The Science behind our industry

Most utilities are located using electromagnetic locators. The equipment consists of a transmitter (applies the frequency) and a receiver (picks up the frequency). By taking the transmitter and inducing a frequency into a metallic utility, you are able to pick up the frequency using your receiver to interpret the utility's location. There are a few ways to induce the frequency into a utility.

Sondes are small devices taht transmit frequencies used in locating non-metallic utilities such as sanitary/storm sewers or empty conduits. Sondes are usually placed into these pipes by using a fiberglass push rod or and inspection camera. Sondes work on the same technology and produce a frequency that is picked up above ground.

Another way to locate utilities is using ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This non-destructive method uses electromagnetic radiation waves and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR can be used in finding both metallic and non-metallic pipes, tanks, trenches, and voids in the soil.