Editing Utility location

{{Short description|Process of identifying and labeling public utility mains that are underground}}
{{redirect|One-call}}
{{more footnotes|date=July 2013}}
[[File:Using a Utility Locator.jpg|thumb|right|Utility locator tool in use with spray marking can for marking location]]
'''Utility locating''' is the process of identifying and labeling [[public utility]] mains that are underground. These mains may include lines for [[telecommunication]], [[electricity|electricity distribution]], [[natural gas]], [[cable television]], [[optical fibers|fiber optics]], [[traffic lights]], [[street light]]s, [[storm drain]]s, [[water supply network|water mains]], and [[wastewater]] pipes. In some locations, major [[pipeline transport|oil and gas pipelines]], national defense communication lines, [[public transport|mass transit]], rail, and road tunnels also compete for space underground.<ref>{{cite web |title=USDA Utilities |url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/ttic/utilfnl.htm |work=[[USDA]] |access-date=October 5, 2013 }}</ref>

==Overview==
Public utility systems are often run underground—some by the very nature of their function, others for convenience or aesthetics. In the United States, it is estimated that subsurface lines amount to over {{convert|20,000,000|mi}} in total.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Energy |first=Duke |title=Before digging, call 811 to avoid striking underground utility lines |url=https://news.duke-energy.com/releases/releases-20170413 |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=Duke Energy {{!}} News Center |language=en}}</ref>  Before digging, [[local government]]s often require that the underground systems' locations be denoted and approved, if it is to be in the public [[Right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]].

Pipeline markers, signs, or other indicators may or not be visible to warn of the presence of underground utilities. For various reasons, including security, the precise location of the utilities may not be indicated. The only way an excavator can know the precise location, number, and types of utilities is to contact the underground utilities coordinator, and request that the locations be marked. In most jurisdictions, there is no charge for this service, but advance notification is a legal requirement.

In the UK, to follow HSG47<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg47.htm | title=Avoiding danger from underground services - HSG47 }}</ref> and PAS128<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pas128.co.uk/|title=PAS128 – A new standard|website=www.pas128.co.uk}}</ref> guidelines, it is recommended that a Desktop Utility Search is carried out. A Utility Search, also known as a C2 Utility Search or PAS128 (D) utility search, is the initial step in identifying utility asset owners and locating their buried and overhead assets and apparatus. A Utility Search is essential for development projects as it provides valuable insight into the presence and location of underground and overhead utility assets. As well as providing an understanding of the networks within the vicinity of a site, this information can help to prevent accidents, disruptions, and costly delays during construction.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.groundwise.com/services/utility-searches/ | title=PAS128 D Utility Searches &#124; Utilities Survey }}</ref>

== Technology and equipment ==
Because of the many different types of materials that go into manufacturing each of the different types of underground lines, different detection and location methods must be used. The two general methods are called passive locating and active locating.

Passive locating uses signals that occur naturally on some utility lines. This method often fails to locate 60% or so of utility lines,{{cn|date=March 2023}} and misidentifying utilities is an associated risk. Active locating, on the other hand, is more accurate. It makes use of signals that the locators generate through a transmitter. Then, with the help of a receiver, locators can trace as well as identify what type of utility line lies underground.

The active method is the most suitable for locating conductive metal [[Pipe (material)|pipe]]s and [[wire|cable]]s. This process often involves using a piece of [[Electromagnetism|electromagnetic]] equipment, consisting of a [[transmitter]] and a [[Receiver (radio)|receiver]]. For other types of pipe such as plastic or concrete, a metallic tracer wire or conductive foil ([[detectable tape]]) may be buried alongside or immediately above the pipe, to aid in locating it. In the absence of such a conductive tracer, other types of [[radiolocation]] or modern [[ground-penetrating radar]] must be used.  Location by these technical means is necessary because maps often lack the pinpoint precision needed to ensure proper [[engineering tolerance|clearance]]. In older cities, it is especially a problem since maps may be very inaccurate, or may be missing entirely.

A few utilities are permanently marked with short posts or [[bollard]]s, mainly for lines carrying [[petroleum product]]s. This may be done because of venting requirements, and also serves to indicate the location of underground facilities that are especially hazardous if disturbed.

{{asof|2022}}, utility locators depend primarily on three types of utility locating equipment to do their job, including [[General Packet Radio Service|GPR]], electromagnetic profiling locators, and radio frequency pipe locators. These tools are produced by a number of manufacturers, and are widely available throughout the world. Some of the large manufacturers include [[Leica Camera|Leica]], [[Ridgid|RIDGID]], and [[Schonstedt Instrument Company|Schonstedt]]. With advances in technology, these tools continue to improve,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of Electromagnetic Utility Scanning |url=https://www.gp-radar.com/article/the-history-of-electromagnetic-utility-scanning |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=www.gp-radar.com}}</ref> and locators in the field are able to be more accurate. 

Many utilities are now mapped out on GIS mapping services like [[Esri|ESRI]], which improves both accuracy and process transparency. Some of the current locate wands are able to relay their information and sync up with GIS systems to expand and correct the information on the map, which helps to update the map very rapidly.

==Organizations==
In the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, many large locate companies handle millions of tickets every dig season,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Locator Spotlight: The Lifecycle of a Locate Request {{!}} dp-PRO |url=https://dp-pro.com/locator-spotlight-the-lifecycle-of-a-locate-request/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=dp-pro.com}}</ref> and need a way of managing these tickets and sending them through to a unified call center (for example, [[Underground Service Alert]]).

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) publishes the Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT report) every year, which gives a fuller picture of the effects of utility locating throughout North America. In recent years, DIRT has demonstrated a trend of greater excavation damage incidents over time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 DIRT Report |url=https://dirt.commongroundalliance.com/ |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=dirt.commongroundalliance.com}}</ref> This report does not contain every single incident, as stakeholders voluntarily submit underground damages and near-miss reports, but it is the most complete repository of utility damages anywhere in the world. Utility Locators and other stakeholders depend on data like this to learn about risks and to justify continued investment in the industry. 

Industry leaders in damage prevention like the Common Ground Alliance and IR-Saving Lives are the biggest promoters of utility locating, and encourage other stakeholders to take utility locating seriously. The CGA also has published a paper called "Insights into Improving the Delivery of Accurate, On-Time Locates",{{cn|date=March 2023}} which has expert information on how to improve the locating industry in the US and Canada (not to be confused with the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA), a companion organization to CGA in Canada).

Other technologies and equipment are identified in Technology Reports by CGA<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technology Reports |url=https://commongroundalliance.com/ |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=commongroundalliance.com |language=en-US}}</ref> and in a major study by the [[Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration]] in 2017 entitled ''A Study on Improving Damage Prevention Technology''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Report to Congress on Improving Damage Prevention Technology {{!}} PHMSA |url=https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/news/report-congress-improving-damage-prevention-technology |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=www.phmsa.dot.gov}}</ref>

==Telephone hotlines==
"Call before you dig", "Know What's Below! Dig With Confidence!", "Dial before you dig", "Digger's Hotline", "One-call", "Miss Utility", "Dig Safe", "Click before you dig", or [[Underground Service Alert]] are services that allow construction workers or property owners to contact utility companies, who will then denote where underground utilities are located via color-coded markings typically up to and not past the user's service connection or meter. Utility lines on the other side of the meter or service connection are considered to be part of the customer's property, and will typically not be located by these services.

Failure to call such a number ahead of time may result in a fine or even a criminal charge against a person or company, particularly if such negligence causes a major [[power outage|utility outage]] or serious accident, or an evacuation due to a [[gas leak]].  Hitting a [[water main]] may also trigger local flooding or require a [[boil-water advisory]].

The following is a partial list of countries with one-call services for utility location:
* '''Australia''': Australia has a National online website for lodgement of enquiries (https://www.byda.com.au). The national hotline, 1100, has now been converted to a support line to assist with online lodgement.
* '''Canada''': In Canada, there is no unified number for the country. However, it has the "Click Before You Dig" website that provides access to the hotline for each of the provinces.<ref>{{cite web|title=Click Before You Dig|url=http://www.clickbeforeyoudig.com/|publisher=Canadian One-Call Centres Committee and the Canadian Common Ground Alliance|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref>
* '''New Zealand''': Each utility is responsible for marking its own services. A private company (https://www.beforeudig.co.nz/) has been contracted by many utilities and city councils to provide one-call services and corridor access requests. A person planning to dig in the public roadway can lodge a ticket with BeforeUDig and have the utilities in the area notified who in turn will respond with maps of their assets. 
* '''United Kingdom''': In Scotland there is an online web based service called Vault<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roadworksscotland.gov.uk/LegislationGuidance/Guidance/Vault.aspx|title=Vault|website=www.roadworksscotland.gov.uk|language=en|access-date=2017-11-10}}</ref> (short for Scottish Community Apparatus Data Vault), which allows registered users to specify a polygon on a map and immediately obtain an interactive map of all major undertakers owning underground assets, except the principal telecoms operators. In the rest of the UK, there is no dial-before-you-dig service.  Instead the onus is on excavators to ensure that they do not damage buried services.<ref>{{cite web|title=Avoiding danger from underground services|url=http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg47.htm|publisher=Health and Safety Executive (UK)|access-date=24 April 2017}}</ref>  This has resulted in a class of locating tools which are simpler to use, and are called Cable Avoidance Tools (CATs), and the associated signal detectors are called Gennys.
* '''United States''': As required by law and assigned by the US [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC), the [[8-1-1]] telephone number is used for this purpose across the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.call811.com/|title=811. Know what's below. Call before you dig |website=call811.com |publisher=Common Ground Alliance |access-date =2013-07-24}}</ref> 

==Color-coding==
[[File:GasLineMarking.jpg|thumb|Yellow [[aerosol paint|spray paint]] indicating below-street gas utility line ([[New York City]], 2007)]]
[[File:Marking of telecommunication cable location.webm|thumb|Telecommunication cable location marking]]
[[File:Colored flags for utility locating.jpg|thumb|upright|Colored flags for utility locating]] 
[[File:2012 06 17 ROK Water pipeline signs Rotkreuz.JPG|thumb|upright|Permanent water pipeline markers in Switzerland]]
Utility [[color code]]s are used to identify existing underground utilities in construction areas, to protect them from damage during excavation. Colored lines, flags, or both are used to mark the location and denote the type of underground utility.  A special type of spray paint dispenser, which works when the can is upside-down, is used to mark lines, often in a [[fluorescent]] color.  On flags, a logo often identifies the company or municipal utility which the lines belong to.

Flags may  also be an advertisement for a company which has installed an [[irrigation system]] for lawns or gardens.  In this case, each sprinkler head is usually marked, so that landscaping crews will not cover or bury them with soil or sod, or damage them with tractors or other construction equipment while digging holes for trees, shrubs, or other large plants or fenceposts.  This is also important because a vehicle (tractor, truck, or otherwise) can break a sprinkler or the hard-[[PVC]] pipe or joint it is mounted on, simply by driving over it, particularly on newly moved soil which is [[soil compaction|uncompacted]] and therefore unsupportive of such weight.

===Australia===
The national standard for Australia uses the following color guide:<ref name=au1100>{{cite web |title= Dial before you dig - Working near power cables |url= https://www.energex.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/342058/Working-near-underground-power-cables-Form-8350.pdf |publisher= Energex |access-date= 1 February 2018}}</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|style="background:#F9A51B; color:black" | Orange
|[[electric power transmission|electricity]]
|-
|style="background:#FFF101; color:black" | Yellow
|gas
|-
|style="background:#0020C2; color:white" | Blue
|water
|-
|style="background:#FFFFFF; color:black" | White
|[[telecommunication|communications]]
|-
|style="background:#D1232A; color:white" | Red
|fire services
|-
|style="background:#EBEBBE; color:black" | Cream
|sewerage
|-
|style="background:#A153A1; color:white" | Purple
|[[reclaimed water]]
|-
|style="background:#939598; color:white" | Silver/Gray
|[[Steam system|steam]]
|-
|style="background:#442806; color:white" | Brown
|oils, flammable liquids
|-
|style="background:#40C7F4; color:black" | Light blue
|air
|-
|style="background:#F433FF; color:black" | Pink
|Unidentified services 
|-
|style="background:#000000; color:white" | Black
|other liquids
|}

=== Germany ===
[[File:Hinweisschilder für Hydrant Wasser und Gas 102 2002.jpg|thumb|upright|Utility location markers for a fire hydrant, a drinking water line and a natural gas line in Germany]]
In Germany, the colors used for temporary marking of  underground utilities are not standardized like in other countries. However, permanent marker signs are used for utilities like hydrants, drinking water lines and natural gas lines. A permanent marking of cables and sewage lines is not usual if they run in the public right-of-way. The standard for permanent markers in Germany uses the following colors:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Was bedeuten die kleinen Schilder an Häusern? |date=9 June 2021 |url=https://www.t-online.de/heim-garten/bauen/id_90101042/blau-gelb-und-weiss-rot-was-bedeuten-die-kleinen-schilder-an-haeusern-.html |publisher=t-online.de |access-date=20 February 2022 |language=DE}}</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|style="background:white; border:red 3px solid; color:black" | White with red frame
|fire services (hydrants, suction points etc.)
|-
|style="background:blue; color:white" | Blue
|drinking water
|-
|style="background:yellow; color:black" | Yellow
|gas
|-
|style="background:green; color:white" | Green
|sewage and drain lines
|-
|style="background:orange; color:black" | Orange or
|rowspan="2" | hot water/steam lines for [[district heating]]
|-
|style="background:red; color:white" | Red
|-
|style="background:white; color:black" | White or
|rowspan="2" | high-voltage power lines and [[telecommunication]] cables
|-
|style="background:grey; color:white" | Grey
|-
|style="background:brown; color:white" | Brown
|lines for oil and other flammable liquids
|}

===India===
India uses a convention similar to the US, for marking underground utilities such as telephone, gas, water and electricity. The system is based entirely on convention without any written standard. These markings are color-coded, and are painted by contractors onto the pavement.<ref name=BBC-squiggles>{{cite news|last=Cawley|first=Laurence|title=What do those squiggles on the pavement actually mean?|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25915468|publisher=[[BBC News]]|access-date=19 February 2014|date=2014-02-18}}</ref>

The main colors based on the convention are used in the same way as in the US: red for electricity, yellow for gas, and blue for water. However, other colors have other meanings. Green is used for telecommunication conduits. White is used as general communication between contractors; white is also used to note the details of [[road surface marking]]s so that markings can be easily restored after the road construction is completed; a few telecommunication companies also use white color for their utility locations. Orange and other colors are used by local authorities to mark improvements and other details not related to utility locations.<ref name="BBC-squiggles"/>

===New Zealand===
There are no legal color code requirements for buried utilities and surface markings, however a general convention is used and encouraged by the government health and safety department - Worksafe.<ref>{{cite web|title=Guide for Safety with Underground Services - Page 29|url=https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/dmsdocument/1442-guide-for-safety-with-underground-services|access-date=27 November 2021}}</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|Underground Duct
|Surface Marking Color
|Surface Marking Letter
|Utility
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:orange; color:black" | Orange
|E
|Electricity 
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:yellow; color:black" | Yellow
|G
|Gas
|-
| style="background:blue; color:white" | Blue
| style="background:blue; color:white" |Blue
| rowspan="2" |W
| rowspan="2" |Water
|-
| style="background:white; color:black" | White
| style="background:blue; color:white" |Blue
|-
| style="background:green; color:white" | Green
| style="background:purple; color:white" | Purple
|T
|Telecommunications, commonly used by Chorus for copper and fiber optic cables. 
|-
| style="background:lightgrey; color:black" | Light Grey
| style="background:red; color:white" | Red
|SS
|Waste Water / Sewer
|-
| style="background:darkgrey; color:black" | Dark Grey
| style="background:pink; color:black" | Pink
|SW
|Storm Water / Drainage
|-
| style="background:red; color:white" | Red
|
|
|Regional Utility Specific, commonly used by UFF for fiber optic cables. 
|-
| style="background:purple; color:white" | Purple
|
|
|Regional Utility Specific, known to be used by Telstra Saturn Cable Television
|-
| style="background:lightblue; color:black" | Light blue
|
|
|Regional Utility Specific, known to be used by Telstra Clear 
|-
| style="background:pink; color:black" | Pink
|
|
|Regional Utility Specific 
|-
| style="background:black; color:white" | Black
|
|
|Most commonly used for non-potable water on farms however can be an outer duct for roadside utilities. 
Worksafe encourages the use of a 5mm wide or larger colored stripe to indicate the content of the black duct using one of the color codes above. 

A plain black microduct or 2-pair telephone cable is often used by Chorus for premises drop cables.  
|}

===United Kingdom===
The national standard for the United Kingdom uses the following color guide:<ref>{{cite web |title= UNDERGROUND UTILITY COLOUR CODES EXPLAINED |url= https://www.cornerstoneprojects.co.uk/blog/underground-utility-colour-codes/ |publisher= Cornerstone Projects Ltd |access-date= 25 July 2019}}</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|style="background:red; color:white" | Red
|[[electric power transmission|electric power lines]], conduit, and cables
|-
|style="background:orange; color:black" | Orange
|[[telecommunication]], alarm or signal lines
|-
|style="background:yellow; color:black" | Yellow
|gas, oil, steam, petroleum, or other [[flammable]] material
|-
|style="background:green; color:white" | Green
|sewage and drain lines
|-
|style="background:blue; color:white" | Blue
|drinking water
|-
|style="background:purple; color:white" | Purple
|[[reclaimed water]], irrigation, and [[slurry]] lines
|-
|style="background:pink; color:black" | Pink
|temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
|-
|style="background:white; color:black" | White 
|proposed excavation limits or route
|}

=== United States and Canada ===
[[File:Utility_Markings_(1st_Call_Utility_Locating).jpg|thumb|Utility markings]]
Canada and the United States use the [[American Public Works Association]] (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities:<ref>{{cite web|title=APWA Uniform Color Code|url=http://www2.apwa.net/documents/About/TechSvcs/One-Call/COLORCC.PDF|publisher=American Public Works Association|access-date=7 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=How Do I Interpret Locate Markings/ Documentation?|url=http://www.digsafe.ca/CALLBEFOREBRYOUDIG/HowDoIInterpretLocateMarkingsDocumentation/tabid/64/Default.aspx|publisher=Dig Safe (Ontario)|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FORMS AND SAFETY TIPS|url=http://www.bconecall.bc.ca/FormsAndSafety.php|publisher=BC One Call|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Colour code|url=http://www.info-ex.com/en/damages-prevention/guides-and-tools/colour-code/|publisher=Info-Excavation (Quebec)|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Color Code Explanation|url=http://www.albertaonecall.com/learning-centre/color-code-explanation/|publisher=Alberta One–Call|access-date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-10 |title=COLORS {{!}} Underground utility markings and colors |url=https://www.competers.ca/apwa-colors/ |access-date=2022-06-30 |website=Competers Inc |language=en-US}}</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|style="background:red; color:white" | Red
|[[electric power transmission|Electric power lines]], Cables, Conduit, Lighting Cables
|-
|style="background:orange; color:black" | Orange
|[[telecommunication]], alarm or signal lines, cables, conduit, Phone, Cable TV, or Fiber Optic
|-
|style="background:yellow; color:black" | Yellow
|Natural Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum
|-
|style="background:green; color:white" | Green
|Sewer or Drainage
|-
|style="background:blue; color:white" | Blue
|Drinking Water
|-
|style="background:purple; color:white" | Purple
|[[Reclaimed water]]
|-
|style="background:pink; color:black" | Pink
|temporary survey markings, unknown/unidentified facilities
|-
|style="background:white; color:black" | White 
|proposed excavation limits or route
|}

Some municipalities use pink paint to make lines and codes on the pavements related to required street improvements such as ramp replacement, asphalt grinding, and form injection. These markings are not directly related to utility location.<ref>{{cite web|title=Street Marking Explanations|url=http://www.fcgov.com/streets/pink-paint.php|publisher=City of Fort Collins|access-date=9 May 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Subsurface utility engineering]]
* [[Underground Service Alert]]
* [[Utility tunnel]] – an alternative method of routing underground utility lines and services
* [[Cable locator]] – an instrument used for detecting the presence and approximate location of buried services
* [[Utility repair tag]] – a color-coded tag to identify pavement restorer that sometime has a secondary purpose for utility location

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

*Technology Transfer Information Center. [http://www.nal.usda.gov/ttic/utilfnl.htm "Statement of Need: Utility Locating Technologies"]. Accessed October 31, 2007.
*Jaufer, Rakeeb M., Amine Ihamouten, Yann Goyat, Shreedhar S. Todkar, David Guilbert, Ali Assaf, and Xavier Dérobert. 2022. "A Preliminary Numerical Study to Compare the Physical Method and Machine Learning Methods Applied to GPR Data for Underground Utility Network Characterization" Remote Sensing 14, no. 4: 1047. [https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14041047 A Preliminary Numerical Study to Compare the Physical Method and Machine Learning Methods Applied to GPR Data for Underground Utility Network Characterization]



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[[Category:Public utilities]]
[[Category:Subterranea (geography)]]
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