Managing the unseen - enhancing and improving buried asset location data

Beneath the network of roads and pavements is a network of pipes and cables delivering utility services to properties and servicing the road network itself. Whilst some buried asset locations are recorded assiduously on the latest geographical information systems, some asset owners are still working off scanned record drawings which are decades old and the accuracy is variable. Maintaining these assets requires extensive activity to install new services and repair existing ones. Estimates of the number of holes dug each year vary but it is certainly in the millions and there is a need for those working in the street to access information about their own and other organisations´ assets easily and quickly. Current methods to locate buried assets are reviewed and their limitations considered. New techniques are described which can improve the accuracy of buried assety location.