What Does
Active Utility Locating Mean?
“Active Utility Locating” refers to the process of using specialized equipment and techniques to detect and map underground infrastructure, such as pipes, cables, and conduits. This method typically involves the use of technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or electromagnetic induction to actively send signals into the ground and receive reflections, allowing for the precise identification of buried utilities.
Trenchlesspedia Explains Active Utility Locating
Active utility locating plays a crucial role in trenchless operations by accurately identifying the location and depth of existing underground utilities before any trenchless work begins. By precisely mapping the positions of pipes, cables, and other infrastructure, utility locators help prevent accidental damage during trenchless activities such as horizontal directional drilling (HDD), pipe bursting, or microtunneling.
By integrating active utility locating with trenchless technologies, construction crews can safely and efficiently complete underground projects while minimizing the risk of utility strikes — ensuring project integrity, and avoiding costly delays or repairs.
This locating method is distinct from passive utility locating, which does not emit signals into the ground. The passive method instead relies on detecting signals emitted by existing utilities.