In order to conduct a survey properly, you’ll want to stick to the guidelines that have been developed across the last four decades. These rules are frequently followed and are believed to be the ideal way to conduct a survey successfully Precision Utility Mapping talk through the best practices:
Make sure your workers have the proper training as well as the experience that they need for the job. You should check qualifications closely to ensure workers will be able to meet the expectations of clients. Typically, the minimum requirement requested is a Utility Mapping and Surveying certificate at ProQual Level 3. However, it is important to note that this qualification does not provide instruction in the usage of equipment, which means someone with this qualification is not necessarily a utility surveyor.
You’ll want to ask clients to provide written specifications of what they want.
Make sure you’re properly prepared. Gather the information from all statutory undertakers that are available. Consult with the client to see if they can provide this information to you. You should be aware that, in the UK, there is a “best before date” that lasts for three months past the date of issue. You should also be aware that the detail provided in records varies based on the issuer. You should make sure that the records provide the information you need and that you can comprehend them. If you can’t access these records through your clients, there are UK companies that can collect this data for you. Searching the internet should help to connect you with a company that can provide the service that you need.
Request to see if there is an available topographical survey that your results can be fixed to.
Take the time to walk the site before the survey begins. Consult the records you’ve collected and conduct a visual survey of the site, taking full advantage of the experience and training you’ve developed. During this process, you’ll want to make connections between your records, surface features, covers, overhead lines, and cracks in the road, even before you begin utilizing detection equipment. Watch for survey stations. If a supplies survey is being used, these stations will be beneficial later on.
During an electromagnetic survey, you should be methodical as possible. Naturally, there are challenges to this. Signals will seek out the path of least resistance, but if you take the right approach, you should complete the circuit successfully.
Make sure you GPR is deployed accurately. Keep in mind that this tool should not serve as a cable located replacement. Instead, it should complement the tools you are already using. It is limited by the laws of physics, and as such, there are limits on its performance.
Keep the marking system you use basic, and make sure that it can easily be understood by both you and your client. If you need guidelines, NJUG, now known as Street Works UK, can provide this.
Find an efficient system for collecting data. Be methodical and ensure that the methods you use are as accurate as possible. Collect video and photographic data so that you have a backup available while data is being processed.
Make sure your client is given precisely what they requested when the process started.
