Underground Utility Infrastructure Detection – PAS 128
You see what is on the surface. We’ll show you what is beneath it.
GPR/EML + Site Data + 3D laser scanning + BIM
Before any excavation, redevelopment or new investment, knowing what lies underground is not an option, but a prerequisite for safe and efficient project delivery.
At 3Deling, we carry out underground utility infrastructure detection in accordance with PAS128. We combine ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic location (EML), statutory utility records, registry data, field verification and 3D laser scanning into one coherent picture of reality.
What is underground utility infrastructure detection?
Underground utility infrastructure detection is the process of locating and identifying networks hidden beneath the ground surface: power cables, pipes, drainage systems, telecommunications, water infrastructure, and other technical installations. A reliable result does not come from a single device — it requires combining several methods and data sources. These include:
- Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
- electromagnetic location (EML)
- Statutory utility records and registry data
- field verification of infrastructure, including inspection of manholes and access points
- geodetic measurements.
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) is the foundation — a non-intrusive method that uses radar waves to detect objects underground, without breaking the surface. GPR effectively locates both metallic and non-metallic installations, as well as unregistered underground objects. It is complemented by electromagnetic location (EML) which performs particularly well in locating cables and metallic pipelines. Together they provide a significantly more complete picture than either method alone.
The entire process is structured in accordance with PAS 128 methodology — a technical specification defining standards for conducting surveys, assessing data quality and documenting results. In practice, this means a structured process, repeatable results, and documentation ready to be handed over to designers, contractors, and BIM teams.
3D laser scanning — the complete picture
Standard detection methods — GPR, EML, field verification — provide a reliable picture of what lies underground – we take this further. The addition of 3D laser scanning of the terrain and above-ground infrastructure give the underground utility survey real spatial context: the precise position of detected networks in relation to surface objects, pavements and above-ground infrastructure elements.
This combination enables:
- clash detection and analysis,
- modernisation design,
- BIM model creation,
- digital asset inventory,
- digital twin development.
This is particularly relevant for industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, modernisation of existing assets and environments with a high degree of installation complexity.
How does the process work?
1. Data and documentation analysis
We collect all available materials: maps, design documentation, statutory utility records, and registry information. This is the starting point for further field verification.
2. Field inspection
We verify all visible surface elements: manholes, inspection covers, valves, access points, infrastructure markings. Where possible, we take measurements, check the directions of installation runs and inspect accessible chambers and manholes.
3. GPR and EML detection
We use ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic location (EML) to detect metallic and non-metallic installations, unregistered networks, pipe and cable routes, and estimated depths of infrastructure. Combining different methods increases the accuracy and reliability of results. These methods are effective to a working depth of approximately 3 metres, in accordance with PAS 128.
4. 3D data integration
Detection results are combined with a topographic survey, point cloud and BIM environment. The outcome is a single, coherent model of the existing infrastructure — both above and below the surface.
What do we deliver?
Depending on the project scope:
- underground infrastructure maps in CAD/GIS formats,
- technical documentation, statutory utility records and field reports,
- data quality and source classification,
- photographic documentation,
- BIM models,
- Integrated point clouds and the WebPano environment for browser-based data analysis.
Who is it for?
Investors and developers
Risk reduction before commencing groundworks and design works.
Designers and BIM managers
Data ready for integration with CAD, GIS and BIM.
Main contractors
Reduced risk of clashes, delays and infrastructure damage.
Industrial facilities
Complete documentation of the facility’s technical infrastructure — above and below ground.
Infrastructure managers
Digital inventory of utility networks and site assets.
Why 3Deling?
- We combine underground utility detection with reality capture and BIM
- We integrate above- and below-ground data
- We have extensive experience working with point clouds and 3D documentation
- We deliver GPR, EML, 3D scanning, GIS and BIM as a single integrated process
- Results can also be presented through the WebPano platform
See the complete picture of your infrastructure — above and below ground.
Get in touch — we’ll prepare a scope of work tailored to your project.
