Here at Enhanced Scanning, we get a lot of questions from first-time customers who call to inquire about our underground scanning services, and we never mind answering them! Whether it’s a homeowner who was told they need to get an underground scan before work can begin on their property or a new general contractor doing excavation work for the first time, people want to know what to expect before they have us come onsite. They also want to know whether an underground scan is even necessary.
While we’re always happy to clear things up when you call our office or email us, we thought a blog post with some frequently asked questions would be helpful as well.
How Does Underground Scanning Work?
Underground scanning often relies on a combination of technologies designed to detect what the naked eye can’t see. The most widely used method is ground-penetrating radar (GPR), which sends electromagnetic pulses into the soil. When those pulses encounter something solid or a change in density, such as a pipe, cable, or void, they bounce back to the surface. A technician reads the returning signals on a display, interpreting the patterns to map out what’s buried and roughly how deep it is.
A second common technique is electromagnetic (EM) locating, which is especially effective for metallic utilities. A signal is either induced onto a line or connected directly to it, and a handheld receiver traces the resulting electromagnetic field to follow the utility’s path.
Many companies use both methods together. GPR can detect nonmetallic materials, such as PVC pipes or concrete structures, that EM locating may miss, while EM locating is often faster and more precise for metal lines. The data collected can be turned into a digital file, or markings can be made directly on the ground to show where buried items are located.
Is Underground Scanning Expensive?
Cost varies depending on the size of the site, the complexity of the underground infrastructure, and the depth of scanning required. For a small residential project, a scan is generally fairly affordable. Larger commercial or industrial sites, especially those with dense utility networks or requiring highly detailed outputs, can cost thousands of dollars.
However, when weighed against the potential cost of striking a gas line, severing fiber-optic cable, or damaging a water main, the price of underground scanning is almost always far smaller than the cost of an accident. Repair costs, project delays, fines, and liability claims from a single utility strike can quickly dwarf the cost of the scan that could have helped prevent it.
Is Underground Scanning Always Necessary on a Construction Site?
In most jurisdictions, some form of underground investigation is legally required before digging, often starting with a call to a public utility locating service. However, public utility locate services typically only mark major utility lines and don’t always identify private lines, abandoned infrastructure, or utilities at unusual depths.
For any project involving excavation beyond shallow surface work, a private underground scan, like the services we provide at Enhanced Scanning, is strongly recommended. For large or complex sites, underground scanning is considered standard practice. Skipping this step to save time or money can increase the risk of costly on-site accidents.
What Can Enhanced Scanning Find During an Underground Scan?
A thorough scan can reveal a wide range of buried features, including:
- Water, gas, and sewer lines
- Electrical conduits and cables
- Telecommunications and fiber-optic lines
- Underground storage tanks
- Building foundations, footings, and old structures
- Voids, sinkholes, or soil-density irregularities
- Abandoned or undocumented utilities not shown on existing maps
This information helps crews plan excavation routes that avoid damage, delays, and safety hazards.
Does Underground Scanning Release Any Dangerous Radiation?
No. Ground-penetrating radar uses low-power, non-ionizing electromagnetic waves, similar in nature to the radio waves used by everyday devices such as Wi-Fi routers and garage door openers. It does not produce ionizing radiation, the type associated with X-rays or nuclear material, and GPR equipment operates at power levels intended for locating subsurface features.
Underground scanning equipment can be used repeatedly and in populated areas without the type of special protective measures associated with ionizing radiation.
Ultimately, underground scanning is a relatively small upfront investment that can help protect workers, infrastructure, and project timelines, making it an important step for construction companies before breaking ground.
If you would like to schedule an underground scan with Enhanced Scanning or have questions about our services, contact our office today.