PAS 128 GPR protects your project, your budget and your site team.
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Also referred to as utility mapping, underground utility surveys, GPR surveys and cable avoidance surveys
A utility survey locates and maps underground services before any excavation or groundworks begin. Using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Location (EML) equipment, we detect and record the position and depth of buried services — gas pipes, water mains, electric cables, telecoms ducting and drainage runs.
The output is a detailed CAD drawing showing the position and estimated depth of all detected services, overlaid on a site plan. This becomes an essential risk management document for any project involving excavation, groundworks or demolition, and is increasingly required by principal contractors and their insurers.
Utility records from statutory undertakers are often inaccurate, incomplete or decades out of date. On-site detection using GPR and EML gives you the confirmed picture that records alone cannot provide.
A utility survey should be commissioned before any works that involve breaking ground or working near underground services. Common triggers include:
“Fast, professional and exactly what we needed — highly recommend. The quote came back the same day, the survey was completed within days of instruction, and the PDF drawings were delivered exactly when promised.”
“105 Surveys provided a topographical survey and measured building survey for a development in Lancashire. They returned the survey before the date they promised which was good.”
“Quote was competitive and matched with clear communication from the start. Just left them and my architect to it and Lewis & Chris were in and out in a day.”
“I commissioned 105 Surveys to complete a measured building survey for a single-storey kitchen extension. Excellent service throughout — would not hesitate to recommend.”
“Fast, efficient and professional service — highly recommended.”
A utility survey uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to locate and map underground services such as gas, water, electricity, telecoms and drainage, before an excavation begins.
Protect the site team from hitting services and avoid delays before groundworks.
Reduce risk on your project or site before committing money to the build.
Confirm what’s underground and where before a home extension or driveway dig.
Without a utility survey, you run the risk of:
| Delays | Rectifying damages or reworking design over existing service runs stops your programme dead. |
| Increased Costs | Reworking design around existing services means delays and extra fees for every consultant involved in the project. |
| Safety Incidents | Striking a gas or electricity line is a genuine danger to the site team. |
Our utility survey removes that risk before a single spade goes into the ground.
From site preparation to long-term asset management — utility data protects every party on a project.
Prices and What to Expect
The cost of a utility survey depends on the size of the site, the scan methodology required, access conditions and the level of reporting needed. Most single-day site surveys start from a day rate of £550 plus VAT, with larger or multi-phase sites quoted individually.
Site Size
Larger sites take more time to scan and more data to process. Multi-day surveys are priced per day with a fixed scope agreed in advance.
Methodology Required
GPR alone, EML alone or a combined approach. More complex underground environments require both technologies to achieve the most complete picture.
Access and Site Conditions
Restricted access, heavily trafficked areas, or dense vegetation can extend survey time and affect the final cost.
Reporting Level
Basic CAD overlays through to full written reports with depth data and confidence ratings are available depending on your project requirements.
Prices are indicative guides. Final price depends on site size, methodology and reporting requirements. All quotes are fixed price with no hidden extras.
Tell us the site address, approximate area and what groundworks are planned. We'll confirm the right methodology and give you a fixed price — usually within a few hours.
Get a free quote ›We know programme pressure is real. Here's what to expect on timescales.
105 Surveys aims to mobilise and deliver as quickly as your programme requires. Most utility surveys are booked within 3 to 5 working days of instruction. CAD deliverables are issued within 3 to 5 working days of the site visit — often sooner.
Trusted by developers, contractors and engineers across the North West.