Frequently Asked Questions

Utility locating is the process of identifying and marking the position and depth of underground utilities — gas lines, hydro, telecom, water, and sewer — before any excavation work begins. We use two primary methods: electromagnetic (EM) detection for conductive utilities, and ground penetrating radar (GPR) for non-conductive ones like plastic water mains. The result is a surface mark-out and a written report showing where every detected service runs and how deep it sits.

A UST detection survey uses GPR and electromagnetic equipment to locate buried fuel storage tanks that may not appear on any site records. These surveys are commonly required for real estate due diligence, Phase 1 and Phase 2 environmental site assessments, decommissioning projects, and insurance investigations. We map the tank's footprint and depth, and provide a report suitable for regulatory submission.

Standard utility locating typically focuses on a specific dig area or trench line — it's a targeted clearance survey. Pre-construction locating is a larger-scale, comprehensive subsurface mapping exercise covering an entire development site. It produces CAD/DWG drawings of all detected utilities suitable for foundation design, shoring plans, and municipal permit submissions. Pre-construction locating is done before ground breaks on a new development; standard utility locating is done before any specific excavation.

Yes — this is one of GPR's key advantages over electromagnetic detection alone. EM methods only work on conductive materials (metal pipes, cables). GPR can detect non-conductive targets including plastic water mains, clay tile sewer pipes, concrete conduits, and fibre optic ducts, provided there is sufficient contrast between the target and surrounding soil. We always use GPR and EM together to maximize detection coverage.

3D mapping uses a dense grid of GPR passes to produce a volumetric underground model — essentially a complete spatial record of everything detectable below a site. It's used when you need more than a one-time utility clearance: municipalities building GIS asset registers, infrastructure owners planning rehabilitation programs, and strata corporations documenting subsurface features all use 3D mapping. The deliverables integrate directly with ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and QGIS.

Environmental drilling support is pre-drill utility clearance for boreholes associated with Phase 2 environmental site assessments (ESA) and geotechnical investigations. Before any drill rig can advance a borehole, every proposed location must be cleared for underground utilities within a defined radius. We scan each location, physically mark the cleared borehole spot, and issue a clearance certificate — all coordinated directly with the on-site drilling crew.

Duration depends on the site size and complexity. A standard pre-excavation utility locate for a single trench or dig area typically takes 1–3 hours on-site. Larger pre-construction surveys covering a full development site may require a full day or more. We will confirm the expected on-site duration when you book.

Our utility locating meets CAN/CSA-Z247 standards: horizontal accuracy of ±150 mm and depth accuracy that varies by soil conditions, depth, and target type. We use the accuracy consistent with what the standard specifies, and we communicate confidence levels clearly in our reports — including where detection limitations apply due to soil conditions, depth, or signal interference.

Standard deliverables include a color-coded utility plan showing all detected services with depth annotations, a written PDF report, and — for pre-construction and 3D mapping projects — scaled CAD/DWG drawings. For environmental drilling support, we issue clearance certificates for each borehole location. All deliverables are provided within 48 hours of survey completion on standard projects.

Yes. Pre-construction locating and 3D mapping projects include CAD/DWG deliverables as standard. Standard utility locating reports include plan-view drawings; if you require a specific CAD format or need the data integrated with an existing site drawing, let us know when booking and we will confirm the deliverable format.

Yes — we work directly with environmental consultants and their drilling contractors on Phase 2 ESA projects regularly. We understand the workflow: reviewing Phase 1 ESA reports and proposed borehole layouts, coordinating with the drill rig operator on-site, and issuing clearance certificates that meet regulatory requirements. We can mobilize quickly and coordinate directly with your site team.

Yes. Clearance certificates are provided as part of our environmental drilling support service for every borehole location scanned. The certificate confirms that the borehole location has been scanned for underground utilities within the required clearance radius and is cleared for drilling.

We serve Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland (Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley), and the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Our Victoria office covers all of Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands work. We travel to project sites throughout the region — contact us to confirm coverage for your specific location.

Yes. We serve the Gulf Islands including Salt Spring Island, Gabriola Island, Pender Island, Galiano Island, and others. Travel and ferry logistics are factored into scheduling — contact us with your project details and we will confirm availability and any associated travel costs.

Yes. We cover the full length of Vancouver Island from Victoria to Port Hardy and everywhere in between. For remote locations or projects requiring extended mobilization, contact us to discuss scheduling and logistics.

Yes. We serve Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and surrounding Lower Mainland areas. This includes Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, and neighboring municipalities.

You can book online through our booking wizard at gprsurveys.ca/book — select your service, enter your site details, choose a date, and receive instant confirmation with a dedicated job number. Alternatively, you can submit an inquiry through the contact form at gprsurveys.ca/contact, or call us directly at 250-896-7576.

Pricing depends on site size, location, access conditions, and the scope of work. Utility locating for a standard pre-excavation clearance on a single site is typically quoted on a half-day or full-day rate. We provide written quotes before any work begins. Contact us at info@gprsurveys.ca or call 250-896-7576 for a project-specific quote.

Yes. Our Emergency Locate Services are available after hours, on weekends, and during holidays across Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands, and the Lower Mainland. Call 250-896-7576 for immediate dispatch. After-hours service is available at an additional rate — we will confirm pricing when you call.

Standard reports are delivered within 48 hours of survey completion. For urgent projects, same-day or next-morning report delivery may be available — let us know your deadline when booking and we will confirm what is achievable.

Yes. Our utility locating services are performed to CAN/CSA-Z247 standards, which is the standard referenced by BC 1 Call (now known as Call Before You Dig BC) for quality locating practice. Calling BC 1 Call is a legal requirement before excavating, but a BC 1 Call ticket does not replace a professional utility locate — we provide the certified locate that complements your BC 1 Call notification.