Electromagnetic Utility Locators
Visionary Subsurface Solutions technicians rely on electromagnetic pipe and cable finders as a primary tool to detect and trace underground utilities that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. These devices work by inducing a signal onto a buried metallic line, such as a power cable, water pipe, or telecommunications conduit. The technician then uses a receiver to detect this signal and trace the path of the utility across the surface. This method is highly effective for identifying conductive materials and allows technicians to map the depth and direction of the utility with precision, reducing the risk of accidental damage during excavation.
The process begins by connecting a transmitter directly to an exposed section of a utility or placing it near the surface to induce a signal onto the line. As the receiver moves above ground, it picks up variations in the electromagnetic field, helping the technician follow the utility’s path. With careful calibration and interpretation of signal strength and tone, technicians can differentiate between multiple utilities in close proximity and avoid signal bleed-over. By using electromagnetic locating technology, crews can ensure safer digging practices, prevent costly interruptions to utility services, and deliver more accurate maps for future construction and design projects.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Utility locating technicians at Visionary Subsurface Solutions use ground penetrating radar (GPR) as a non-invasive method to detect both metallic and non-metallic underground utilities, including plastic pipes, concrete ducts, and fiber-optic lines that electromagnetic tools may miss. GPR works by emitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground and recording the reflected signals that bounce back from buried objects. These reflections create a visual profile of the subsurface, which trained technicians interpret in real time to identify the presence, depth, and shape of hidden utilities.
Using GPR, technicians can scan across an area systematically, generating a detailed map of underground features without any need for excavation. This technology is especially valuable in complex environments with multiple layers of buried infrastructure or in areas where utility records are outdated or incomplete. While GPR performance can be influenced by soil conditions, such as moisture and mineral content, it remains one of the most versatile tools for locating a wide range of underground assets. By incorporating GPR into their toolkit, utility locating professionals can deliver a more complete picture of the subsurface, enhancing safety, reducing project delays, and improving decision-making for construction and design teams.
Traceable Duct Rodders
Visionary Subsurface Solutions utility locating technicians use traceable fiberglass duct rodders to locate underground pipes in gravity storm and sanitary sewer systems where traditional electromagnetic locating methods may not be effective. These rodders are designed with a built-in copper wire that can carry a signal from a transmitter. Technicians insert the rodder into a sewer or storm pipe through a cleanout or access point and then energize the internal wire using an electromagnetic transmitter. A receiver above ground is then used to trace the rodder’s path, allowing the technician to map the pipe’s location, depth, and direction with accuracy.
This method is particularly useful for non-metallic pipes, such as PVC, which cannot carry an electromagnetic signal on their own. By pushing the rodder through the line, technicians can trace even long stretches of buried pipe that lack surface indicators or accurate records. Traceable duct rodders also help confirm pipe connectivity and detect blockages or collapses, as the technician will be able to observe any sudden stops in the rodder’s movement. This technology improves the efficiency of locating underground sewer infrastructure and helps prevent costly excavation errors during maintenance, construction, or utility design planning.
Dye & Smoke Testing
Visionary Subsurface Solutions use traceable sewer dye or smoke testing as effective diagnostic tools to confirm the connections and routing of underground pipes in gravity storm and sanitary sewer systems. In dye testing, a non-toxic, brightly colored dye is introduced into a drain or inlet, and technicians observe downstream access points or outfalls to track the dye’s flow. This method helps verify whether specific lines are connected, identify cross-connections between systems, and detect unauthorized discharges. It is particularly useful when as-built plans are unavailable or suspected to be inaccurate.
Smoke testing, on the other hand, involves forcing non-toxic smoke into a sewer line using a blower, allowing technicians to visually identify leaks, breaks, and illegal connections as the smoke escapes through cracks, manholes, roof vents, or other unexpected outlets. This technique is especially valuable for locating defects in large networks or hard-to-access areas. Both dye and smoke testing provide real-time, visual confirmation of system connectivity and integrity. By using these methods, utility locating technicians can ensure storm and sanitary sewer systems are properly mapped and functioning as designed, helping municipalities and engineers make informed decisions for maintenance, compliance, and future development.
Robotic Video Inspection
At Visionary Subsurface Solutions, utility locating technicians use advanced robotic pipe inspection cameras to locate and assess the condition of underground pipes in gravity storm and sanitary sewer systems. These cameras are mounted on self-propelled, remote-controlled crawler units that can navigate through pipes of various diameters, capturing high-resolution video footage along the way. Technicians deploy the system through access points like manholes or cleanouts, guiding the camera through the underground network to identify the exact location of pipes and any points of interest, such as bends, connections, or terminations.
Beyond locating pipes, these robotic cameras play a critical role in assessing the structural condition of the infrastructure. As the camera travels through the line, it records visual evidence of cracks, root intrusions, corrosion, blockages, and other potential defects. The data collected helps engineers evaluate the overall health of the sewer or storm system and determine if repairs, cleaning, or replacements are necessary. By integrating robotic camera inspections into their utility locating services, Visionary Subsurface Solutions ensures clients receive not only accurate maps of buried infrastructure but also valuable insights into the long-term reliability and performance of their underground assets.
Electromagnetic Split Box Locator
Utility locating technicians at Visionary Subsurface Solutions use electromagnetic split box locators, such as the Aquatronics A-6, to scan the ground for detectable underground utilities and buried structures like tanks, foundations, and manholes. The A-6 operates by detecting variations in the Earth’s natural electromagnetic field caused by the presence of conductive or magnetic materials below the surface. By sweeping the split box receiver across the target area, technicians can identify anomalies that indicate the presence of buried infrastructure—even when no access points or tracer wires are available.
This method is especially useful in areas where other utility locating tools may not be effective, such as older sites with undocumented infrastructure or where utilities are non-linear and difficult to trace. The A-6 can detect large metallic masses and subtle signals from buried structures, allowing Visionary Subsurface Solutions to uncover forgotten or abandoned assets that could interfere with construction or design projects. By incorporating electromagnetic split box locating into their comprehensive suite of subsurface investigation tools, the team delivers greater accuracy and confidence to clients working on complex sites with limited utility records.
3D LiDAR Modeling
Utility locating technicians at Visionary Subsurface Solutions use 3D LiDAR scanners to capture detailed and accurate models of underground structures such as utility tunnels, manholes, and cisterns. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology works by emitting thousands of laser pulses per second and measuring the time it takes for those pulses to bounce back from surfaces. This data is used to create high-resolution, three-dimensional point clouds that represent the exact shape, size, and layout of the scanned structure. By deploying this technology in confined underground spaces, technicians can safely and efficiently collect data without the need for extensive manual measurements.
The resulting 3D models are survey-grade and georeferenced, making them ideal for integration into GIS platforms, CAD software, and digital twin environments. These precise models allow engineers, architects, and project planners to analyze underground structures in detail, ensuring accurate design coordination, clash detection, and asset management. At Visionary Subsurface Solutions, using 3D LiDAR scanning enhances the quality and depth of underground utility mapping services, providing clients with a clear and reliable understanding of complex subsurface environments that traditional tools alone cannot deliver.
Vacuum Excavation
Utility locating technicians at Visionary Subsurface Solutions use vacuum excavation equipment—also known as soft dig or “potholing”—as a safe, non-destructive method to expose underground utilities. This process involves using high-pressure air to loosen soil around a buried utility, which is then removed with a powerful vacuum system. Unlike mechanical digging, vacuum excavation significantly reduces the risk of damaging critical infrastructure such as gas lines, fiber optics, or water mains. Once exposed, technicians can visually confirm the utility’s location, verify its alignment, and document precise details that are difficult to determine using surface-level locating technologies alone.
With the utility fully exposed, Visionary Subsurface Solutions’ team is able to gather exact measurements including nominal utility width, elevation, and surface depth with survey-grade accuracy. They can also assess the composition and condition of the material—whether it’s metal, plastic, or concrete—and note any signs of corrosion, coating, or wear. This detailed information is essential for engineering design, conflict resolution, and construction planning. By incorporating vacuum excavation into their locating workflow, Visionary Subsurface Solutions delivers a higher level of certainty and data quality, empowering clients to make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of costly surprises during excavation or development projects.