2. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Limitations of EM pipe & cable locators
• Only detects metallic targets
or utilities with installed tracer
wires
• Requires a direct connect or
induced current
• Locates a single utility in one
scan
• Accuracy can be compromised
when utilities are closely
spaced due to “bleeding” of
the signal
3. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
When you just use EM … you may miss
something & cause damage
• 23% of reported damages in the US are caused by insufficient
locating practices
56%
23%
16%
1% 4%
Cause of Damage
Excavation Practice Not Sufficient
Locating Practices Not Sufficient
Notification NOT Made
Notification Practices Not Sufficient
Miscellaneous Cause
Source: Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report for 2016, Common Ground Alliance
4. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
When you just use EM … you may miss
something & cause damage
• Telecom and Natural gas represent 80% of damaged facilities
Source: Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) Report for 2016, Common Ground Alliance
5. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
GPR complements EM technology
GPR detects traditionally non-
locatable subsurface features
including
• Metallic & non-metallic pipes
– PVC
– asbestos cement
– concrete storm and sewer
systems
• Utilities with broken or damaged
tracer wires
• Underground storage tanks
• Drainage tiles
• Non-utility structures
– Vaults
– Foundation walls
– Concrete pads
6. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Additional advantages of GPR
• Can delineate close proximity
utilities
• Provides reliable depth
detection
• Allows for data visualization to
better map the subsurface
• Facilitates reporting and
archiving of results for future
reference
7. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Using GPR to find non-metallic
utilities
• A horizontal directional drilling crew accidentally struck a concrete
storm sewer that had been missed by locators when installing
conduit for fiber.
8. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Using GPR to find non-metallic
utilities
GPR effectively
pin-pointed the
location of the
sewer to prevent
another
expensive fix.
9. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Using GPR to find non-metallic
utilities
GPR effectively
pin-pointed the
location of the
sewer to prevent
another
expensive fix.
10. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Using GPR to find non-metallic
utilities
Pipe top
Pipe bottom
Line
4
GPR effectively
pin-pointed the
location of the
sewer to prevent
another
expensive fix.
11. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR locates utilities in a busy
intersection
A busy intersection needed to be excavated. The number of utilities
made it difficult to get accurate readings from EM locators because of
bleed off.
GPR was used to collect a grid and map all utilities.
It took less than 3 hours to collect the data & get results on-site.
12. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR locates utilities in a busy
intersection
GPR mapped all
utilities, metallic and
non-metallic in the
intersection, allowing
for safe excavation.
13. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR locates utilities in a busy
intersection
GPR mapped all
utilities, metallic and
non-metallic in the
intersection, allowing
for safe excavation.
14. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR locates utilities in a busy
intersection
GPR mapped all
utilities, metallic and
non-metallic in the
intersection, allowing
for safe excavation.
15. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: GPR locates utilities in a busy
intersection
GPR mapped all
utilities, metallic and
non-metallic in the
intersection, allowing
for safe excavation.
16. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Locating Underground Storage
Tanks
• A gas station wanted to install additional monitoring wells but did
not have records of the exact perimeter of the underground fuel
storage tanks.
• They used GPR to map the tanks and other buried infrastructure to
ensure safe installation.
17. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Example: Locating Underground Storage
Tanks
GPR successfully mapped the location and depth of underground
storage tanks and feed lines.
18. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Use GPR to make Informed Decisions
• Confirm that you have located
all buried infrastructure
• Identify where it is safe to
excavate
• Document results for future
reference
• Expand your locating service
offerings and make more
money
• Reduce liability and risk with
more thorough locates
VALUE
INFORMATION
Subsurface
Data
Interpretation
Knowledge
Informed
Decisions
19. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Add GPR to your locates
• GPR gives real-time results
• GPR is cost-effective
• GPR is easy to learn
20. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Training Provided by Sensors & Software
• Customized training at your facility
• Regular courses at Sensors & Software
• Online training videos for LMX100 & LMX200 operation
• Personalized webinars
21. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Online Resources
Newsletters
Case Studies
EKKO_Project software tutorials
22. Copyright Sensors & Software Inc. 2018
Want to learn more?
We would be happy to discuss how you can extend your locating
capabilities by incorporating GPR into your locate projects.
Schedule a lunch & learn session today!
Sensors & Software Inc.
1040 Stacey Court
Mississauga, Ontario Canada L4W 2X8
Office: +1 905 624 8909
www.sensoft.ca
Contact Us