Utility Depth Locator 101: The Ultimate Guide
Breaking ground without knowing what’s buried beneath is a massive gamble. On any job site, what you can’t see can absolutely hurt you, leading to dangerous utility strikes, costly project delays, and serious liability. A professional utility depth locator is your most essential tool for risk management, transforming the invisible underground into a clear, actionable map. But how do these devices actually work? And what separates a quick, unreliable scan from a survey you can build on with confidence? This guide explains the technology in simple terms, from electromagnetic detection to Ground Penetrating Radar, and covers the best practices that ensure you get accurate results every time.
Key Takeaways
- Combine Technologies for a Complete Picture: Relying on a single locating method creates dangerous blind spots. Professionals use both Electromagnetic (EM) detection for metallic lines and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to find non-conductive utilities like PVC and fiber optics.
- Look Beyond the Public Markout: The free 811 service only marks public utilities up to the property line, leaving you blind to private lines for lighting, irrigation, or building-to-building connections. A private locate is essential to map the entire site and prevent costly strikes.
- An Expert Operator Is Your Best Insurance: Even the most expensive locator is ineffective without a skilled technician. The accuracy of a locate comes from an expert's ability to interpret complex signals and manage site-specific challenges, making a professional service the safest bet for high-stakes projects.
How Do Utility Depth Locators Actually Work?
It might seem like magic, but utility locators are all about applied physics. Instead of a crystal ball, technicians use sophisticated tools that send and receive signals to identify what’s buried beneath the surface. Think of it less like guessing and more like using a set of electronic eyes and ears to map the underground, giving you the confidence to dig safely. The two primary methods professionals rely on are Electromagnetic (EM) detection and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). Each works differently and is suited for specific types of utilities, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
EM locators are fantastic for finding conductive materials like metal pipes and cables with tracer wires. GPR, on the other hand, is the go-to for non-conductive lines like PVC, concrete, or fiber optics. A skilled technician knows which tool to use—and often uses both—to build a complete picture of the subsurface. They also use different techniques, known as active and passive locating, to either generate a signal or listen for existing ones. By combining these technologies and methods, we can confidently identify, trace, and estimate the depth of buried infrastructure, turning a blind excavation into a well-planned project.
Understanding Electromagnetic (EM) Detection
Electromagnetic (EM) detection is the workhorse of the utility locating world. The process works on a simple principle: making metallic pipes and cables "sing" a tune that a receiver can hear. An operator uses a transmitter to apply a specific frequency to a utility line, either by directly connecting to it or by inducing a signal into the ground. This signal travels along the conductive line, which then reradiates its own electromagnetic field. A handheld receiver is then used to sweep the area, detecting this field to pinpoint the line’s location and estimate its depth. This method is incredibly effective for tracing known metallic utilities over long distances.
Seeing Underground with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
When you need to find non-metallic utilities, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is the tool for the job. GPR was a game-changer because it can detect materials that EM locators can't see, like PVC pipes, concrete storm drains, and fiber optic cables. The system works by sending pulses of high-frequency radio waves into the ground from an antenna. When these waves hit a buried object or a change in soil composition, they bounce back to the surface. The GPR unit reads these reflections to create a real-time, cross-sectional image of the subsurface. It’s an essential part of any comprehensive subsurface utility mapping project.
Active vs. Passive Locating: What's the Difference?
You’ll often hear technicians talk about "active" and "passive" locating, and the difference is straightforward. Active locating is when we intentionally apply a signal to a utility using a transmitter. This is the most precise method because we control the frequency and can trace a specific line from start to finish. It’s our primary technique for most utility locating services. In contrast, passive locating involves using a receiver to listen for signals that are already present. This includes the natural 50/60 Hz hum from live electrical lines or radio frequencies traveling along other utilities. Passive locating is great for a quick initial sweep to identify live power but isn't used for precise tracing or depth estimates.
Why Is a Utility Locator a Non-Negotiable Tool?
On any job site, what you can't see can absolutely hurt you. Breaking ground without knowing what lies beneath is a massive gamble that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. A utility locator isn't just another piece of equipment; it's your essential tool for risk management. It transforms the invisible underground into a clear, actionable map, allowing your team to work safely and efficiently. From preventing catastrophic accidents to keeping your project on schedule, professional utility locating is the first step in a successful excavation.
Prevent Expensive and Dangerous Utility Strikes
Let's be direct: hitting a utility line is a nightmare scenario. A single strike can sever a fiber optic cable, knock out power to a neighborhood, or worse, rupture a gas line, creating an immediate hazard. The financial fallout includes not only repair costs but also project delays, regulatory fines, and potential legal action. The problem is that public records are often outdated or incomplete, and mistakes in depth estimation can lead to strikes even when the horizontal location seems correct. A professional locator provides the ground truth you need to dig with confidence.
Meet Critical Safety and Compliance Standards
Beyond the immediate danger, proper utility locating is a fundamental part of meeting your legal and professional obligations. It’s a critical component of urban development and infrastructure maintenance that demands precision and safety. OSHA requires that all underground utilities be identified and located before any excavation begins. Failing to do so is a serious compliance violation that puts your workers and the public at risk. Following these standards demonstrates due diligence, protects your company from liability, and is the mark of a professional operation.
Find What the 811 Service Leaves Behind
The 811 "Call Before You Dig" service is an essential first step, but it's crucial to understand its limitations. Public utility companies only mark the lines they own, which typically stop at the property line or meter. They won't locate private utilities—like electrical lines to parking lot lights, irrigation pipes, or fiber cables connecting buildings on a campus. This information gap leaves you blind to potential hazards. That’s where private utility locating services become non-negotiable. A professional crew uses advanced tools to map the entire subsurface, giving you a complete picture so there are no surprises.
Choosing the Right Locator: What Features Matter Most?
When you’re ready to invest in a utility locator, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. It’s not just about finding a tool that beeps; it’s about finding the right tool for your specific job site challenges. The best locator for a simple residential project is very different from what’s needed on a congested industrial site. To cut through the noise, focus on the features that directly impact performance and reliability in the field.
The key is to look beyond the marketing claims and understand the technology that powers these devices. A locator’s effectiveness comes down to a few core components: its ability to handle different types of utilities, the reliability of its depth readings, its capacity for digital mapping, and its durability for daily fieldwork. Let’s break down what you should be looking for in each of these areas to make sure you get a tool that works as hard as you do.
Frequency Range and Detection Power
Think of a locator’s frequency like tuning a radio—you need the right channel to get a clear signal. Different utilities respond better to different frequencies. For instance, a low frequency can travel further down a pipe, which is great for tracing a line over a long distance. A high frequency, on the other hand, is better at isolating a single utility in a crowded underground environment. That’s why multi-frequency systems are so valuable; they "allow you to tune the frequency you are putting into the ground to the type of line or pipe you are trying to locate." A locator with a wide range of frequencies gives you the flexibility to adapt to any situation, from tracing a deep sewer line to pinpointing a shallow fiber optic cable.
Depth Measurement and Accuracy
One of the first questions people ask is, "How accurate is the depth reading?" The truth is, a locator only provides an estimated depth, and its accuracy depends heavily on both the equipment and the operator. Factors like signal distortion from overhead lines, soil conditions, and the presence of nearby utilities can all affect the reading. To get the most reliable results, proper technique is essential. As experts will tell you, "To achieve reliable depth readings, the locator must be positioned perpendicular to the utility." This ensures the tool is correctly interpreting the signal’s peak. Always treat depth readings as a guide, not a guarantee, and follow safe excavation practices by potholing to verify the exact location and depth.
GPS Integration for Clear Mapping
Modern utility locating is about more than just spray paint on the ground. As the industry evolves, we're seeing a shift "from analog tools used sporadically on job sites to integrated platforms essential for digital infrastructure planning." Locators with built-in GPS are at the forefront of this change. This feature allows you to capture the coordinates of located utilities in real-time, creating a digital map of the subsurface. This data is invaluable for project planning, as-built documentation, and avoiding conflicts down the line. It’s the foundation for creating the kind of detailed subsurface utility mapping that engineers and project managers rely on for making critical design decisions.
Portability and Field-Ready Battery Life
The most advanced locator in the world is useless if its battery dies mid-job or it’s too heavy to carry across a large site. The practical, real-world usability of a tool is just as important as its technical specs. Look for a locator with a rugged, weather-resistant design that can handle the demands of a construction site. Long battery life—or at least easily swappable battery packs—is non-negotiable. Remember, "successful utility locating requires good equipment and better technique." A well-designed, ergonomic tool reduces operator fatigue and allows your crew to focus on what really matters: getting a safe, accurate locate every single time.
A Quick Look at Top Brands and Professional Services
When you’re ready to get serious about utility locating, you have two main paths: buying your own equipment or hiring a professional service. The market is full of high-quality tools from trusted brands, and having the right locator on hand can feel empowering. However, the best equipment is only as good as the person operating it. That’s why many general contractors, engineers, and facility managers partner with specialized locating firms. A professional service brings not only top-of-the-line gear but also the field experience needed to interpret complex signals, navigate congested sites, and deliver data you can build on with confidence. They understand the nuances of different soil conditions, the challenges of ghost signals, and how to combine different technologies for a complete picture. This section will walk you through some of the top equipment brands you'll encounter and explain why partnering with a dedicated service can be the smartest move for your project's safety and success. We'll cover the industry-leading hardware and the critical role that advanced software and expert analysis play in turning raw signals into reliable maps.
Why Professionals Choose SiteTwin Services
Hiring a professional crew is about more than just renting equipment; it’s about getting guaranteed results. Professionals turn to services like ours because we integrate multiple technologies to ensure accuracy and safety on the job site. By using a combination of EM locators and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), our expert crews can find non-metallic lines, un-tonable utilities, and other targets that a single tool might miss. This comprehensive approach minimizes the risk of dangerous and costly utility strikes. We handle the entire process, from the initial scan to delivering clean, engineer-ready data, so your team can focus on the project at hand without worrying about what’s buried below.
An Overview of Radiodetection Models
If you start shopping for your own locator, you’ll quickly come across the name Radiodetection. Widely recognized as an industry leader, Radiodetection is known for building high-performance, reliable equipment that can stand up to tough field conditions. Their locators are favored by utility professionals for their advanced technology, which provides precision and clarity when tracing lines. While they represent a significant investment, these tools are designed for the rigorous demands of daily locating work. For many professionals, Radiodetection sets the standard for accuracy and durability in electromagnetic locating equipment.
Comparing Schonstedt and Vivax Metrotech
Alongside Radiodetection, brands like Schonstedt and Vivax Metrotech are also major players in the utility locating space. Each offers a range of locators designed for different needs and budgets. Schonstedt is particularly well-known for its magnetic locators, which are excellent for finding ferrous metal objects like survey markers and manhole covers. Vivax Metrotech provides a broad lineup of locators and inspection cameras that cater to various industries, from plumbing to telecommunications. Both brands are trusted for creating durable and effective tools that help professionals get the job done right.
The Role of Sensors & Software
Modern utility locating goes far beyond the handheld wand. The future of the industry lies in integrating advanced sensors and software to create a complete picture of the subsurface. This means combining data from GPR scans, historical maps, construction plans, and real-time GPS sensors to identify and map utilities with incredible accuracy. This fusion of data is what allows for true subsurface utility mapping, turning simple paint marks on the ground into a detailed digital record. This approach not only improves accuracy but also provides a lasting asset that can be used for planning future projects.
What's the Investment for a Utility Depth Locator?
When you’re thinking about adding a utility locator to your toolkit, the price tag can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands. The right investment for you depends entirely on the complexity of your projects and the accuracy you need. Think of it less as a cost and more as insurance against a utility strike, which can easily run into the six figures after fines, repairs, and project delays.
The market is generally broken down into three tiers: entry-level tools for simple tasks, professional-grade equipment for reliable daily use, and advanced systems for complex mapping. Each tier offers a significant jump in capability and, of course, price. Before you start shopping, it’s helpful to understand what you get for your money at each level. This will help you decide whether buying a unit makes sense or if bringing in a specialized utility locating service is the more practical and cost-effective route for your project’s needs.
Entry-Level Locators (Under $2,000)
For small contractors or property owners with occasional, straightforward locating needs, an entry-level device might seem appealing. These locators, some of which cost less than $500, are designed for light-duty applications. They can help you trace a known metallic line in an open field or find a shallow electrical wire before digging a fence post. However, they lack the power, frequencies, and signal processing to handle congested sites, deep targets, or distorted signals. While affordable, they aren't built for the daily grind of a construction site and don’t provide the level of certainty required for professional excavation work.
Professional-Grade Equipment ($2,000-$5,000)
This is the price range where you’ll find the workhorse locators used by many industry professionals. For $2,000 to $5,000, you can get a durable, reliable electromagnetic (EM) locator with features like multiple frequencies, current measurement, and accurate depth estimation. Models from trusted brands like Radiodetection or Vivax-Metrotech in this category offer the performance needed for most standard locating jobs. They are built to withstand field conditions and provide the precision required to confidently mark out metallic pipes and cables. This is the baseline for anyone who needs to locate utilities as a regular part of their job.
Advanced GPR and Mapping Systems ($5,000+)
When you need to find non-metallic lines like PVC, concrete, or fiber optic cables, an EM locator won't cut it. That’s where Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) comes in. These advanced systems start at $5,000 and can easily exceed $25,000 for sophisticated, multi-channel arrays. GPR sends radio waves into the ground to create a subsurface image, allowing operators to identify pipes, voids, and other features that have no metallic signature. For complex projects requiring a complete picture of underground infrastructure, investing in subsurface utility mapping with GPR is essential for preventing costly and dangerous surprises.
Common Myths About Utility Locators, Busted
When you’re responsible for what happens on a job site, you can’t afford to operate on assumptions. Misinformation about utility locating is surprisingly common, and believing it can lead to dangerous utility strikes, costly project delays, and serious liability issues. Let’s clear the air and bust a few of the most persistent myths out there so your team can work with confidence. Understanding what locating technology can and can’t do is the first step toward a safer, more efficient project. These are the facts you need to know before you break ground.
The Myth of Pinpoint Depth Accuracy
Here’s the deal: while modern locators provide a very good estimate of a utility’s depth, they don’t deliver a guaranteed, to-the-inch measurement. Thinking a locator can give you the exact depth is a common misconception that can get you into trouble. Technologies like Ground Penetrating Radar are powerful, but their readings are influenced by real-world conditions. Soil type, moisture content, compaction, and interference from adjacent utilities can all affect the final reading. A professional locator interprets this data to give you the most reliable depth estimate possible, but it should always be treated as a close approximation, not an absolute fact. That’s why critical excavations always require visual confirmation through methods like potholing.
The Assumption That All Markouts Are Perfect
It’s tempting to see flags and paint on the ground and assume they represent a perfect map of the underground. Unfortunately, that’s a risky assumption. The belief that all utility markouts are completely accurate is one of the most dangerous myths in the industry. Inaccuracies can happen for many reasons: outdated utility maps, human error during the locating process, or complex underground environments where signals are difficult to interpret. A markout from an 811 service might also miss privately owned lines. For this reason, you should always supplement public markouts with professional private utility locating services to get a complete and verified picture of what’s really buried on your site.
The Belief That You Can't Find Plastic Pipes
This myth is a holdover from the days when electromagnetic (EM) locators were the only tool in the box. It’s true that EM locators need a conductive material to work, so they can’t directly detect plastic pipes like PVC or PE. However, that doesn’t mean those lines are invisible. Modern locating relies on a mix of technologies, and this is where Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) shines. GPR works by sending a signal into the ground and detecting changes in the subsurface, allowing it to identify non-metallic pipes, concrete structures, and other anomalies that EM tools miss. A skilled technician using the right combination of equipment can locate virtually any type of utility, regardless of its material.
Best Practices for Getting Accurate Results
Having a professional-grade utility locator is a great start, but the equipment is only half the equation. Successful utility locating depends far more on solid technique than on the brand name printed on the device. When you run into problems, the issue is more often with the process, not the tool. Getting clean, reliable data requires a methodical approach that accounts for how electromagnetic signals behave underground. It’s about understanding the science behind the signal and using it to your advantage. By focusing on proper positioning, signal management, and consistent verification, you can avoid the common pitfalls that lead to inaccurate marks and costly mistakes. These best practices are what separate a quick scan from a truly dependable subsurface map, ensuring your project stays safe and on schedule. It's the difference between simply finding a signal and truly understanding what's beneath your feet. This disciplined approach helps you filter out noise, isolate the correct utility, and produce results you can trust when it's time to break ground.
Choose the Right Position and Frequency
Your angle of approach to the utility is everything. To get a reliable depth reading, the locator must be positioned perpendicular to the utility line. Think of it like crossing a "T"—your path with the locator should be the top of the T, and the underground utility is the vertical line. This 90-degree angle gives you the sharpest, most accurate peak signal. If you approach at a shallow angle, your signal can become distorted, leading to a misleading depth estimate. Just as important is selecting the right frequency for the job. Lower frequencies are great for tracing conductive lines over long distances, while higher frequencies can help pinpoint poorly grounded utilities or breaks in a line.
Manage Your Signal and Power Levels
When it comes to your transmitter’s power, more is not better. A common mistake is to crank up the power, thinking it will make the target easier to find. In reality, too much power can cause the signal to "bleed" onto adjacent utilities, creating ghost signals and making it impossible to isolate your target line. The professional approach is to use the minimum power level and the lowest frequency required to get a clear signal. This clean, controlled signal is much easier to trace accurately. Following established locating guidelines helps you avoid signal distortion and ensures you’re tracing the right utility, not its neighbor.
Why Calibration and Physical Checks Are Crucial
Even with perfect technique, a utility locator's depth reading is an informed estimate, not a guarantee. The only way to verify the exact depth and location of a target line is to physically expose it through methods like potholing. This is why professional private utility locating services always treat markouts as a starting point for safe excavation, not the final word. Regular equipment calibration is also non-negotiable to ensure your locator’s internal sensors are functioning correctly. Field conditions like soil moisture, congestion, and interference can all affect accuracy, so building in physical checks is a critical step for managing risk and preventing a utility strike.
Who Relies on Utility Locators Every Day?
You might think utility locators are only for massive excavation projects, but their use is incredibly widespread. From city planners mapping out future infrastructure to a contractor installing a new fiber optic line, knowing what’s buried underground is the first step to a safe and successful project. It’s a critical tool for anyone who needs to break ground, whether they’re building a skyscraper or repairing a water main. The data they provide prevents costly damages, keeps workers safe, and ensures essential services run without interruption.
Professionals across several key industries depend on accurate utility locating every single day. For them, it’s not just about following regulations—it’s about managing risk, protecting assets, and keeping projects on schedule and on budget. Without a clear picture of the subsurface, any excavation is a gamble. That’s why general contractors, public works departments, and specialized trade professionals all make subsurface utility mapping a non-negotiable part of their workflow. Let’s look at who these professionals are and why they can’t work without this technology.
Construction and Civil Engineering
For general contractors and civil engineers, a utility strike is a project-killing event. On any large-scale construction site, accurate utility location is essential for avoiding catastrophic damage, costly delays, and serious safety incidents. Before the first shovel hits the dirt, teams rely on locators to map out existing gas lines, water mains, electrical conduits, and communication cables. This information is fundamental to the entire project plan, from initial site design to the final build. It ensures that new foundations don't interfere with existing infrastructure and that all excavation work complies with OSHA safety standards.
Municipal Infrastructure and Public Works
City governments and public works departments are constantly managing a complex, hidden network of utilities. They use locators for everything from routine maintenance to major infrastructure upgrades. When planning a road expansion, repairing a sewer line, or upgrading a city’s water system, crews need precise data to work efficiently and minimize disruption to public services. Accurate mapping helps them plan projects that improve urban living while protecting the integrity of the existing grid. This proactive approach prevents accidental outages and ensures the community’s essential services remain reliable for years to come.
Plumbing, Electrical, and Fiber Installation
For trade professionals like plumbers, electricians, and telecom installers, hitting an unknown utility line is a worst-case scenario. These experts work in tight, often congested spaces where a single mistake can cause a gas leak, a power outage, or a flood. They use private utility locating services to verify the location of nearby lines before trenching for a new fiber optic cable or digging to repair a pipe. For them, it’s about more than just efficiency; it’s about personal safety and avoiding massive liability. Knowing exactly what’s in the ground allows them to work with confidence and protect both themselves and the property owner.
Should You Buy Your Own or Hire a Pro?
You’re facing a classic dilemma: should you invest in your own utility locator or bring in a specialized crew for your project? The answer isn't always straightforward and depends on your team's needs, the complexity of your job site, and your tolerance for risk. While owning a locator offers convenience for frequent, simple tasks, it also comes with the responsibility of training, maintenance, and liability.
For many general contractors, environmental consultants, and facility managers, the decision comes down to a few key factors. You need to weigh the upfront and ongoing costs of equipment against the project-based cost of hiring a dedicated team. More importantly, you have to consider the skill required to get accurate data and what’s at stake if a locate is missed. Let's break down the scenarios to help you decide which path makes the most sense for your operations.
When to Call in an Expert
If you’re dealing with a congested or unfamiliar site, calling an expert is a no-brainer. Professional utility locating services are essential when the risk of a utility strike is high and the consequences are severe. Think about projects involving deep trenching, soil borings near critical infrastructure, or sites with a history of unmarked or abandoned lines. An expert crew doesn’t just bring a single tool; they arrive with a full toolkit, including GPR for finding non-metallic pipes and passive methods for identifying unknown conductors.
Hiring a professional is also the right move when you need more than just painted marks on the ground. If your project requires precise GPS data for as-built surveys or subsurface utility mapping, a specialized firm can deliver clean, engineer-ready results. They have the experience to interpret faint signals, distinguish between multiple utilities in close proximity, and understand the unique challenges of your site’s geology.
Breaking Down the Cost: Buying vs. Hiring
At first glance, buying a locator might seem like a smart financial move. Entry-level locators can cost less than $1,000, while most professional-grade locators fall between $2,000 and $7,000. However, the purchase price is just the beginning. You also have to account for the cost of training your team to use it effectively, regular calibration to ensure accuracy, and ongoing maintenance and repairs. If the equipment sits on a shelf for months, it’s not providing any return on your investment.
Hiring a professional service turns that capital expenditure into a predictable operating expense. You pay for the service only when you need it, without worrying about long-term upkeep. When you factor in the cost of a potential utility strike—which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and downtime—the fee for a professional locate often proves to be a much smaller, smarter investment.
Considering Accuracy, Risk, and Liability
This is where the conversation gets serious. Owning a locator doesn't automatically make you an expert at finding utilities. Even with the best tools, the effectiveness of a locate depends entirely on the skill of the technician using them. An inexperienced operator can easily misinterpret signals, miss a deep target, or fail to identify a non-metallic line, leading to a false sense of security. This is why experienced personnel are just as critical as the technology itself.
Ultimately, it comes down to liability. If your crew performs the locate and an excavator hits a gas line, that responsibility rests with your company. By hiring an insured, professional locating firm, you transfer a significant portion of that risk. These teams are accountable for the accuracy of their work and carry insurance to back it up. For high-stakes projects, that peace of mind is invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just rely on the free 811 service for my project? The 811 service is a great starting point, but it has a critical blind spot. Public utility companies only mark the lines they own, and their responsibility usually ends at your property's meter. They won't locate any private utilities on your site, such as power lines running to a parking lot, water lines for an irrigation system, or fiber optic cables connecting different buildings. A private locating service fills this gap by mapping everything on your property, giving you a complete picture to prevent dangerous surprises.
What's the biggest mistake people make when using a utility locator themselves? The most common mistake is trusting the depth reading as an exact measurement. A locator provides a highly educated estimate, but its accuracy can be affected by soil conditions, signal interference, and the presence of other nearby utilities. Another frequent error is using too much power, which can cause the signal to bleed onto adjacent lines and give you a false reading. This is why professional technique and physical verification, like potholing, are so important for critical excavations.
Can a locator find every single type of underground utility? A skilled technician using the right combination of tools can find almost anything, but no single tool can find everything. An electromagnetic (EM) locator is perfect for conductive metal pipes and wires, but it can't see plastic or concrete. That's when we use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), which detects non-metallic lines. Even then, some targets can be challenging due to extreme depth or difficult soil conditions. This is why a comprehensive approach using multiple technologies is the best way to get a clear picture of the subsurface.
How long does a typical professional utility locate take? The time required really depends on the size and complexity of the site. A small, open lot with only a few known utilities might only take a couple of hours. However, a large industrial site or a congested urban area with a dense network of known and unknown lines could take a full day or more. The goal is always accuracy, not speed, so a professional crew will take the time needed to investigate all signals and deliver a map you can trust.
What do I get after the locate is finished besides paint on the ground? While the paint marks provide an immediate visual guide for your field crew, a professional service delivers much more. You should receive a detailed field sketch or a digital map that clearly documents what was found, including the type of utility and its estimated depth. For more complex projects, this data can be integrated with GPS coordinates to create a precise, engineer-ready file that serves as a permanent record for future planning and as-built documentation.