Overcoming Subsurface Utility Challenges with GeoScan’s Custom 3D Manhole Survey Equipment

An engineering consultant operating on a utility upgrades  requested that a SUE and manhole survey was completed within the work zone. City GIS of the site area depicted some utilities that had previously serviced the area to still be present however, other records revealed they were removed.

Surveyors were having issues confirming a fifth outlet from the manhole which was shown on the city GIS system. Unsure if the GIS records for the manhole were accurate or not, a 3D visualisation with a full 360° camera inspection to confirm the existence and properties of the mystery pipe was performed. The outflow pipe was discovered using the camera and subsequently able to be traced to its end drainage point as a result of the chamber inspection.

The SUE & manhole survey requested was completed on a one-day normal hours working shift providing the client with rapid results and reports issued several days thereafter. Some outdated GIS information which may have potentially misled the client could have resulted in damage to the previously unknown storm sewer connection. Thanks to their due diligence and the expertise of our technicians the utility records for the site could be updated and kept on record for any future works.

A subsurface concrete structure encasing a large hydrocarbons pipeline was also surveyed. An Xradar system was used to determine the extent of the concrete through the view of structural features within the slab.