320 hours of field training and 80 hours of classroom training. The classroom education occurs at GPRS’ state-of-the-art training facility in Sylvania, Ohio, where the PMs-in-training tackle real-world scenarios in a safe and structured environment that allows them to create consultative solutions to unique problems.

While it’s possible to purchase or rent GPR and/or EM locators to attempt to locate and map your utilities or scan your concrete slabs yourself, the cost to buy or rent this equipment and train yourself or a member of your team – not to mention the risks involved in missing something buried where you plan to dig – make hiring a professional utility locating/concrete scanning company the right call.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPR equipment be used on vertical surfaces or ceilings?

We regularly use GPR equipment to scan for the location of rebar in concrete columns and walls. GPR can also examine the underside of a floor to mark out the reinforcing steel and any embedded conduits.

Can GPR determine the exact size of a subsurface void cavity?

No. GPR equipment can identify the area where a void is potentially occurring and the boundaries of that potential void. It cannot measure the void’s depth.

Is GPR safe to use?

Yes, unlike concrete X-ray, GPR is a safe, non-invasive tool that does not emit any harmful radiation or other byproducts. The scanning process does not create any noise, and the area can remain undisturbed during the scan.

Construction is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous industries, with a high incidence of workplace accidents and injuries.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the construction industry continues to experience the highest number of preventable fatal work injuries year-over-year compared to other industries. There were 957 construction-related fatalities in 2020, 946 in 2021, and 1,018 in 2022.

While the direct costs of construction-related injuries, such as medical expenses and workers' compensation, are often readily quantifiable, the indirect costs can be more elusive and, in many cases, significantly greater.

Understanding and addressing these indirect costs is crucial for the construction industry, not only from a financial perspective but also for enhancing worker safety and organizational efficiency.

The Tip of the Iceberg: Direct Costs

Direct costs are the immediate financial expenditures associated with construction-related injuries, including medical treatment, rehabilitation, and compensation for lost wages. These expenses are often covered by insurance, making them more visible and easier to quantify. However, they represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the total cost of workplace accidents.

The Hidden Costs: Indirect Expenses

Indirect costs, on the other hand, are less obvious and more challenging to quantify. They encompass a wide range of financial impacts that are not directly related to medical expenses or compensation but are nonetheless a consequence of workplace accidents. These costs can include:

1. Lost Productivity: When a worker is injured, their absence can lead to delays in project timelines, reduced efficiency, and the need for overtime work by other employees to compensate for the shortfall.
2. Training and Replacement: Hiring and training new or temporary workers to fill in for injured employees can be a costly and time-consuming process.
3. Equipment Damage: Accidents often involve damage to machinery or equipment, leading to repair or replacement costs and additional potential downtime.
4. Administrative Burden: Managing the aftermath of an accident involves significant administrative work, including accident investigations, paperwork for insurance claims, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
5. Impact on Morale: Workplace accidents can have a profound effect on the morale and mental well-being of employees, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism.
6. Reputation Damage: Frequent accidents can tarnish a company's reputation, potentially leading to lost business opportunities and difficulty in attracting skilled workers.
7. Legal Costs: In some cases, accidents may result in legal action, leading to additional expenses for legal representation and potential settlements.

Estimating the True Cost

The indirect costs of construction-related injuries are often estimated to be several times higher than the direct costs. However, the exact ratio can vary depending on the nature and severity of the accidents, as well as the specific circumstances of the construction project.

According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, the average cost of one lost-time construction injury on a job site is $35,000 – although many injuries cost much more due to litigation, medical expenses and compensation. Additionally, 6-9% of construction project costs are workplace injury related, leading to long-term increases in insurance costs and shrunken profit margins.

Mitigating the Indirect Costs

Addressing the indirect costs of construction-related injuries requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply adhering to safety regulations. Some strategies for mitigating these costs include:

1. Investing in Safety Training: Regular and thorough safety training for all employees can help prevent accidents and reduce the severity of injuries when they do occur.
2. Implementing Safety Technologies: Advances in technology, such as wearables that monitor worker fatigue and alert systems for hazardous conditions, can enhance safety on construction sites.
3. Fostering a Safety Culture: Creating a workplace culture that prioritizes safety can encourage employees to take proactive measures to prevent accidents and report potential hazards.
4. Engaging Early Return-to-Work Programs: Implementing programs that facilitate the early return of injured workers to light-duty or modified roles can help reduce the duration of lost productivity.
5. Performing Regular Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all equipment and machinery are regularly maintained and in good working order can prevent accidents caused by malfunctions.

The indirect costs of construction-related injuries represent a significant financial burden on the industry, often exceeding the direct costs by a wide margin. By understanding and addressing these hidden costs, construction companies can not only improve their bottom line but also enhance the safety and well-being of their workforce. Investing in safety training, technology, and a culture of safety is not just a moral imperative but a sound business strategy that can lead to long-term success and sustainability in the construction industry.

GPRS’ Commitment to Construction Safety

At GPRS, safety is our top priority. To that end, we sponsor a series of construction safety-related initiatives designed to educate you and your team on the best practices to ensure everyone leaves the job site in the same condition they arrived to it.

During these initiatives, GPRS safety experts travel across the country meeting you and your team where they are to deliver vital safety information.

Concrete Sawing & Drilling Safety Week focuses on the dangers of cutting and coring concrete, and the best practices to mitigate these risks. From proper PPE use to avoiding kickback while cutting or coring concrete, you and your team will learn how to keep yourselves and each other safe.

Construction Safety Week takes a broader look at jobsite safety, as we advocate for improved safety processes, mental health resources, and equipment standards that can reduce the risk of injury and create a safer environment for workers.

Water & Sewer Damage Awareness Week sees us shift our focus to the buried water and wastewater pipes that service our homes and businesses. During this week, you’ll learn about the risks your systems face every day, and how routine water loss surveys, and proactive water, sewer, and stormwater system maintenance plans eliminate service interruptions and maintain your entity’s reputation.

Click here to learn more about GPRS’ commitment to safety.

Japan is recognized worldwide as a leader in pioneering technologies and creative methods for enhancing urban areas.

The Japanese government invests more than $2.3 billion annually into universities and scientific research, solidifying its reputation as an innovative powerhouse. A prime example of this innovation is the ROADIC System (Road Information Management System), an elaborate platform devised by Japanese authorities to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of the nation's transportation infrastructure. Although ROADIC is well-established in Japan, it remains relatively unknown globally due to its ever-evolving technologies, which mirror the dynamic nature of Japan itself.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, serves as a top-tier infrastructure mapping solution, operating in a manner akin to the ROADIC System but tailored for private sector use. Both technologies signify a significant advancement in infrastructure management, utilizing cutting-edge 3D mapping and underground facility management to achieve unparalleled levels of efficiency, effectiveness, and reductions in rework throughout the global infrastructure network.

The ROADIC System: Redefining Infrastructure Management in Japan

The ROADIC System serves as a comprehensive platform for managing Japan's extensive network of roads, bridges, tunnels, and underground utilities. Developed by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the system provides centralized access to a wealth of infrastructure data, including road conditions, maintenance schedules, traffic flow, and underground utilities. By consolidating disparate datasets into a unified platform, the ROADIC System empowers government agencies, infrastructure operators, and urban planners with actionable insights and analytics to optimize infrastructure planning, maintenance, and development initiatives.

The History of ROADIC

The Road Administration Information Center (ROADIC) was created in 1986 as a result of several large-scale gas explosions that killed and injured hundreds of Japanese people, while causing tremendous damage. The gas line explosions and the need to coordinate road construction, coupled with available funding at the ministry level, lent significant impetus to the formation of ROADIC. The Japanese national government saw the need to develop an approach to preserve public safety and to improve response to accidents involving this significantly expanding public energy source. It took the lead to organize ROADIC through its Ministry of Construction, Bureau of Roads, which proactively enabled the foundation of the program in 1986.

As a collection of public and private members, ROADIC was set up as a national project in order to manage and protect the public utilities within the right-of-way. Following a successful initial implementation in metropolitan Tokyo in the mid-1980s, additional branches have been integrated within 12 major urban centers throughout Japan. Some of these cities include: Tokyo (23 separate Wards), Sapporo, Chiba, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, Kitakyushu and Fukuoka. These 12 branches coordinate with local government agencies and public utility companies including electric, gas, water, sewer, trains, subways and communications.

The original cost of establishing the ROADIC program was in the range of ¥ 9.5 billion, or $8.7 million U.S. 60% of this cost was funded by the national government. The remainder was contributed by interested local governments and utility companies. In 2003, the annual operating budget was ¥ 3.4 billion, or approximately $3.1 million U.S. The Japanese national government provides 50% of the annual operating funds. Both taxpayers and ratepayers are supporting ROADIC operations.

ROADIC Study Missions

In the early 1990s, the Geospatial Information & Technology Association, previously known as AM/FM International, established its Japanese branch. This initiation sparked ROADIC's interest in the newly formed affiliate’s activities. Many of ROADIC's founding members played a crucial role in setting up and expanding GITA-Japan. Additionally, a broad spectrum of geospatial professionals from Japanese utilities, government bodies, and private companies started participating in GITA's annual conferences held in the United States.

Over time, ROADIC leveraged these conferences, using the technical educational programs as platforms to pinpoint particular applications of geospatial technology that were relevant to their current interests. This involvement evolved into organizing “study missions” to North American and European utilities, cities, government agencies, and private companies, establishing a routine of alternating visits between the two continents every other year. These exchanges allowed host countries and Japanese professionals to freely share and enhance geospatial infrastructure management solutions, fostering ongoing global enhancements.

These missions typically take place in October and have been annual events since 1990, except for a hiatus in 2001 due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The ROADIC delegation usually comprises 12-18 representatives from Japanese utilities, government agencies, and private sector firms. They prepare a comprehensive list of questions for each site visit. On-site, a Japanese translator ensures all critical details about each project or implementation are clearly understood, facilitating the group. Individual perspectives and observations are gathered, and a comprehensive report of each visit is compiled. Upon returning to Japan, the insights are further analyzed and integrated into the ROADIC system, incorporating any particularly valuable ideas from the visits.

This distinctive approach to on-site learning has led to continual improvements within the system. Such initiatives have established the ROADIC system as a premier example of multi-organizational collaboration and knowledge exchange on a global scale.

SiteMap^®: Unlocking the Power of 3D Infrastructure Mapping and Underground Facility Management

At the heart of the ROADIC System's capabilities lies technology that is also used by GPRS, and therefore, SiteMap^®, a state-of-the-art infrastructure mapping solution renowned for its advanced 3D mapping and underground facility management functionalities. Similarly, should they wish to, by incorporating SiteMap^® into the ROADIC System, Japanese authorities could gain access to a suite of powerful tools and features that may enhance the system's effectiveness and efficiency:

Comprehensive Infrastructure Mapping

SiteMap^® enables the creation and delivery of detailed existing conditions and 3D maps of an infrastructure network, providing stakeholders with a comprehensive view of roadways, bridges, tunnels, and underground utilities. This detailed mapping data serves as a foundation for informed decision-making, allowing authorities to identify potential bottlenecks, optimize traffic flow, and prioritize infrastructure investments.

Advanced Visualization Capabilities

SiteMap^®'s advanced visualization capabilities empower users to interactively explore and analyze infrastructure data in a virtual environment. By visualizing complex infrastructure networks in 3D, stakeholders can gain insights into spatial relationships, identify potential conflicts, and assess the impact of proposed projects on existing infrastructure assets.

Efficient Underground Facility Management

Managing underground utilities is a critical aspect of infrastructure maintenance and development, particularly in densely populated urban areas. SiteMap^®'s underground facility management capabilities enable municipal managers and authorities to accurately map, monitor, and maintain underground utilities, minimizing the risk of damage during construction activities and improving overall infrastructure resilience.

Data Integration and Collaboration

SiteMap^®’s data portability allows it to work well with existing infrastructure methods and systems, enabling interoperability and data sharing across different government agencies and stakeholders. This supportive approach streamlines workflows, enhances collaboration, and fosters data-driven decision-making, leading to more efficient and effective infrastructure management practices. While SiteMap^® offers its own GIS platform, it's easy to utilize with other platforms as well.

SiteMap^® allows customers to visualize their underground infrastructure in much the same way as Japan’s data system, with accurate as-built data.

When you hire GPRS, your subsurface utilities are located, mapped, and layered in our interactive geospatial platform that allows you to deconstruct your utility map, as well. And because it’s cloud-based, SiteMap^® is secure, accessible 24/7, and shareable with those you designate for as long as they need the information.

Extra Savings

Because GPRS services support SUE QL-B, you could achieve significant savings by greatly reducing potholing, utility strikes, and the cost overruns usually associated with construction, expansion, or infrastructure installation by having 24/7 access to GPRS 99.8%+ accurate subsurface information via SiteMap^®.

The continued cost savings of digitizing and aggregating your underground utility maps has not been studied in significant numbers, but a recent case study cited in the Common Ground Alliance’s 2022 DIRT Report showed that the city of Chicago reduced its underground utility strikes by 50% over a five-year period by creating accessible aggregated utility maps in a GIS platform.

So, by utilizing SUE Standard A or B to locate and accurately map subsurface utility and infrastructure data, general contractors, facility managers, stakeholders, and municipalities could slash project costs by 9% - 40%.

Similar Cases

SiteMap^® creates an accurate single source of truth for your entire team. Backed by the amazing 99.8% accurate data provided by GPRS, SiteMap^® functions as a one stop shop for everything subsurface. Much like ROADIC, SiteMap^® utilizes the finest technology to accurately and simply map the world below your feet. Other nation’s have accomplished similar efforts:

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Over 40 years ago, Sarajevo mandated the recording of the location of all utility and telecommunications infrastructure data in the city. This was originally done manually on paper maps, much like in other countries. However, several years ago Sarajevo began converting these maps to digital format which run on Oracle Spatial.

Calgary, Alberta

Many years ago the city passed a by-law which mandated that all utilities and telecoms working within city limits must provide data showing the geolocation of their infrastructure. This data would have to be reported to the city's Joint Utility Mapping Project (JUMP). JUMP provides a single-source database which shows the geolocation of all underground utilities.

São Paulo, Brazil

The City of Sao Paulo's GeoCONVIAS project integrates data from 20 to 30 utilities which operate in the city of Sao Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The City of Rio de Janeiro has a similar project GeoVias funded by the government of the City of Rio de Janeiro and four utilities, as well as a project to monitor offshore seismic activity.

The ROADIC System marks a significant milestone in Japan's continuous drive to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its infrastructure network.

Despite the adoption of 811 services in the USA, SiteMap^® emerges as a frontrunner in subsurface mapping, paralleling the ROADIC System. Utilizing sophisticated 3D mapping and underground facility management technologies, the ROADIC System provides authorities with groundbreaking insights and analytics that enhance infrastructure planning, upkeep, and expansion efforts. Similarly, SiteMap^® employs the same pioneering methods and technologies that have made ROADIC a celebrated model, revolutionizing how we understand and manage subsurface environments, one city at a time.

GPRS SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos so you can see how this infrastructure mapping software solution can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better.

Click below to sign up for your demo today!

In a landmark decision, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has granted approval for Enbridge Energy to relocate a segment of its Line 5 oil and natural gas pipeline.

The existing pipeline, which currently rests on the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac, will be moved into a newly constructed service tunnel beneath the straits. This move is poised to significantly enhance the environmental safety and operational reliability of the pipeline, which is a critical component of the region's energy infrastructure.

Background of Line 5

Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline that transports up to 540,000 barrels per day of light crude oil, light synthetic crude, and natural gas liquids. The pipeline, which has been in operation since 1953, is a vital artery for the transportation of energy resources across the Great Lakes region, supplying refineries in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Ontario, and Quebec.

The Controversy Surrounding Line 5

The pipeline's location at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, has been a source of environmental concern for years. Critics argue that a potential spill could have catastrophic consequences for the Great Lakes, which contain about 20% of the world's fresh surface water. The aging infrastructure of Line 5 and the risk of anchor strikes from passing ships have heightened these concerns.

The Tunnel Solution

Enbridge's proposal to construct a tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac is aimed at addressing these environmental and safety concerns. The tunnel, which is estimated to cost $500 million, would encase a new segment of the pipeline, protecting it from external impacts and reducing the risk of a spill. The MPSC's approval of the site permit is a critical step forward in realizing this project.

The Approval Process

The approval process for the tunnel project has been rigorous, involving multiple regulatory bodies and extensive public consultation. The MPSC's decision comes after careful consideration of the environmental, economic, and technical aspects of the project. The commission has set forth several conditions for the construction and operation of the tunnel to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

Implications of the Decision

The MPSC's approval of the tunnel project is a significant development for both Enbridge and the communities that rely on Line 5 for their energy needs. For Enbridge, the decision provides a clear path forward to modernize and secure a critical piece of infrastructure. For the region, the relocation of Line 5 into a tunnel beneath the straits promises enhanced environmental protection and energy security.

Environmental and Economic Benefits

The tunnel project is expected to bring several environmental and economic benefits. By reducing the risk of a spill, the project will help protect the Great Lakes and the surrounding ecosystems. The construction of the tunnel is also anticipated to create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region.

Ongoing Challenges and Opposition

Despite the MPSC's approval, the tunnel project faces ongoing challenges and opposition. Some environmental groups and Indigenous communities have raised concerns about the continued operation of Line 5 and the potential impacts of the tunnel construction on the environment. Legal challenges and regulatory hurdles may still lie ahead for Enbridge as it seeks to bring the project to fruition.

The Road Ahead

With the MPSC's approval in hand, Enbridge can move forward with the detailed planning and construction of the tunnel. The company has stated that it aims to complete the project by 2024, pending further regulatory approvals and the resolution of legal challenges. The successful completion of the tunnel will mark a significant milestone in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Line 5 for years to come.

The Michigan Public Service Commission's approval of the site permit for Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel project is a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the pipeline's future. By relocating a segment of Line 5 into a service tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, Enbridge aims to address environmental and safety concerns while ensuring the continued flow of vital energy resources. The decision represents a balance between protecting the Great Lakes and meeting the region's energy needs, but it also underscores the complex challenges and competing interests that must be navigated in the pursuit of energy infrastructure development.

As the project moves forward, it will be closely watched by stakeholders on all sides of the issue.

The introduction or expansion of passenger rail services can have a transformative effect on various aspects of local development.

Columbus Business First recently reported on announced federal funding for the creation of development plans for four total Amtrak service corridors in and around Ohio:

• Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati-Dayton
• Chicago-Fort Wayne-Columbus-Pittsburgh
• Cleveland-Toledo-Detroit
• Increased service frequency on Amtrak’s current route to Cincinnati between New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago via the states of Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois

Experience Columbus CEO Brian Ross told Columbus Business First that although the project is still in the planning stage and Columbus is not guaranteed to receive a route, “This will help people get to and from Columbus and Central Ohio, and help with residents moving here because of the easy access to those cities.”

From enhancing workforce mobility to boosting tourism and supporting broader mobility plans, rail networks offer a multitude of benefits that contribute to the economic and social growth of an area. In this article, we'll explore how rail service can improve a region's workforce, tourism industry, mobility plans, and more.

Empowering the Workforce

One of the most significant impacts of rail service is its ability to improve workforce mobility. By providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, rail networks enable employees to commute more easily, accessing a wider range of job opportunities. This not only benefits individuals by expanding their employment options but also helps employers by broadening the pool of potential workers. Moreover, reduced commuting times and the convenience of rail travel can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity, further enhancing the region's economic performance.

Boosting Tourism

Rail service can also play a crucial role in boosting a region's tourism industry. Tourists are often attracted to areas that are easily accessible by public transportation. Rail networks can connect key tourist destinations, making it more convenient for visitors to explore different attractions without the hassle of driving or finding parking. Additionally, scenic train routes can become attractions drawing visitors who are looking for unique travel experiences. The increased tourist footfall can lead to higher spending in local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, further stimulating the regional economy.

Supporting Mobility Plans

Incorporating rail service into a region's mobility plans is essential for creating a more sustainable and integrated transportation system. Rail networks can serve as the backbone of public transportation, connecting with other modes such as buses, trams, and bike-sharing schemes. This multimodal approach can reduce reliance on private vehicles, leading to decreased traffic congestion and lower emissions. Furthermore, rail infrastructure can be designed to accommodate future growth, ensuring that the region's transportation system remains resilient and adaptable to changing needs.

Enhancing Accessibility and Social Equity

Rail service can enhance accessibility and promote social equity by providing affordable and convenient transportation options for all residents, including those without access to a car. This is particularly important for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, who may rely more heavily on public transportation. By improving access to essential services, employment, and educational opportunities, rail networks can help bridge the mobility gap and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Encouraging Economic Development

The development of rail infrastructure can attract businesses and stimulate economic growth in a region. Companies often look for locations with good transportation links when deciding where to set up operations. Rail service can make a region more attractive to potential investors, leading to job creation and increased economic activity. Additionally, the construction and maintenance of rail infrastructure provide employment opportunities and can drive demand for local goods and services.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Rail service is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Trains emit significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases per passenger mile compared to cars and airplanes. By encouraging more people to use rail instead of private vehicles, regions can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Furthermore, rail networks can be powered by renewable energy sources, further enhancing their sustainability.

Improving Quality of Life

The benefits of rail service extend beyond economic and environmental factors to include improvements in the overall quality of life for residents. Reduced traffic congestion and lower pollution levels contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. The convenience and reliability of rail travel can reduce stress associated with commuting, providing more time for leisure and family activities. Additionally, the development of rail infrastructure can lead to the revitalization of neighborhoods and the creation of vibrant, pedestrian-friendly communities.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits of rail service are clear, there are also challenges to consider. The initial investment in rail infrastructure can be substantial, and securing funding can be a complex process. There may also be opposition from residents or businesses concerned about noise, disruption, or changes to the local landscape. Careful planning and community engagement are essential to address these concerns and ensure that the rail network meets the needs of the region.

The introduction or expansion of rail service can have a profound impact on a region's development, offering a wide range of benefits from improving workforce mobility to enhancing quality of life. By providing an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive mode of transportation, rail networks can support economic growth, boost tourism, and contribute to a healthier environment. While challenges exist, the potential rewards make rail service an invaluable asset for any region looking to build a brighter future.

GPRS Services Support Rail Expansion

From passenger rail service expansion in Columbus, to parking garages in New York City, infrastructure projects require careful planning and preparation to ensure their success.

This starts with understanding what infrastructure is buried beneath the project site before any shovels hit the ground.

GPRS’ utility locating and mapping services support infrastructure expansion by providing you with 99.8%+ accurate data of all buried lines and other subsurface obstructions that could otherwise derail your project.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, we Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a private utility locate?

Our Project Managers (PMs) 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 a global positioning system (GPS) 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. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.

Does GPRS offer same-day private utility locating?

Yes, our professional Project Managers (PMs) can respond rapidly to emergency same-day private utility locating service calls on your job site.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

Microtrenching and directional drilling are minimally destructive alternatives to traditional trenching when installing underground utilities.

Both methods offer unique advantages and challenges, making them suitable for different scenarios.

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Microtrenching: A Quick and Cost-Effective Solution

Microtrenching involves cutting a narrow and shallow trench, typically 1-2 inches wide and 12-24 inches deep, along the side of roads or sidewalks. The utility cables or conduits are then laid in the trench, which is subsequently filled with a protective material and sealed.

Advantages of Microtrenching

Speed: Microtrenching is known for its rapid deployment. The process is significantly faster than traditional trenching methods, allowing for quicker project completion.

Cost-Effectiveness: Due to its speed and the minimal amount of excavation required, microtrenching is often more cost-effective than other installation methods.

Reduced Disruption: The narrow trenches and surface-level work cause less disruption to traffic and surrounding infrastructure compared to traditional trenching, making it an ideal choice for urban environments.

Limitations of Microtrenching

Durability Concerns: The shallow depth of the trenches may expose cables to potential damage from surface activities or environmental factors.

Limited Applications: Microtrenching is primarily suitable for fiber optic cables and may not be appropriate for larger utilities or in areas with heavy vehicular traffic.

Directional Drilling: Navigating Obstacles with Precision

Directional drilling, also known as horizontal directional drilling (HDD) or directional boring, is a trenchless method that involves drilling a pilot hole along a predetermined path, followed by enlarging the hole to accommodate the utility conduit, which is then pulled through the opening.

Advantages of Directional Drilling

Obstacle Avoidance: HDD can navigate around underground obstacles, making it suitable for crossing water bodies, roads, and other barriers without disrupting the surface.

Environmental Protection: As a trenchless method, directional drilling minimizes environmental impact, preserving the ecosystem and reducing the need for restoration.

Versatility: HDD can be used for a wide range of utilities, including water, gas, and telecommunications lines, and is effective in various soil types and conditions.

Limitations of Directional Drilling

Cost: Directional drilling can be more expensive than microtrenching, particularly for short distances, due to the specialized equipment and expertise required.

Site Access: The setup for HDD requires a larger footprint, which may be challenging in congested urban areas.

Complexity: The planning and execution of directional drilling projects are more complex, requiring precise calculations and skilled operators.

Cross Bores: A directional drill bit pierces through a sewer pipe as easily as it does rock, so the operator can’t tell the difference between the two. If proper precautions aren’t taken, it’s very easy to accidentally bore a new line through an existing utility, creating a dangerous phenomenon known as a cross bore.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing microtrenching and directional drilling, several factors come into play:

Application Scope: Microtrenching is best suited for installing fiber optic cables in urban settings, while directional drilling is more versatile, accommodating a variety of utilities and environments.

Cost Considerations: Microtrenching generally offers cost savings for short distances in accessible areas, whereas directional drilling, despite its higher initial cost, provides value in complex installations and longer runs.

Environmental Impact: Both methods are less invasive than traditional trenching, but directional drilling has the edge in minimizing surface disruption and protecting natural habitats.

Installation Speed: Microtrenching is faster and more straightforward, making it ideal for rapid deployments. Directional drilling, while slower, offers precision and the ability to navigate obstacles.

In the realm of utility installation, both microtrenching and directional drilling have their place, each with distinct advantages and limitations. The choice between the two methods depends on factors such as the type of utility being installed, the project's scale and complexity, the geographical and environmental context, and budget constraints. By understanding the nuances of these techniques, utility providers and contractors can make informed decisions that ensure efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible installations.

GPRS Can Help Mitigate Risk During Utility Installation

Whether microtrenching or directional drilling, it’s important you know what’s below before breaking ground for any utility installation.

GPRS’ utility locating and video pipe inspection services mitigate the risk of subsurface damage during utility installation projects by ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the buried infrastructure on your job site.

Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, our SIM-certified Project Managers (PMs) can visualize all buried utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs) and other unseen impediments that would otherwise lead to costly and potentially dangerous damage.

Our state-of-the-art, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection rovers can be deployed both before and after utility installs occur to mitigate the risk of cross bores: inadvertent intersections of buried utilities that are most often caused by trenchless technology such as directional drilling. Cross bores can compromise the safety of buried infrastructure, leading to groundwater contamination, service interruptions, or even explosions when gas and sewer lines are involved. So, it’s vital that we prevent the creation of these dangerous defects and identify and repair any that already existing within our infrastructure.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

Our Project Managers (PMs) flag and paint our findings directly on the surface we’re investigating. This is the most accurate form of marking and communication when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

We also use a global positioning system (GPS) 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.

Finally, all our findings are instantly uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution where you can securely access your data 24/7, from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Every GPRS customer receives a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription with every utility locate.

Will I need to mark out the utilities GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our elite, NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) can inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a VPI?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our video pipe inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. And we not only inspect the interior condition of pipes, laterals, and manholes – we also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

Ground penetrating radar services provided by GPRS aided in the safe excavation of a 24-mile-long pipeline in Monument, New Mexico.

GPRS Area Manager Ryan Dennis was called in to scan along 13 miles of the pipeline’s known path and verify the location and depths of multiple types of utility lines, including communication, irrigation, water, sewer, power, and natural gas.

GPRS primarily uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) when conducting utility locating services. GPR is a non-destructive detection and imaging method which identifies subsurface elements either underground or within a surface such as concrete.

GPR works by sending a radio signal into a structure and reading the interaction between the radio waves and subsurface objects they encounter, including both metallic and non-metallic materials. These interactions – sometimes referred to as “bounces” – are detected by the GPR unit and displayed in a readout of hyperbolas varying in size and shape depending on what type of material was located.

Properly trained utility locating professionals such as GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers (PMs) and Area Managers (AMs) can interpret the data in these readouts to determine what type of utilities or other obstructions were located and provide the estimated depth of these items.

When used properly, GPR scanning is a highly accurate method for conducting utility locates and/or precision concrete scanning and imaging. But while GPRS derives its name from GPR, we have become much more than just a GPR company. When locating utilities, that means employing complementary technology such as electromagnetic (EM) locating to compensate for GPR’s limitations and provide the most accurate infrastructure data possible.

Unlike with GPR scanning, EM locators do not locate buried pipes or cables – they detect the electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic pipes and cables.

These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, or from current flow in a live electrical cable. They can also result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields (detected by the EM locator functioning in Power Mode) and communications transmissions (Radio Mode).

By utilizing both GPR and EM locating, Dennis verified the location of multiple known lines and located several previously unknown utilities along the pipeline’s path. This ensured no subsurface damage occurred during excavation of the pipeline, keeping the project on time, on budget, and safe.

This use of complementary technologies is in alignment with the teachings of SIM, or Subsurface Investigation Methodology. The industry-leading training program and specification for utility locating, concrete scanning and video pipe inspection, SIM teaches that the use of multiple locating technologies during these investigations ensures a redundant confirmation of results. And SIM’s step-by-step approach to collecting subsurface data ensures that the results of locates are repeatable and accurate.

Every member of GPRS’ field team is required to achieve SIM certification. To do this, they complete a minimum of 320 hours of field training, as well as 80 hours of classroom training at GPRS’ state-of-the-art training center in Sylvania, Ohio.

It’s GPRS’ adherence to SIM that has led to us achieving and maintaining a 99.8%+ rate of accuracy on the over 500,000 utility locating and concrete scanning projects that we’ve completed to date.

Some of the utilities that Dennis located were buried as far as 4 feet below the surface.

The data collected and provided by Dennis allowed the contractor to adjust their plans to avoid costly and potentially dangerous subsurface damage during excavation.

The client shared with Dennis that they originally believed they would only need to contact their state’s 811 one-call service prior to digging. 811 is the national call-before-you-dig number, which contractors and excavators are required by law to contact prior to breaking ground.

It’s important to remember, however, that 811 contractors only provide the approximate location of public utilities. They do not provide the estimated location of private utilities – those owned and operated by individuals and businesses – which make up 60% of all buried lines.

If the contractor had followed their initial plan of only contacting 811, they wouldn’t have known the location of private utilities along their planned excavation path and subsurface damage would have likely occurred.

This is why it’s vital to hire a private utility locator like GPRS prior to breaking ground. Our private utility locating services compliment the services provided by 811 to mitigate the risk of subsurface damage during excavation projects.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts 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 a global positioning system (GPS) 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.

Finally, all GPRS clients receive a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription with every utility locate. SiteMap® (patent pending) is GPRS’ cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution that provides secure, 24/7 access to the field-verified data collected by our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers. Click here to learn more.

Can GPR scanning find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

Yes, GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times, however, when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods.

When GPR isn’t the right tool for the job, GPRS utilizes complimentary technology such as electromagnetic (EM) locating.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks (USTs) and whatever else may be hiding beneath the surface.

GPRS continues to help ensure the safe construction of the largest renewable energy installation in California history.

GPRS Project Managers have made several trips to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles, where Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is constructing a 12.37-megawatt solar carport and energy storage system in partnership with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables.

In a press release announcing the project’s official groundbreaking, Six Flags said that the project will rank as the largest single-site commercial renewable energy project in California and the largest solar project allocated toward a for-profit organization in the United States.

“We’re thrilled to be breaking ground on this monumental project and taking the next step towards a cleaner, greener future,” said Six Flags Magic Mountain Interim Park President, Jeff Harris. “We’re continuing to make advancements towards improving and protecting the environment, and are honored to be industry leaders, paving the way for other theme park companies around the world…”

Powering Up – Safely

About 4,243 billion kWh of electricity was generated at utility-scale electricity generation facilities in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Energy Information Administration.

About 22% (913 billion kWh) of this electricity generation was from renewable energy sources, which is about 2% more than in 2021. The EIA estimates that in 2024, renewables will make up 26% of our electricity generation.

Before any renewable energy project can get off the ground, however, proper precautions must be taken to ensure that installation can occur without damaging existing utilities or other subsurface objects.

GPRS Project Manager Vincent Lopez is one of the PMs conducting utility locating services at Magic Mountain in preparation for the installation of the solar array. The contractor needs to conduct directional boring to run conduit to connect the array to the park’s infrastructure, and they also need to pour footings to support the structure.

“They just wanted me to check the area, to see if there were any utilities that might be in the way,” Lopez explained. “They just wanted to make sure that there wasn’t anything that was going to get hit during the boring and excavation.”

GPRS Project Managers rely on Subsurface Investigation Methodology, or SIM, to guide them while conducting utility locates, precision concrete scanning and imaging, and video pipe inspections. SIM is the industry-leading training program and specification for subsurface investigation and requires that professional utility locating companies utilize multiple technologies and a repeatable process to ensure a redundant confirmation of results.

GPRS primarily uses two technologies when locating utilities: ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating.

GPR is a non-invasive method that detects and visualizes objects beneath the surface, whether buried underground or embedded in structures like concrete.

The technology operates by transmitting radio waves into a structure and analyzing how these waves interact with subsurface features, encompassing both metallic and non-metallic materials. These interactions, often called "bounces," are captured by the GPR system and presented as hyperbolic patterns on a display, varying in size and shape according to the materials encountered.

Trained utility locating experts, such as GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers (PMs) and Area Managers (AMs), are adept at interpreting these patterns to identify the type of utilities or obstructions present and ascertain their approximate depths.

Unlike GPR scanning, EM locators do not directly locate buried pipes or cables. Instead, they detect the electromagnetic signals that emanate from metallic pipes and cables.

These signals might be generated when the locator's transmitter induces a current in the pipe, or they could come from the natural current flow within an active electrical cable. Signals can also be emitted from conductive pipes that act as antennas, picking up and re-radiating stray electrical fields (detected in Power Mode by the EM locator) and signals from communications transmissions (detected in Radio Mode).

At Six Flags, Lopez first swept the area with his EM locator before verifying his findings with GPR scanning. In less than a day, he was able to clear the contractor’s desired boring paths and the other areas where excavation was going to occur, ensuring this high-profile renewable energy project could stay on time, on budget, and safe.

“We felt confident after locating everything with the EM locator, and I ran the GPR just to double check the whole area,” Lopez said.

As with every utility locating job GPRS completes, the data collected at Six Flags was instantly uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution which allows for easy, yet secure access to this vital utility mapping information 24/7 from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

All GPRS clients receive a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription when we perform a utility locate for them. With all your field-verified infrastructure data at your fingertips, SiteMap^® allows you and your team to plan, design, dig, manage, and build better.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. Click below to sign up for yours today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPRS offer same-day private utility locating?

Yes, our professional Project Managers can respond rapidly to emergency same-day private utility locating service calls on your job site. In most cases, we can be on site within 24-48 hours.

How accurate are the results of ground penetrating radar scanning?

While accuracy depends on various external factors such as ground and soil conditions, the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) standard ensures that we can obtain the best results possible in each situation.

Through experience, we’ve found that when using a concrete antenna for scanning concrete, the accuracy is typically +/- ¼” to the center of the object and +/- ½” to the actual depth. When locating an object underground using a utility locating antenna for scanning, the accuracy is +/- 6” to the center and +/- 10% to the actual depth.

The results of the concrete antenna are generally higher resolution and therefore considered to produce better quality results. However, the concrete antenna cannot penetrate the ground as deeply as the utility locating antenna. It is critical to understand the benefits and limitations of both when performing scanning work.

GPRS Project Managers use electromagnetic (EM) locating to compliment GPR and ensure you receive the most accurate infrastructure data possible.

GPRS’ commitment to safety doesn’t stop at the boundaries of the job sites where we help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World^®.

Both our team and yours need to drive safely to get to and from their projects. And with April recognized nationally as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Construction Safety Week 2024 running May 6-10, now is the perfect time to remember the vital role we all play in keeping ourselves and our coworkers safe while on the road.

Distraction-affected fatal crashes have increased 4% since 2013, despite a 5% decrease in these incidents in 2022 compared to 2021, according to data from the National Safety Council.

Not surprisingly, the percentage of drivers manipulating hand-held electronic devices – including texting – has increased 82% over the same time period.

“What I continue to see from a data perspective is we have a problem with using devices while driving,” said Chris Moore, GPRS’ Senior Vice President of Internal Operations. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 300,000 accidents last year were a result of distracted driving in some way, shape, or form… There’s just a level of vigilance needed, and I think we just don’t think about it.”

Moore is leading an internal team at GPRS working educate our team members on the dangers of driving distracted. And every vehicle in GPRS’ fleet is equipped with Bluetooth technology, as our team members are prohibited from using hand-held mobile device while behind the wheel.

“Vehicle safety is the number one safety risk that our company faces on a daily basis,” Moore said. “It’s not the risks of being on job sites… It’s our guys behind the wheel, driving 12,000,000-plus miles a year. That’s our biggest safety risk.”

“It’s so important, thinking about it certainly for the safety of our team members and then also for our vehicle fleet,” Moore continued. “And then, thirdly, for insurance rates. [If you don’t take steps to educate your team on the dangers of distracted driving,] trending data shows that someone is going to have a severe accident, and somebody is going to get tremendously hurt.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 27 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using hand-held cellphones while driving.

Of course, distracted driving means more than just fiddling with your mobile device. It’s looking down to adjust an air vent, turning around to reprimand a child in the backseat, or looking over your shoulder to – ironically – gawk at an accident.

When distracted driving occurs behind the wheel of a company-branded vehicle, that company’s reputation is on the line.

“With distracted driving, everybody does it – self included – right?” Moore said. “And we don’t really say anything about it. Everybody knows it’s bad, but we don’t hold each other accountable… So, specifically in the construction industry: are we willing to look at another contractor and be like ‘Hey dude, I’d appreciate if you’d put that phone down’? There’s some reputational risk, organizational risk, and relationship risk to that, right?”

Moore suggests you “own the awkwardness” when you need to urge a coworker to stay focused behind the wheel.

“If I saw you in the parking lot using your phone as you drove through the parking lot and felt compelled to say something, I would say ‘Hey man, listen, I’m about to say something that’s super awkward, and I don’t know how to say it well, and I’m sorry, but do you need to be using your phone while you’re driving?’” he said. “There are ways in which we can kind of cache it that aren’t attacking and that sort of put us in a humble position.”

At GPRS, safety is always on our radar. Our subsurface damage prevention services, including precision concrete scanning, utility locating, video pipe inspection, and leak detection, are designed to keep you and your team safe so you can leave the job site in the same condition in which you arrived to it.

But all that work is meaningless if you or a member of your team gets into a fatal accident on your way to or from your site.

You can click here to sign up for more resources to help you and your team stay safe behind the wheel.

It’s also not too late to sign up for your free Construction Safety Week presentation. From May 6-10, GPRS safety experts will travel the country offering free safety presentations to you and your team, at your site or office.

Click here to schedule your CSW presentation today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered distracted driving?

Distracted driving refers to operating a vehicle while engaged in other activities that divert the driver's attention away from the road. Common distractions include using a cellphone, eating, using a GPS, and talking to passengers.

There are three main types of distractions:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a smartphone)
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel (e.g., eating or adjusting the radio)
• Cognitive: taking your mind off driving (e.g., having a conversation or daydreaming)

Why is distracted driving dangerous?  

Distracted driving increases the risk of a vehicle crash as it impairs the driver's ability to make quick decisions, react to sudden changes, and maintain awareness of road conditions and traffic laws.

What are the consequences of distracted driving?

Consequences can range from minor vehicle damage to serious accidents causing injuries or fatalities. Legally, it can lead to fines, license suspension, and increased insurance rates. In severe cases, it can result in criminal charges.

Are there laws against distracted driving?

Yes, many regions have specific laws that prohibit texting and the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving. Some places also have broader laws against any activity that impairs a driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle.

How can distracted driving be prevented?

Preventative measures include:

  - Turning off electronic devices or setting them to "Do Not Disturb" while driving.

  - Pre-setting GPS and climate controls before departure.

  - Avoiding eating, drinking, or other activities that require manual involvement while driving.

  - Educating drivers, especially teens, about the risks of distracted driving.

What is Construction Safety Week?

CSW is an opportunity for people, companies, and even competitors to work together and celebrate the incredibly hard work by people in the construction industry who make safety the foundation of everything they do. Click here to learn more.

3D Photogrammetry is a Low-Cost Investment with Many Benefits

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Imagine having instant access to your site’s spatial data at any point during the construction process, including measurements, floor plans, and virtual tours for a fraction of the cost of 3D laser scanning. How would that change your team’s workflow and productivity?

Many clients would benefit from a walkthrough of their site during different stages of construction. 3D photogrammetry can deliver a 3D virtual record of the project before, during, and after construction. Now imagine having this as-built documentation quickly at a low-cost.

GPRS 3D photogrammetry services use a professional-grade 3D camera to capture high-resolution 360° images and LiDAR point clouds. GPRS 3D photogrammetry offers 20mm accuracy within a 10m range and has a maximum of 100m scanning range. It takes less than 20 seconds per scan location to collect more than 100,000 data points. Clients receive an immersive and interactive walkthrough of their building’s architecture, structure, utilities, and MEP systems in real-time.

Photogrammetry is a low-cost existing conditions construction documentation investment that can quickly transform sites into digital twins. The technology captures layout and dimensional data in color, and clients can import e57 point clouds and .OBJ files directly into CAD or BIM modeling software.

Existing condition documentation by way of 3D photogrammetry can be used to design modifications and upgrades before beginning construction. It can record the location of utilities, concrete reinforcements, and MEP installations. It can also provide progressive capture on a jobsite so everyone can see what’s been done and what milestones are still to be completed. Plus, it can provide a virtual tour of a site upon project completion.

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Recent GPRS 3D Photogrammetry Services

A power company that delivers electricity and gas to Massachusetts customers and communities requested a GPRS WalkThru 3D of the utility locate for their site.

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A water company that manufactures and supplies water dispensers and multi-gallon bottled water to retail locations requested GPRS 3D photogrammetry of their facility.

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An architect requested GPRS as-builts prior to remodeling existing warehouse space and the installation of new machining and manufacturing equipment. They needed to understand all underground electrical, plumbing, sewage, and compressed air lines before construction to make sure they did not damage the existing systems.

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To efficiently plan and manage your project and keep it on time and on budget, reach out to one of GPRS’ 500 Project Managers located across the United States. Our Project Managers will quickly mobilize to document your site in photo-realistic 3D.  Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team rectifies the 3D photogrammetry to digitize your site into WalkThru 3Ds, floor plans (FLRPLN), progressive capture (PRO CAP), and TRUBUILTs.

With 3D photogrammetry, clients can digitize and view their space, get accurate measurements, design modifications, and more. GPRS offers project executives, general contractors, and field teams a comprehensive set of add-on tools to receive as-built data, make informed decisions, and optimize construction design and workflows.

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WALKTHRU 3D VIRTUAL TOURS

Receive accurate existing condition documentation, as-builts, and dimensional information in real time with WalkThru 3D Virtual Tours. GPRS uses 3D photogrammetry to provide immersive site walkthroughs and 3D virtual tours that allow project teams, designers, and stakeholders to remotely walk through a site or facility.  WalkThru 3D eliminates travel and improves communication and collaboration. It also allows clients to intelligently visualize their site, identify potential issues, and make informed decisions without the need for physical presence.

WalkThru 3D can be delivered digitally and accessed via SiteMap^® so that your virtual tour can be downloaded, saved, and shared to any laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and is accessible 24/7.

Learn More About WalkThru 3D.

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FLRPLN

The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can take the rectified, real-time 3D photogrammetry from WalkThru 3D and create an accurate existing condition as-built floor plan of a project site for design planning, risk mitigation, and emergency planning purposes. FLRPLN is a precise 2D CAD construction drawing that provides project teams accurate layout, dimensions, and details of a building or structure. It helps everyone visualize the project site, communicate with clients and contractors, and comply with codes and regulations. FLRPLN can be used to identify potential hazards, develop emergency action procedures, safety protocols, and train personnel on site-specific procedures.

GPRS FLRPLN can be delivered digitally and accessed via SiteMap^® so that it can be downloaded, saved, and shared to any laptop, tablet, or smartphone and is accessible 24/7.

Learn More About FLRPLN.

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PROCAP

PRO CAP Progressive Capture can document construction progress from start through completion with 3D photogrammetry. GPRS’ Project Managers can accurately record the precise details of a project site from the location of utilities and concrete reinforcements to MEP installation locations, and more with 3D rectified imagery. We can provide PRO CAP on a regular schedule for the life of a project, whether it be bi-weekly, monthly, or customized to a client’s needs.

By capturing scans regularly, clients can track the evolution of the site, monitor construction milestones, manage project timelines, and ensure that work is proceeding according to schedule. Accurate record images can help to avoid clashes, change orders, and streamline communications.

PRO CAP Progressive Capture is valuable when managing projects from a remote location or managing multiple project sites.

PRO CAP scans can be delivered digitally and accessed via SiteMap^® so that they can be downloaded, saved, and shared to any laptop, tablet, or smartphone and are accessible 24/7.

Learn More About PRO CAP.

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TRUBUILT

Eliminate outdated and inaccurate as-builts with TRUBUILT, real-time reality capture 2D CAD plan views of infrastructure – above and below ground. TRUBUILTs are accurate existing condition as-builts of a site or facility. They break down information silos and allow team members to collaborate with comprehensive, layered, data. TRUBUILT as-builts can serve as comprehensive documentation for reference, maintenance, and renovation projects.

Clients can access, copy, download, and share TRUBUILT as-builts via SiteMap^® to keep their projects on time, on budget, and safe.

Learn More About TRUBUILT.

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What is SiteMap®?

GPRS recently developed SiteMap^®, a cloud-based user-friendly software that quickly and securely delivers 3D photogrammetry data, maps, and models for construction and infrastructure projects. SiteMap^® provides customers with GPRS accurate as-built information – from our 99.8%+ accurate utility maps & concrete imaging results to CAD drawings and fully integrated 3D BIM models that meld 2-4mm accurate aboveground as-builts & below ground infrastructure to create a digital twin of any site.

3D photogrammetry can be accessed via SiteMap^® to view site documentation, make informed decisions, coordinate work, and minimize errors. Clients can share data easily with team members, digitally measure inside 3D photogrammetry files, and use features like annotation, markup, and feedback to communicate with team members, clients, and contractors.

Learn More About SiteMap^®.

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Why GPRS? The GPRS Difference.

GPRS reality capture services Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® to create a digital representation of the real-world conditions of a construction site or an existing building.

GPRS utilizes 3D photogrammetry for reality capture to deliver accurate as-built data to construction professionals to make informed decisions and manage and execute projects. 3D photogrammetry enhances accuracy, efficiency, safety, and communication throughout the entire construction process, from initial design to project completion.

If your project requires a higher level of accuracy, GPRS also offers 3D laser scanning that provides 2-4 millimeter accurate records of existing as-built conditions. 3D laser scan data can be processed by our in-house Mapping & Modeling Team to deliver point cloud files, 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models to help you plan, design, manage, and build better.

With over 500 Project Managers in every major city across the United States, GPRS has an unmatched nationwide service network that makes it quick and easy to find local experts. GPRS specializes in 3D laser scanning, 3D photogrammetry, asset digitization, 3D virtual tours, digital twins, scan to CAD, and scan to BIM for the in the AEC industry.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Meaning of Photogrammetry?

When you break down the word photogrammetry – “photo” refers to light, “gram” means drawing and “metry” refers to measurements. Photogrammetry uses photos to gather measurements from which drawings, maps, models, and virtual tours can be created.

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What are the Benefits of Photogrammetry?

• Permanent record of existing conditions
• Fast 2D and 3D data collection
• Accurate virtual models of physical assets, structures, and systems
• Digital twins and virtual site tours
• Eliminates the need for site revisits
• Minimal disruption to environment
• Saves time compared to conventional ground surveys
• Non-intrusive and cost effective
• Expedites decision making, increasing project efficiency

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What Industries Use Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry can be used in many industries: construction, civil engineering, structural engineering, telecommunications, military intelligence, agricultural, cultural heritage & preservation, real estate, film & entertainment, public safety, forensics & accident investigation, archaeology, and more.

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Engineers and contractors have more project data than ever before thanks to 3D laser scanning technologies such as LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and photogrammetry. These methods of reality capture collect millions of data points and store them in the form of a point cloud. The point cloud generated from laser scanning and photogrammetry is important for construction planning because it provides a highly accurate and detailed representation of a building or site.

What is a Point Cloud?

According to US CAD, “laser scanners digitally capture objects using laser light. The result is a point cloud consisting of millions of points that produce a highly accurate 3D representation of the as-built conditions. A point cloud can be easily imported into leading CAD and BIM software solutions to further use in the design and construction process.”

GPRS defines a point cloud as a collection of data points in a 3D coordinate system. Each point in the point cloud is defined by its XYZ coordinate, and may also include additional attributes such as color, intensity, and reflectance. The reflectance characteristics of each LiDAR point cloud document the reflectance properties of points to known values (high, medium, low) which are characteristic of commonly classified features, such as vegetation, asphalt roads, buildings, and water bodies.

To 3D laser scan a site, a GPRS Project Manager positions a laser scanner at various locations, taking individual scans from varying viewpoints to capture comprehensive site data. A single scan from a 3D laser scanner can generate millions of individual points or XYZ coordinates, each representing a specific location in the 3D space. The captured points record every surface color, detail, and texture, creating a direct representation of the scanned project site with 2-4 millimeter accuracy.

The size of a point cloud can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the resolution of the scan, the area covered, and the level of detail captured. For example, a laser scan of a large building could produce a point cloud with billions of points. Higher density scans capture more points per area and provide a more detailed and accurate representation of a space, resulting in an even larger point cloud file size.

Projects can include hundreds of laser scans, stored in large files that can create datasets in excess of a terabyte. Registering, storing, and manipulating these large datasets can be challenging.

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Why is Point Cloud Registration Important?

Registering a 3D laser scan point cloud involves aligning multiple scans of the same area taken from different positions into a single, coherent point cloud. The registration process can be complex and time-consuming, especially for large and detailed point clouds. Getting the registration right ensures the most accurate measurements, drawings, and models.

GPRS Project Managers are trained to acquire data in ways that allow for good, tight registration. They capture multiple scans of the site from different positions, ensuring that there is sufficient overlap between scans.

The Mapping & Modeling Team combines the aligned scans into a single, merged point cloud. The team converts raw scan data to Autodesk ReCap scan files (RCS files) and project files (RCP files). They perform quality checks on every point cloud, removing noise, setting the coordinate system, checking for any misalignments or inconsistencies, and validating the precision of the registration. The team makes sure all the scans fit together exactly as they should, so that a client’s point cloud and models will have tight lines and accurate measurements.

GPRS has a team of experts who can register datasets of any size. We have completed projects with thousands of individual scans, on sites that are hundreds of acres large, and with miles of piping. No matter how big or small a project, GPRS provides client’s with the most precise point clouds to create accurate 2D drawings and 3D models.

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How Does GPRS Manage Large Point Cloud Data Sets?

Once the point cloud is registered, it can be exported to a client for analysis, visualization, or processing. By consulting with the GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team, we can implement different strategies to effectively manage large point cloud datasets for our client’s architecture, engineering, and construction projects.

• Data Storage: We recommend that our clients use a storage solution that can handle large datasets efficiently. This might include cloud storage services, network-attached storage (NAS), or dedicated storage servers.
• Data Compression: We can use data compression techniques to reduce the size of the point cloud files without significantly affecting their quality. GPRS is also able to reduce the file size of the point cloud by creating unified RCS files or dividing a project into multiple RCS files to use individually.
• Data Streaming: Instead of loading the entire point cloud into memory at once, we recommend streaming techniques to load and process the data in chunks. This can help reduce memory usage and improve performance.
• Level of Detail (LOD): Our Mapping & Modeling Team can generate multiple levels of detail for the point cloud data, with higher levels of detail for areas of interest and lower levels of detail for less important areas. This can help reduce the overall size of the dataset while still maintaining important details.
• Data Filtering: We can use filtering techniques to remove unnecessary or redundant points from the dataset. In ReCap, we can drastically reduce the point cloud file size by changing the spacing between the unified points. We can use point decimation techniques to reduce the point cloud resolution by omitting a certain number of pixels in rows, columns, or both columns and rows. We can also remove points that are outside the area of interest or that represent noise in the data. For example, we can crop the data down to not show superfluous data, like removing data from across the street.
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What Are the Applications of Point Cloud Data?

Point cloud data has become the new standard in pre-design planning for the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Having a virtual dataset of the project site gives our clients’ the ability to utilize real-time data for decision making.

Point clouds are used to create 2D CAD drawings and 3D BIM models to expedite the planning, design, construction, and management of construction and infrastructure projects.

GPRS is a leading provider of 3D laser scanning and 3D photogrammetry services, helping clients to successfully complete their most complex projects with accurate as-built documentation, point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models.

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is the process of capturing images and stitching them together to create a digital model of a structure or site for visualization and analysis. It is a fast way for architecture, engineering, and construction teams to document accurate as-built site conditions.

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What is 3D laser scanning?

3D laser scanning uses LiDAR technology to capture as-built documentation of existing buildings or sites. Once data is acquired, a point cloud is generated and used to develop 2D CAD drawings or 3D BIM models, expediting the design, planning, and development of projects.

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What scanners are used for data collection?

GPRS utilizes a terrestrial 3D laser scanner for data collection, as they are able to document vertical structures, such as buildings and facilities. These scanners sit on a tripod and can take 1-3 minutes to complete each scan, depending on the project requirements. Terrestrial laser scanners are known to produce the most accurate point clouds due to the fact that they are stationary. A laser scanner can only capture what is in its line of sight. Scanners are positioned around a site and take individual scans from varying viewpoints to capture complete site data. The captured points record everything from surface detail and texture, to color, creating a direct representation of the scanned project site.

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Water infrastructure is the backbone of modern society, ensuring the safe delivery of drinking water to our homes and businesses.

This vital system, however, is under siege from various threats that jeopardize its integrity and functionality.

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Aging Infrastructure: A Ticking Time Bomb

One of the most pressing threats to water infrastructure is its age. In many parts of the world, water systems nearing the end of their designed lifespans. This aging infrastructure is more susceptible to leaks, breaks, and system failures.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has consistently given poor grades to the nation's water infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for upgrades and repairs. In its most recent Infrastructure Report Card, the ASCE gave our drinking water infrastructure a C-.

“Our nation’s drinking water infrastructure system is made up of 2.2 million miles of underground pipes that deliver safe, reliable water to millions of people,” the ASCE wrote.

“Unfortunately, the system is aging and underfunded. There is a water main break every two minutes and an estimated 6 billion gallons of treated water lost each day in the U.S… Enough to fill over 9,000 swimming pools…”

The Silent Culprit

Leaks are a pervasive problem in water distribution systems. They not only waste valuable water resources, they also lead to significant financial losses for utilities. Advanced leak detection technologies, like acoustic sensors and smart water meters, are becoming increasingly important in identifying and locating leaks early, before they escalate into major breaks. By investing in these technologies, utilities can reduce non-revenue water (NRW) loss and extend the life of their infrastructure.

Non-Revenue Water Loss: An Economic Drain

Non-revenue water (NRW) loss, which includes water lost to leaks, theft, and metering inaccuracies, is a financial drain on water utilities. It represents water that is produced and treated but not billed to customers, leading to lost revenue. Reducing NRW is essential for the financial sustainability of water utilities and for ensuring the efficient use of water resources. Implementing comprehensive water audit programs and adopting smart water management solutions can help utilities minimize NRW and improve their bottom line.

Inflow and Infiltration: The Hidden Flood

Inflow and infiltration (I/I) are processes that allow extraneous water to enter sewer systems, often overwhelming wastewater treatment plants and leading to untreated sewage discharges into the environment. Inflow occurs when stormwater directly enters the sewer system through improper connections, while infiltration happens when groundwater seeps into the sewer pipes through cracks and leaks. `a multi-faceted approach, including repairing and replacing damaged pipes, disconnecting improper connections, and implementing green infrastructure to manage stormwater at its source.

Climate Change: A Rising Tide of Challenges

Climate change poses an increasingly significant threat to water infrastructure. Rising sea levels, more intense storms, and changing precipitation patterns can lead to coastal flooding, increased stormwater runoff, and more frequent and severe droughts. These challenges require water systems to be more resilient and adaptable. Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as flood-resistant pump stations and drought-tolerant water sources, is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of water systems.

Urbanization: The Pressure of Growth

Rapid urbanization is putting additional pressure on water infrastructure. As cities grow, so does the demand for water services, which can strain existing systems. Moreover, urban sprawl can lead to more impervious surfaces, exacerbating stormwater management challenges. Sustainable urban planning, including the integration of green infrastructure and smart water technologies, is essential for managing the impacts of urbanization on water systems.

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GPRS Leak Detection Keeps Your Water Where it Belongs

The threats to water infrastructure are diverse and complex, but they are not insurmountable.

By prioritizing investments in modernization, embracing innovative technologies, and adopting sustainable practices, we can safeguard our water systems for future generations.

It starts by ensuring your water stays where it belongs.

Even a small leak in a water system can have big consequences. That’s why GPRS offers underground water leak detection services designed to mitigate the risk of NRW loss and other threats to your water infrastructure. We can quickly pinpoint a known leak when a problem has been identified, or proactively search for leaks along a domestic pressurized water or fire system for a municipality or facility.

GPRS uses two primary technologies for our leak detection services:

1. Acoustic Leak Detection

Acoustic leak detection involves using sophisticated ground microphones to listen for leaks coming from pressurized subsurface pipes. Our Project Managers (PMs) are acoustic leak detection specialists who are thoroughly trained to pinpoint leaking pipes’ specific sounds and frequencies.

Pipes made of metal, such as cast iron/ductile mains, smaller copper service lines, and steel pipes transmit water leak sounds over longer distances than pipes made of PVC or asbestos-cement. Accordingly, our PMs consider the pipe material and its size when determining how best to evaluate your water system. Small diameter pipes are more likely to transmit more sound than large diameter pipes, regardless of their material. Large diameter pipes transmit lower frequency sounds than small diameter pipes.

2. Leak Noise Correlators

Leak detection, or leak noise correlators are specialized electronic devices that professional leak detection service companies like GPRS use to quickly and accurately locate leaks in water lines. Sensors are placed on both sides of the pipe, and these sensors send information back and forth between each other via radio. An automated process identifies each suspected underground water leak location and displays it on the main control unit. The processing unit then compares this data with mathematical algorithms designed for the specific noise profiles of the pipe material being tested, determining where the leak is coming from between each sensor’s location.

Our Project Managers map out leaks using the data collected with leak detection correlators, then pinpoint the leaks using acoustic leak detection equipment.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles of pipe can GPRS test for leaks in one day?

The amount of pipe we can test often depends on the experience of the leak detection specialist. Team members with many years of experience can test up to 10 miles of pipe a day on a metallic system (cast iron/ductile). Experienced leak detectors can test a contact point (hydrant/valve) within a minute before moving on to the next one. Leak detectors can work efficiently because they are trained to hear the specific tone that a leak produces compared to any other number of noises a general environment makes.

Why do you have to work in the early hours of the morning?

Our acoustic listening equipment is highly sensitive and amplifies leaks and other noises which mask leak signals during the day. If we work in city environments, there is often a significant amount of ambient noise. This noise includes airplanes, traffic, mowers, machinery, and most importantly, people using water. It is up to the leak detection specialist to determine if night work should be utilized to minimize all other noise to focus on the leak signal.

Why don’t I see any water at the location where you’ve pinpointed a leak?

Water finds the path of least resistance. Water can run through cracks in subsurface rock or make its way into storm, sanitary, and conduit piping. If the subsurface contains a high volume of sand, it will naturally flow farther down. There is no water visible on the surface in over 99% of the leaks we locate.

The underground infrastructure of our cities is a complex network of pipelines and cables, essential for providing utilities like gas, water, and telecommunications.

As urban areas expand and the demand for these services increases, the challenge of installing and maintaining this subsurface infrastructure grows. One significant concern that has emerged and grown with the advent of trenchless technology is the issue of cross bores.

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What are Cross Bores?

A cross bore is a situation where a new utility line, typically installed using trenchless methods such as directional boring, inadvertently intersects and potentially breaches an existing underground utility, most commonly a sewer line. This unintended intersection can create a pathway for gas or other hazardous materials to leak into the sewer system, posing significant risks to public safety and the environment.

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How are Cross Bores Created?

Cross bores are primarily a byproduct of trenchless technology, a method of installing underground utilities without open trench excavation. Techniques like directional boring allow for the installation of new pipelines with minimal surface disruption, making it an attractive option in urban settings. However, if the existing underground infrastructure is not accurately mapped or detected, there is a risk that the new line will intersect with existing utilities, resulting in a cross bore.

Mitigating Cross Bores

The mitigation of cross bores involves a combination of preventive measures and corrective actions:

Pre-Construction Utility Locating and Mapping

Before any trenchless construction begins, it is crucial to conduct thorough locating and mapping of the existing underground utilities. This can involve the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locators, and other technologies to detect and document the location of existing lines.

Cross Bore Safety Programs

Utility companies and contractors should implement comprehensive cross bore safety programs that include best practices for planning, construction, and post-installation inspections. These programs are designed to prevent cross bores and ensure that any that do occur are quickly identified and addressed.

Coordination and Communication

Effective coordination and communication among utility providers, contractors, and regulatory agencies are essential to ensure that all parties are aware of the potential risks and are working together to mitigate them.

The Role of Sewer Line Inspections

Sewer line inspections, particularly through the use of CCTV-camera-equipped remote controlled sewer scope rovers, play a crucial role in the detection and mitigation of cross bores:

Detection of Cross Bores

Sewer scopes, which involve sending a camera down the sewer line, can provide a visual inspection of the interior of the pipe. This can help identify any signs of a cross bore, such as unusual obstructions or damage to the pipe that might indicate the presence of an intersecting utility line.

Post-Installation Inspections

After the installation of new utility lines using trenchless technology, it is important to conduct sewer line inspections to ensure that no cross bores have occurred. This is a critical step in the prevention of accidents and should be a standard practice in any trenchless construction project.

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular sewer line inspections can also help in the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of underground infrastructure. By identifying potential issues early, such as small leaks or damage that could lead to a cross bore, proactive measures can be taken to prevent more significant problems.

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GPRS VPI Services Help Mitigate Cross Bore Risk

Cross bores represent a significant challenge in the management of underground utilities, particularly with the increasing use of trenchless technology.

GPRS’ utility locating, utility mapping, and video pipe inspection services provide you and your team members with a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface infrastructure in your project area, so you know where it’s safe to trench or bore, and where breaking ground could have catastrophic consequences.

Our team of over 500 SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) are strategically stationed across every major market in the U.S., so you always have professional utility locating and mapping, and sewer line inspection services near you.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cross bore?

A cross bore is an inadvertent intersection between buried utility lines. A new utility line, installed using trenchless methods like directional boring, intersects and potentially breaches an existing underground utility, such as a sewer line. This can create a pathway for hazardous materials to leak into the sewer system or other utilities.

How are cross bores created?

Cross bores are typically created during the installation of new utility lines using trenchless technology. If existing underground utilities are not accurately mapped or detected, there is a risk that the new line will intersect with these existing lines, resulting in a cross bore.

What are the risks associated with cross bores?

Cross bores can pose significant risks to public safety and the environment. For example, a cross bore involving a gas line and a sewer line can lead to gas leaks into the sewer system, increasing the risk of explosions, fires, and exposure to hazardous gases.

How can cross bores be detected?

Cross bores can be detected through sewer line inspections, particularly using sewer scopes, which involve sending a camera down the sewer line to visually inspect the interior of the pipe. Other detection methods include ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic locating.

What measures can be taken to prevent cross bores?

Preventing cross bores involves a combination of accurate mapping of existing utilities, thorough pre-construction surveys, the implementation of cross bore safety programs, and post-installation inspections of sewer lines to ensure that no cross bores have occurred.

In today's densely populated urban environments, the subsurface world is a complex web of utility lines, including water, gas, electricity, telecommunications, and more.

While public utilities are often well-documented and mapped, private utilities present a unique set of challenges. Locating these hidden networks is a critical task to ensure safety, prevent service disruptions, and avoid costly damages during excavation projects.

Understanding Private Utilities

Private utilities are those that are not owned or maintained by public utility companies. These can include underground lines for water, gas, sanitary and storm sewer, electric, and telecom. Unlike public utilities, private utilities may not have comprehensive records or documentation, making their detection a challenging endeavor.

Private utilities make up about 60% of all buried infrastructure. This means that any time you’re excavating, there are likely private utilities running through your job site. And while you’re required by law to contact your state’s 811 one-call service to provide you with the approximate location of all public utilities on your site, it’s important to remember that 811 contractors do not provide the approximate location of any private utilities.

The Challenges of Locating Private Utilities

Lack of Documentation

One of the primary challenges in locating private utilities is the absence of accurate records. Over time, property owners may have added or modified utility lines without proper documentation. This lack of information increases the risk of accidental strikes during excavation, leading to potential hazards and service interruptions.

Diverse Materials and Depths

Private utilities can be made of various materials, including plastic (PVC), metal, and clay, and can be buried at different depths. This diversity poses a challenge for detection, as different materials and depths require different locating techniques.

Interference from Surrounding Infrastructure

In urban areas, the presence of multiple utility lines, metal structures, and other subsurface elements can create interference, making it difficult to isolate and identify specific private utilities.

Access Restrictions

Gaining access to private property for utility locating can sometimes be a hurdle, as it requires coordination with property owners and adherence to privacy and legal considerations.

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The Role of Professional Private Utility Locating Companies

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to engage a professional private utility locating company. These companies specialize in accurately identifying and mapping private utilities using a combination of expertise, experience, and advanced technology. They play a crucial role in ensuring safety and preventing damage during construction, excavation, and other projects that involve digging.

Advanced Technologies for Utility Locating

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground penetrating radar is a non-invasive technology that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. GPR is particularly useful for detecting non-metallic utilities, such as PVC pipes, and can provide valuable information about the depth and location of buried objects. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on soil conditions and the presence of other subsurface materials.

Electromagnetic Locating (EM)

Electromagnetic (EM) locating is a widely used technique that involves transmitting an electromagnetic signal into the ground and detecting the signal's reflection from buried utilities. This method is effective for locating metallic utilities, such as water and gas pipes, and can provide real-time information about the location and depth of underground lines.

Best Practices for Locating Private Utilities

Coordination with Property Owners

Effective communication and coordination with property owners are crucial for gaining access and obtaining any available information about private utilities on their property.

Continuous Monitoring

During excavation projects, continuous monitoring and utility locating should be carried out to ensure that any previously undetected utilities are identified before they are damaged.

Documentation and Mapping

Accurate documentation and mapping of private utilities are essential for future reference and for providing valuable information to property owners, utility companies, and contractors.

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GPRS Offers 99.8%+ Accurate Utility Locating and Mapping

Locating private utilities is a complex and challenging task that requires a combination of expertise, technology, and coordination.

Engaging a professional private utility locating company like GPRS, which utilizes advanced technologies like ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locating to accurately locate and map these utilities, is crucial for ensuring the safety and success of any project involving subsurface excavation.

We have over 500 SIM-certified Project Managers strategically stationed across every major market in the U.S., so there’s always professional utility locating services near you.

SIM stands for Subsurface Investigation Methodology, and it’s the industry-leading specification and training program for not only utility locating, but also precision concrete scanning & imaging and video (CCTV) pipe inspections. The mission of SIM is to raise the quality of subsurface investigation results in the industry by combining the requirements of experienced-based training, tested technologies, and proven application methods.

To ensure you can access the field-verified data collected by our PMs 24/7, GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), a cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution that provides accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets & people.

SiteMap^® eliminates the communication silos that can derail your projects by acting as a single source of truth for the data you need to plan, design, manage, dig, and build better. With SiteMap^®, you can securely view, use, and share this data with your team members from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. This means you have the right data, exactly when you need it, whether you’re on your job site or halfway across the world.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demonstrations. Click below to sign up for your demo today!

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS locates utilities?

Our Project Managers (PMs) 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 a global positioning system (GPS) 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. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.

Does GPRS offer same day private utility locating?

Yes, our professional Project Managers can respond rapidly to emergency same-day private utility locating service calls on your job site.

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

In the rapidly evolving world of infrastructure development, the installation of subsurface utilities has been a critical, yet challenging task.

Traditional methods often involve extensive excavation, leading to disruptions in daily life and significant environmental impact. Enter microtrenching, a modern technique that promises to revolutionize the way we lay down utility lines, including fiber-optic cables, water pipes, and gas lines.

What is Microtrenching?

Microtrenching is a construction method used to install subsurface utilities with minimal surface disruption. This technique involves cutting a narrow trench, typically 1 to 4 inches wide and up to 24 inches deep, along the roadway or sidewalk. The utility lines are then laid in this trench, which is subsequently filled with a quick-setting compound, restoring the surface to its original condition. The process is fast, efficient, and less invasive compared to traditional trenching methods.

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Pros of Microtrenching

Reduced Surface Disruption

One of the most significant advantages of microtrenching is the minimal disruption it causes to the surface. Unlike conventional trenching, which often requires wide and deep excavations, microtrenching's narrow cuts mean less damage to roads, sidewalks, and landscaping. This results in fewer inconveniences for residents and businesses, as well as reduced restoration costs.

Cost-Effectiveness

Microtrenching is generally more cost-effective than traditional methods. The reduced need for excavation and surface restoration translates to lower labor and material costs. Additionally, the speed of the process means that projects can be completed faster, further reducing overall expenses.

Faster Deployment

The speed of microtrenching is a significant advantage, especially for projects with tight deadlines. The process allows for the rapid deployment of utilities, making it an ideal solution for areas requiring quick upgrades or installations, such as expanding broadband networks.

Less Environmental Impact

Microtrenching is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional trenching methods. The smaller trenches mean less soil disturbance and a lower risk of damaging tree roots or disrupting habitats. Additionally, the reduced need for heavy machinery results in lower emissions and a smaller carbon footprint.

Cons of Microtrenching

Limited Depth

One of the drawbacks of microtrenching is the limited depth of the trenches. This can be problematic for utilities that require deeper installation for protection or regulatory reasons. In such cases, traditional trenching methods may still be necessary.

Risk of Damage

Microtrenches are often cut close to the surface, which can increase the risk of utility lines being damaged by future construction work or heavy traffic. This can lead to costly repairs and service disruptions.

Weather Sensitivity

The success of microtrenching is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Wet or freezing weather can hinder the setting of the fill material, leading to delays and potential trench collapse. Proper planning and timing are crucial to avoid these issues.

Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure

In areas with dense existing underground utilities, microtrenching can be challenging. The narrow trenches leave little room for error, and the risk of accidentally cutting into existing lines is higher. Detailed surveys and precise cutting techniques are required to mitigate this risk.

Microtrenching offers a promising solution for the installation of subsurface utilities, with its reduced surface disruption, cost-effectiveness, faster deployment, and lower environmental impact. However, it's not without its drawbacks, including limited trench depth, increased risk of damage, weather sensitivity, and compatibility issues with existing infrastructure.

How GPRS Can Help You Mitigate Risk During Microtrenching

Anytime you’re breaking ground, there’s a risk of damaging existing subsurface infrastructure.

The average cost of a utility strike to a facility is $56,000 and as much as eight weeks of downtime.

And that doesn’t consider the damage a utility strike does to your reputation, or the potential danger it puts your workers in.

GPRS’ utility locating services mitigate the risk of subsurface damage during microtrenching by ensuring you have a comprehensive, accurate map of the buried infrastructure on your job site.

While contractors and excavators are required by law to contact their state’s 811 one-call service to obtain the estimated location of all public utilities on their site before digging, it’s important to remember that 811 contractors do not locate private utilities, which make up roughly 60% of all subsurface infrastructure. Hiring a professional utility locating service like GPRS is an essential step to keeping your microtrenching projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can GPRS help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is microtrenching?

Microtrenching is a construction technique used to install subsurface utilities, such as fiber-optic cables, water pipes, and gas lines, with minimal surface disruption. It involves cutting a narrow trench, typically 1 to 4 inches wide and up to 24 inches deep, along the roadway or sidewalk, and then laying the utility lines in this trench.

How does microtrenching differ from traditional trenching?

Microtrenching is less invasive than traditional trenching methods. Traditional trenching often requires wide and deep excavations, causing significant surface disruption and requiring extensive restoration. Microtrenching, on the other hand, involves cutting a much narrower and shallower trench, resulting in less damage to the surface and quicker restoration.

Is microtrenching suitable for all types of utility installations?

Microtrenching is best suited for the installation of shallow utilities, such as fiber-optic cables. It may not be suitable for utilities that require deeper installation or in areas with complex underground infrastructure.

How long does a microtrenching project typically take?

The duration of a microtrenching project can vary depending on the length of the trench, the type of utility being installed, and local conditions. However, one of the advantages of microtrenching is its speed compared to traditional trenching methods, allowing for faster project completion.

How is the risk of damaging existing underground utilities managed during microtrenching?

To minimize the risk of damaging existing underground utilities, detailed utility mapping should be conducted before microtrenching begins. Precise cutting techniques and equipment are used to ensure the trench is cut accurately and safely.

April is National Safe Digging Month. That means that the national awareness campaign for everyone who breaks ground, from homeowners gardening in their yard, to excavators on a construction site, is in full display on news stations, 811 system and private utility locators’ websites, and social media throughout the United States. This month, and campaign, are set to reminds us of the essential, yet commonly overlooked step of locating both private and public utilities on a property before breaking ground. As Spring sets in and warm weather approaches, construction season begins, and that means that outdoor projects will be taking place everywhere.

It’s important, not just this month but every day, to recognize that underground utility lines are everywhere and the risk of damages to them are more dangerous and present than what meets the eye.

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Call Before You Dig: The 811 Hotline

Before sinking shovels into the soil, boring a new utility line into the ground, or putting an excavator’s bucket on the ground on a job site, everyone from professional contractors to weekend gardeners must grasp the importance of calling 811. Not only is it the law to call 811 before you dig, this nationwide number also connects callers to local utility companies who can mark underground public utility lines free of charge.

The 811 service is a preventive measure against severe injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs caused by hitting underground public gas, electrical, water, sewer, communication, or power lines, to name a few. A single call can prevent incidents like the one highlighted in the image below where a contractors excavation project turned hazardous upon striking a buried electrical line.

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Beyond the Public Markings: Private Utility Locating

A clear understanding of the importance of calling 811 before you dig is needed, but without having that knowledge paired with the difference between private and public utility locating and the necessity of both, underground utility strikes will continue to ensue.

What is the Difference Between Public and Private Utilities?

Public utilities are installed by utility companies to provide service to an area. These lines are owned and maintained by the public utility company, regardless of whether they are located on public or private property. Public utilities typically include gas, power, and electric, sewer, water, and telecommunication.

However, public utility locators coordinated by 811 will only mark the utility lines that fall under public utility services. It's a lesser-known fact that approximately 65% of all underground utility lines located within the United States are on private property. These private lines are not covered by contacting 811 and will need to be located by a private utility locating company such as GPRS.

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Private utilities are those which extend beyond service meters or public utilities, often on to privately owned property. Examples of private utilities are shown in the image below and 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.

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The importance of locating both private and public utilities on a job site was discussed on WTOL 11, where experts from GPRS emphasized safe digging tactics to bypass hitting any underground lines, both on private and public property to keep ensure projects stay on time, on budget, and safe.

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How GPRS can help

Using a private utility locator contractor is a great way to avoid hitting hidden utilities. Private utility locators such as GPRS can locate all types of underground utilities such as electric, gas, oil, steam, communications, water, sewer, irrigation, site lighting, and storm lines. GPRS Project Managers are SIM-certified, the nation’s leading training and methodology and are skilled at differentiating between buried materials utilizing multiple forms of technology, so you can dig with confidence.

As our name suggests, GPRS uses ground penetrating radar along with additional equipment such as electromagnetic (EM) utility locators to identify the locations of buried utilities. The area is then marked out on the surface with flags or paint (field markings), to provide you clear information about where the utilities are, so you to dig without the fear of hitting something. This data is then accurately collected and uploaded into our Utility GIS Mapping Platform, SiteMap® where all GPRS customers can easily access and view their underground utility data 24/7 from any computer or mobile device.

To learn more about how GPRS can keep you project on budget, on time, and most importantly safe. Schedule a service or request a quote below.

How Construction Safety Week and Safe Digging Month Go Hand-in-Hand

National Safe Digging Month aligns with Construction Safety Week 2024, by emphasizing the importance of conducting safe digging practices in the construction industry. These two initiatives work together to promote a culture of safety and awareness, recognizing the shared responsibility of preventing harm while building critical infrastructure both above and below ground.

Safe digging isn't just about following protocol; it's about protecting lives. By combining the broad coverage of 811 with the detailed attention of private utility locating services, we create a solid foundation for future developments that prioritizes safety above all else.

In honor of Construction Safety Week 2024, take a proactive step in ensuring the well-being of your construction crew and project. Sign up for a complimentary talk with a GPRS safety expert today for the week of May 6-10 and make a commitment to furthering safety in construction in your community. Together, we can plan, design, communicate, dig and build better.

Schedule a Presentation Today

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Dig Without Hitting Utilities?

No. All utilities can be vulnerable to damage without first verifying their location before breaking ground. Damages to any kind of underground utility lines while digging can lead to serious injuries, environmental issues and power outages. Failure to first contact 811 prior to breaking ground can result in fines and other penalties.

What is Construction Safety Week?

Construction Safety Week is an annual week-long, complimentary national education event. The construction industry, its clients, and business partners take this opportunity to recommit to sending every worker home safely each day.

For most utility locating jobs and travel directions from your cell phone, the standard GPS satellite variance of 2-4 meters is more than adequate to get you where you’re going, and has done a pretty good job of keeping excavators from striking a gas, water, or fiber line.

But as our subsurface infrastructure becomes more complex, greater accuracy is needed, especially when considering the explosion in directional boring utilizing trenchless technology.

Enter RTK – Real-Time Kinematic Positioning.

What is RTK?

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Real-time kinematic positioning is not technology, per se, but it is a protocol that utilizes existing GNSS (global navigation satellite system) tech in a new way to provide accuracy within centimeters for geospatial location. RTK improves the accuracy of a GNSS roving receiver by running a series of algorithms to correct for errors in satellite positioning.

This technology has been around since the mid-1980s as an idea developed by Benjamin Redmondi, to provide “positional accuracy that is nearly as good as static carrier phase positioning, but faster.”

Also known as differential GNSS, it was first used as an application in the mid-1990s and has gained in popularity since in a variety of industries.

How does RTK work?

Many global navigation satellite system receivers have an RTK mode which allows them to check satellite positioning data in real time to correct errors for a more accurate locate.

The GNSS receiver does this by comparing a code from the satellite to an internally generated code from the receiver itself. When the spatial difference between the two codes is multiplied by the speed of light, it equals the distance for the correction.

The basic equation looks something like this:

[a – b] x c = distance

Where a and b are the two codes and c is the speed of light.

Not All GNSS Receivers Are the Same

Not all GPS and GNSS receivers have RTK mode, and some require additional fees to allow real-time corrections, so it’s important to make sure your receivers have the ability to correct in the field prior to deployment.

Rovers also come in single-band and multi-band varieties, each with different capabilities.

Single-band devices usually can only collect satellite data from the L1 frequency. Multi-band units can collect on L1, L3, and sometimes even L5. Multiple frequencies mean the unit can receive multiple signals, allowing it to access more satellites. The more satellites available to compute with, the better the odds become of factoring out signal interference coming from tall adjacent buildings, other obstacles, and reflected signals, all of which can muddy precise position coordination.

Typically, a multi-band GNSS device can access GPS (American), Galileo (European), GLONASS (Russian), and Beidou (Chinese) satellite constellations simultaneously.

The roving receiver cannot be used as a stand-alone device. RTK calculations require two parts, the base station, which sits in a fixed position, and the roving receiver, which is either carried or affixed to another piece of equipment, like a truck, so it can be moved easily.

The Role of The Base Station in RTK

The diagram above provides a very simple depiction of how RTK functions.

The base station must be placed in a location that has been accurately verified based on GPS and/or survey/computer information. The base station calculates the same type of satellite v. internally generated codes and instantly computes any measurement error. Those errors are then sent to the roving receiver, which uses those corrections to update its own position computations to achieve centimeter precision.

Or, as GPRS SiteMap® Market Segment Leader and engineer Matt Mikolajczk puts it, “The accuracy can be as good as sub-inch or sub-centimeter in the right conditions.”

Communication between the rover and the base station occurs via NTRIP (Network Transport of RTMC by Internet Protocol), which for most people just means “over the internet,” or RTMC (Radio Technical Commission of Maritime Services), also known as LoRA radio communications.

This communication occurs in a fraction of a second, and a single base station can send corrections to multiple rovers, so it is possible to get hyper-accurate real-time positions of multiple locations at once.

It is often possible to find a free, state-funded base station to make the necessary corrections for your GNSS device. If there is not a free option available, there are commercial base station services that allow the user to pay an access fee or subscription to access a base station.

Configuring a base station requires specialized knowledge and the ability to configure the station manually, so it is often both training and cost-prohibitive to deploy them for private use.

How Fast is RTK?

RTK makes its calculations and corrections in milliseconds, so it truly is as close to “real-time” as you can get.

In fact, this ability has led technology providers, like Leica, to experiment with providing nationwide RTK networks. And, for its potential use profile to expand into ever more precise dynamic control and guidance systems.  

A raft of scientific papers have explored the use of RTK in guidance systems for the construction industry – specifically in piloting excavation and earthmoving equipment that require expert human control.

A raft of scientific papers have explored the use of RTK in guidance systems for the construction industry – specifically in piloting excavation and earthmoving equipment that require expert human control.

“Roberts et al. at Nottingham University, United Kingdom successfully demonstrated that it is possible to work with high precision in several millimeters or less using the RTK (real-time kinematic) GPS (global positioning system) technology applying an earth-moving machinery. He attached two GPSs to bulldozer blade and one to a cabin to measure the position of cabin and blade, and measured the height accuracy of the GPSs as blade moved by raising or lowering the blades from 0 mm to a height of 100 mm. Finally, he measured the height using GPS as well as the laser and digital leveling sensors to compare the height accuracies of the sensors.” – G.W Roberts, A.H Dodson, V Ashkenazi, “Global Positioning System Aided Autonomous Construction Plant Control and Guidance,” Automation in Construction, Volume 8, Issue 5.

KOMATSU, Leica, and Trimble Corporation, among others, are all experimenting with or applying RTK in a number of industries that require a heightened level of precision.

Applications for RTK

RTK is already used in a wide variety of applications like

• Surveying & Mapping
• Precision Agriculture
• Construction & Excavation
• Autonomous Vehicles (drones & automobiles with self-driving mode)
• Search and Rescue Operations

How does GPRS use RTK?

When a GPRS Project Manager is in the field, they can usually achieve a 1-2 ft. variance for utility locates & utility mapping without RTK. With good visibility, that variance can be well under one foot, but in highly congested areas, it can be well above two feet.

Every GPRS Project Manager is equipped with GNSS devices; either a GNSS Geode or our proprietary GeNiuSS iQ device. So, we can utilize RTK to achieve a greater degree of accuracy, if required.

Our accuracy rating is 99.8%+ on over 500,000 jobs and counting.

And when we utilize 3D photogrammetry or 3D laser scanning in conjunction with an RTK-powered utility locate, when using pre-established survey control points, it is our most accurate method of pinpointing utilities and other features.

However, it is important to remember that while GPRS utility locates are accurate enough to support QL-B SUE requirements, we are not a survey company and do not perform SUE ourselves.

All GPRS utility maps, models, and drawings, as well as complimentary .KMZ and PDF files are delivered to our customers via SiteMap®, our new infrastructure mapping and facility management application. Every GPRS customer receives a complimentary SiteMap® Personal subscription as part of their package.

What are the Limitations of RTK?

Line of Site: 

The biggest drawback to the expanse of RTK in the field is the need for clear line of sight between the base unit and the rover. Tall buildings, traffic, and even trees can pose obstacles to its use.

Network Stability:

A clean, steady connection is required among the satellite, base station, and rover, which means spotty cellular service or network issues can degrade RTK’s efficacy.

Cost:

RTK systems are more expensive to purchase and operate than their simpler GPS counterparts, which can be a barrier to use for some. The cost for a new RTK unit ranges from $2,000 to over $15,000 per unit, depending on features and needs.

RTK has established its efficacy and value in providing pinpoint, centimeter-accurate location data for a variety of industries, and the construction and safety industries are increasingly embracing the technology.

All of GPRS’ 500 nationwide Project Managers are equipped and qualified to provide RTK locates for projects large and small. It’s part of how we Intelligently Visualize The Built World® for our customers.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are "survey grade" measurements in the context of GNSS RTK, and why are they important in the construction industry?

In the construction industry, "survey grade" measurements refer to the highest level of accuracy and precision achieved using surveying equipment, typically within a few centimeters or millimeters. GNSS RTK (Global Navigation Satellite System Real-Time Kinematic) technology can provide survey grade measurements by utilizing real-time corrections to satellite signals, ensuring that the positioning data is highly accurate. Survey grade measurements using RTK are essential for achieving the precision required in modern construction projects to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency.

It is important to note that while GPRS can support SUE QL-B survey standards, we are not surveyors, nor do we conduct SUE.

What are some best practices for using RTK in construction projects?

To maximize the benefits of RTK, it's important to follow best practices, such as:

Proper Setup: Ensure the base station or correction service is correctly set up and calibrated for accurate reference data.

Equipment Calibration: Regularly calibrate and maintain GNSS equipment to ensure precision.

Clear Line of Sight: Position the GNSS receiver with a clear line of sight to the sky to avoid signal blockages.

Data Management: Implement robust data management practices to handle and store the precise positioning data effectively.

Training: Provide adequate training for personnel on how to use GNSS RTK technology and interpret the data accurately.

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Undergrounding utilities can enhance the aesthetic appeal of communities while improving the reliability and safety of services vital to residents’ wellbeing.

However, some municipal managers and utility providers say that the process of undergrounding has become prohibitively expensive.

That’s the case in San Francisco, California, where officials say rising costs have effectively killed the longstanding goal of burying all the city’s utility lines.

According to a recent report by the local ABC affiliate, ABC 7, the city has placed nearly half of its utility lines underground. Utility provider Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) says there’s no money left to continue the process. While the company’s customers have long paid into a program intended to fund the undergrounding of all the city’s overhead lines, the report states that numerous factors have resulted in the expenditure of that fund pool with roughly 470 miles of lines still left hanging in the air.

According to the independent Master Workplan Study obtained by ABC 7, “a lack of proper planning, overruns and schedule delays resulted in cost overruns,” and “There was never an understanding of who was leading the project, PG&E or the City and County of San Francisco.”

Additionally, the report states that it would cost between $50 and $100 million to underground the remaining overhead utility lines in San Francisco. And the project would take about 50 years to complete.

Not all cities that have abandoned their plans to underground utilities are doing so as openly as San Francisco. In Palo Alto, the city put a quiet end to its longstanding quest to move all its overhead utilities underground.

“Thanks to a combination of high costs, recently established environmental goals and a mid-1990s shift toward ‘pad mounted’ equipment, the [Palo Alto] Utilities Department has effectively stopped undergrounding utilities in residential neighborhoods and has little appetite for resuming the practice,” wrote Gennady Sheyner and Christine Lee of Palo Alto Online.

Sheyner & Lee continued, “Palo Alto’s shift away from undergrounding occurred with surprisingly little public debate. The council, which routinely spends hours debating issues like shadow impacts, building setbacks, the noise impacts of electric appliances and whether accessory dwelling units should be allowed to have underground garages, hasn’t had a substantive discussion about the city’s strategy for moving electrical equipment underground in well over a decade.”

Why is Undergrounding Utility Lines so Expensive?

According to a Government Technology article, installing a new underground distribution line across most of PG&E’s territory cost about $1.16 million per mile as of 2017. That was more than twice the price of a new overhead line at the time – and those numbers have only gotten worse with the rising cost of construction materials.

The process of undergrounding utilities often requires the excavation of roadways and/or sidewalks – and there’s a cost to replacing those destroyed surface features.

Once groundbreaking has commenced, it’s no easy task to weave a new utility through the already complex network of buried lines present in a busy city such as San Francisco. And complex jobs like this typically carry higher labor costs for the contractors conducting the work – which will be reflected in what they charge a municipality or utility owner.

If these contractors are relying on outdated or incomplete documentation to help them navigate these underground infrastructure labyrinths, subsurface damage is almost inevitable.

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How GPRS Helps Control the Cost of Your Undergrounding Project

The process of undergrounding utilities must be done as efficiently as possible for the practice to have a future.

Subsurface damage, however, can derail the budget and schedule of these and any other type of excavation project – not to mention endanger the lives of those performing the work and any community members living or working near the project site.

GPRS is a private utility locating and mapping company that offers a comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention services designed to make excavation as safe as possible and keep your projects on time and within budget.

Our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers (PMs) harness an array of non-destructive technologies to locate and map underground infrastructure.

It starts with ground penetrating radar (GPR), the technology from which we derive our name. GPR scanners emit radio waves into the ground or concrete, revealing metallic and non-metallic objects. The resulting interactions between the radio waves and the buried objects are displayed on a readout as a series of hyperbolas varying in size and shape. Our PMs are specially trained to interpret GPR scan results and provide you with the accurate location of all buried infrastructure on your project site.

To compliment the findings of GPR, our PMs also utilize electromagnetic (EM) locators. These devices don’t detect the buried utilities themselves; instead, they locate the electromagnetic signals emanating from metallic pipes and electrical conduit.

These signals can be created by the EM locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, from current flow in a live electrical cable, or because of a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields and communications transmissions.

Vital Infrastructure Data at Your Fingertips

Even the most accurate utility mapping data is useless if it’s not easily accessible throughout the lifecycle of your project.

That’s why GPRS created SiteMap^® (patent pending), our cloud-based infrastructure mapping software solution that gives you complete control of the field-verified data collected by our SIM and NASSCO-certified Project Managers, 24/7, from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

SiteMap^® provides you with accurate existing condition documentation to protect your assets & people, whether you’re undergrounding utilities in a busy urban environment or performing routine maintenance around a college campus. And when you hire GPRS to perform a utility locate for you, we give you a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal subscription so you can instantly access and utilize the data we collect.

GPRS’ SiteMap^® team members are currently scheduling live, personal SiteMap^® demos. Click below to schedule yours and see how SiteMap^® can help you plan, design, manage, dig, and build better today!

Through the use of GPR and EM locating, GPRS Project Managers deliver 99.8%+ accurate utility locating services that allow you to dig safely, allowing you to Intelligently Visualize The Built World^® while staying on time and on budget.

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do communities choose to underground utilities?

Communities choose to underground utilities for several reasons, including improved aesthetic appeal, increased reliability, reduced maintenance costs, enhanced safety by eliminating downed power lines, and increased property values.

What are the challenges of undergrounding utilities?

The challenges include higher upfront costs, longer installation times, potential disruption to the environment and existing infrastructure during installation, and more complex repair and maintenance processes.

How much does it cost to underground utilities?

The cost of undergrounding utilities can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of utility, the terrain, the length of the lines, and local labor and material costs. Generally, it is more expensive than overhead installation, with costs ranging from a few thousand dollars per property to tens of thousands or more.

How long does it take to underground utilities?

The timeline for undergrounding utilities can vary from a few months to several years, depending on the scale of the project, the complexity of the terrain, and the level of coordination required among utility providers and government agencies.

Are underground utilities more reliable than overhead utilities?

Yes, underground utilities are generally more reliable because they are less susceptible to weather-related damage, such as storms and high winds, and are less likely to be affected by falling trees or vehicle accidents.

Who pays for the undergrounding of utilities?

The cost of undergrounding utilities is typically shared among various stakeholders, including utility companies, local governments, and property owners. In some cases, special assessments or funding programs may be available to offset the costs.

How are underground utilities maintained?

Underground utilities require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure their continued functionality. This can involve using specialized equipment to access and repair underground lines, which can be more challenging and expensive than maintaining overhead lines.

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.

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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.

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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

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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!

The telecommunications sector has transformed dramatically over the past three decades, evolving from a few regulated natural monopolies to a vibrant industry capable of supporting multiple service providers across various markets.

This shift prompted Congress to enact the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which aimed to open the telecommunications market to as many participants as possible, thereby driving down the cost of communication systems and services to their most efficient levels. This shift ushered in an era of competition and innovation, further accelerated by the advent of the internet and other technological advancements, leading to a rapidly evolving and dynamic landscape that continues to change today.

In this ever-changing telecommunications landscape, the importance of robust infrastructure management cannot be overstated. Telecom companies around the globe are faced with the ongoing challenge of protecting their extensive networks of cables, fiber optics, and other critical components buried beneath the earth's surface. The demand for innovative solutions to safeguard and manage telecom line infrastructure is more urgent than ever. SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, presents a cutting-edge solution that employs location intelligence, facility management software, and GIS technology to revolutionize the way telecom infrastructure is protected and managed.

The Role of Location Intelligence in Telecom Management

Location intelligence encompasses the use of geospatial data and analytics to extract valuable insights.

Within the realm of telecom infrastructure, this translates to a potent tool for accurately mapping the whereabouts of cables, fiber optics, and other assets. SiteMap^® utilizes sophisticated GIS software to assist in generating detailed, real-time representations of the entire telecom network's existing subsurface conditions. This digital portrayal of GPRS' 99.8%+ accurate field investigation and location findings facilitates a precise visualization of the network's configuration, empowering telecom companies to make well-informed decisions regarding asset maintenance, expansion, and comprehensive infrastructure planning.

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Facility Management Software for Telecom Excellence

Effective facility management is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of telecom line infrastructure. SiteMap^® excels in this aspect by serving as a comprehensive facility management software tailored specifically for the telecom industry. Through the platform's intuitive interface, operators can track the condition of assets, monitor ongoing maintenance activities, and identify the need for proactive inspections. This proactive approach not only minimizes downtime but also extends the lifespan of telecom assets, ultimately contributing to improved operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

GIS Software: The Backbone of SiteMap^® Technology

Geographic Information System (GIS) software is at the heart of SiteMap^®, providing the backbone for its robust functionality. With GIS, telecom companies gain the ability to spatially analyze and interpret data related to their infrastructure. SiteMap^® utilizes GIS technology to create dynamic, multi-dimensional models that go beyond simple mapping. These models incorporate various layers of information, such as environmental factors, and demographic data, providing a holistic view of the telecom network. This comprehensive understanding enables telecom operators to anticipate challenges, optimize routes, and strategically plan network expansions with unparalleled precision.

Key Features of SiteMap^® for Safeguarding Telecom

Real-Time Digital Twins

SiteMap^® data can aid in the creation of real-time existing conditions documentation and even complete digital twins of telecom line infrastructure, offering a dynamic, up-to-date representation of the network. This functionality is invaluable for telecom operators, allowing them to monitor changes, identify potential issues, and respond swiftly to emerging challenges.

Enhanced Asset Visibility

The platform enhances asset visibility by providing detailed information about the location, depth, and condition of telecom assets. This level of granularity empowers operators to implement targeted maintenance strategies, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and ensuring continuous service availability. All the information you could need is just a few clicks away.

Proactive Maintenance Planning

SiteMap^® facilitates proactive maintenance planning by accurately mapping and displaying the full picture. Telecom companies can schedule routine inspections, monitor asset health, and address potential issues before they escalate. This approach not only prevents service disruptions but also optimizes maintenance costs over the long term.

The Future of Telecom Infrastructure Management

As the telecom sector continues to advance, the significance of innovative technologies like SiteMap^® grows ever more crucial.

The integration of location intelligence, facility management software, and GIS technology not only secures telecom line infrastructure but also propels the industry towards new heights of efficiency and sustainability. With SiteMap^® Technology at the helm, telecom companies can confidently tackle the intricacies of modern connectivity, ensuring a smooth and dependable communication network for the future.

The telecom infrastructure landscape is in constant flux, from the significance of data centers to the preservation of older lines and routes; there's a lot to manage. SiteMap^® simplifies this complex web of lines into manageable, comprehensible segments. By simply clicking on an infrastructure asset in your map, you're provided with additional data (where applicable), fostering a comprehensive understanding of your site and its future direction.

The GPRS Difference

With over 500 Project Managers stationed in every major market across the United States, GPRS has an unmatched nationwide utility mapping & utility locating service network. It is quick and easy to find an expert Project Manager near you. GPRS ensures we can reach your location within 24 to 48 hours of contact to solve all your utility locating & mapping needs.

Accurate, up to date as-built drawings and facility maps are a key to success for any construction project. The planning phase of a project relies heavily on the accuracy of the information obtained in the existing facility maps, which details the site’s underground infrastructure.

With our facility mapping and modeling services, the GPRS Mapping & Modeling Team can update existing or create new as-built drawings that portray actual site conditions – including any variations, renovations, or unknown pipes. They can also export your utility locates & concrete scans, 3D laser & 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.

SiteMap^® is powered by GPRS, meaning you get the same level of quality and accuracy. In the realm of telecommunications, this is crucial, especially as our thirst for an electric existence continues to saturate the market, creating a demand for larger, better, faster, and well-maintained telecommunications infrastructure.

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!

GPRS Project Managers kept a construction project at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on time, on budget, and safe by employing precision concrete scanning services to ensure damage-free coring through a concrete slab.

The work occurred within one of the buildings on the 108-year-old, 168-acre campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The general contractor on the project intended to core in three locations along the slab and wanted to know where rebar lay hidden within the concrete.

Originally established in Boston in 1861 before the current campus in Cambridge opened in 1916, MIT is one of the preeminent universities in the world. According to the school’s website, it was founded to “accelerate the nation’s industrial revolution.” 101 Nobel laureates, 61 National Medal of Science winners, 33 National Medal of Technology and Innovation winners, and 83 MacArthur Fellows are associated with the university.

A renovation project on such a historic campus naturally garners a lot of attention and scrutiny. The contractor overseeing the work could not afford any delays or disruptions caused by damaging reinforcement embedded within the concrete.

Damage to rebar or post tension cables during coring or cutting concrete can potentially cause immediate structural failure that leads to injury or the death of those on site. And, according to a recent study completed for GPRS by Finch Brands, the average cost to repair damage to rebar or conduit embedded within concrete is $12,000.

To locate and map rebar within a concrete slab, GPRS Project Managers utilize a non-destructive technology known as ground penetrating radar (GPR). A GPR scanner emits radio waves into the concrete, and those waves interact with – or “bounce” off – any subsurface material they encounter. Those interactions are detected by the scanner, and instantly displayed in a readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on the type of material that was located.

It takes extensive, specialized training to be able to take a series of hyperbolas and use that to determine the precise location of buried objects. That’s why all GPRS Project Managers (PMs) are certified in Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM), the industry-leading training and specification for not only concrete scanning and utility locating but also sewer line inspection and leak detection.

SIM has played a significant role in GPRS achieving and maintaining a 99.8%+ accuracy rate on the over 500,000 utility locating and concrete scanning jobs we’ve completed to date. It was developed to provide subsurface investigators with greater education, advanced field training, and a repeatable process that allows them to accurately locate utilities and other buried objects.

The SIM-certified GPRS Project Managers working at MIT located and mapped the rebar in the proposed coring locations, and then marked their findings – including the estimated depth of the reinforcing material – on the surface of the concrete slab. They were able to complete this work on the same day that the client contacted GPRS, so that the engineers on the project could immediately incorporate this data into their planning process.

Guaranteed Results

GPRS is so confident in the accuracy of our concrete scans that we decided to put our money where our mouth is.

The GPRS Green Box Guarantee is an industry-leading, proprietary program designed to give you peace of mind. It’s simple: when GPRS conducts a concrete scan and places a Green Box within that layout prior to you anchoring or coring that concrete, we guarantee the area will be free of obstructions.

If we’re wrong, we agree to pay the material cost of any damage that occurs.

The Green Box Guarantee helps prevent potentially life-threatening injuries and damages, eliminates project delays, costly repairs and unexpected change orders, and ensures clear communication between you and our field team members about where it’s safe to break ground. It’s just one way we are working to achieve our goal of 100% subsurface damage prevention.

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

What can we help you visualize? Click below to schedule a service or request a quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is ground penetrating radar (GPR) used to identify tendons vs. rebar in a post-tensioned slab?

In post-tensioned structures, we typically find one mat of support rebar near the base of the slab. This mat is generally consistently spaced and remains at a constant elevation. Post-tension cables are generally found above this support mat and “draped” throughout the rest of the structure. The elevation of the cable is usually high near the beams and column lines and drapes lower through the span between beams and column lines. Knowledge of these structural differences allows us to accurately differentiate between components.

Can GPR determine the difference between rebar and electrical conduit?

Yes, in most cases, GPR can accurately differentiate between rebar and electrical conduit. Additionally, GPRS Project Managers will use electromagnetic (EM) locators to determine the location of conduits within concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

The combined use of GPR and EM locating allows us to provide one of the most comprehensive and accurate professional conduit locating services available.