SureTrace Consulting & Training

1. Pre-field preparation

Before the GPR or EML comes out of the truck.

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Existing utility records reviewedAs-builts, prior locate reports, facility maps imported or printed for the truck.
Site interviews loggedFacility contact, prior contractors, anyone with historical context.
811 ticket status confirmedPublic utilities are a separate scope — verify the ticket is clear or expired before private work begins.
Scope boundary agreed in writingFootprint, depth-of-interest, accuracy tolerance, and exclusions confirmed with the client before mobilizing.
Site hazards walkedOverhead lines, confined spaces, traffic plan, biological / chemical, lone-worker check.

2. Geophysical sweep (GPR / EML / RF)

On the ground, working systematically across the footprint.

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GPR grid spacing matched to target size0.5 m for thin utilities, 1.0 m for larger targets; tighter where obstructions pull anomalies.
Active EML applied where conductors existDirect-connect or clamp where accessible; inductive only as fallback.
Passive RF / broadcast-tunedSweep for live power, CATV, telecom — distinguish from induced or rerouted signals.
Known target QC passedAt least one known utility located on site as a sanity check before reading anomalies.
Anomalies logged with confidence ratingHigh / medium / low — every anomaly gets a coordinate and a reason for the rating.

3. Mark-out + survey

Translating detection into something the project team can use.

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APWA color code + private-line indicator usedPaint, flags, or whiskers per condition; "P" or dashed pattern for private lines.
Survey tied to project controlHandheld GPS, RTK, or total station per the agreed coordinate system and accuracy tolerance.
Depth annotations recordedNumerical or categorical (shallow / medium / deep) — whichever the project team agreed to.
As-found sketch retainedPencil / tablet sketch of field conditions captured before leaving the site.

4. 811 vs private demarcation

Closing the gap between public-ticket obligations and private findings.

0 / 3

Public utility response physically verifiedDo not assume the 811 locator has marked everything; walk the marks before cross-referencing with private findings.
Private utilities flagged distinctlyDifferent paint, flag color, or symbol — anything that prevents a sub from confusing them with the public ticket.
Coverage gap noted on the deliverableAny zone between the public-ticket marks and the private sweep edge is called out, not implied.

5. Deliverables confirmation

Closing the engagement cleanly.

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Field report drafted before leaving siteNotes from the truck, not a reconstruction three days later.
Recommendations memo reviewedPothole list, follow-up geos, subcontractor requirements — drafted while the site is fresh.
Hand-off briefing scheduledDate, attendees, agenda confirmed with the client before the report goes out.

Assessment checklist