Utility
Locating
Pipes · Cables · Conduit · Buried Services
Subsurface
Investigation
Utility location and mapping uses a combination of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), electromagnetic locators and sonde tracing to accurately detect and map underground pipes, cables, conduits and other buried services — without excavation or disruption to the surface.
Spaulding Geophysics deploys these complementary technologies to deliver reliable subsurface intelligence for construction, maintenance, asset management and development projects across Tasmania. Equipment and method selection is determined by site conditions, target type, depth and project objectives prior to mobilisation.
An undetected utility strike during excavation can cause serious injury, service outages, costly repairs and major project delays. Geophysics accurately locates and maps buried services before you dig — keeping your team safe and your project on schedule.
Previously unknown services detected on site
| Technology | Best For | Typical Depth | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| GPR (High Frequency) | Non-metallic pipes, voids, complex networks | 0–2 m+ (varies) | Detects plastic & non-conductive services |
| EM Locators | Conductive metallic services | Up to 5–7 m | Precise tracing & depth estimation |
| Sonde Tracing | Non-conductive drains & ducts | Up to 5–7 m | Locates plastic pipes without access issues |
| Supporting Methods | Large ferrous pipes/tanks | Deeper targets | Magnetics & Low Freq. GPR where required |
Equipment &
Technology Selection
Technology selection governs the ability to detect both conductive and non-conductive utilities across varying ground conditions.
Spaulding Geophysics combines multiple methods to maximise detection coverage and confidence, being the only Tasmanian business to employ a full geophysical toolkit including magnetometers, conductivity meters and a comprehensive fleet of GPR antennae covering a broad frequency range from 50MHz to 2700MHz to reach pipes at depths of up to 15 metres.
Utility Locating
with GPR, EM & Sonde
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electromagnetic (EM) Locators, and Sonde Tracing form the core of our multi-technology utility detection approach. This combination allows us to locate both metallic and non-metallic services with high accuracy and without excavation.
GPR provides high-resolution imaging of pipes, conduits and voids. EM locators deliver precise tracing of conductive cables and metallic pipes. Sonde tracing is used to locate non-conductive plastic and clay pipes by inserting a transmitter that emits a traceable signal. Together, these methods significantly reduce the risk of utility strikes and provide reliable data for safe excavation.
Our experienced team selects and combines the most appropriate technologies based on site conditions, target types and project requirements to deliver the highest detection confidence.
What You
Receive
- GPR grids and targeted profiles
- Electromagnetic line tracing
- Sonde tracing of non-conductive services
- On-ground utility markings
- GPR data processing and depth calibration
- EM signal interpretation and depth estimation
- Sonde signal tracking and mapping
- Integration of multiple datasets
- Georeferenced utility plans
- Depth estimates and service identification
- Crossings and conflict identification
- Targeted risk zone highlighting
- Full interpretive report with figures
- Georeferenced CAD utility overlays
- Marked site drawings and PDF reports
- BYDA-compliant documentation
Areas We
Serve in Tasmania
Spaulding Geophysics provides karst formation investigations services across Tasmania, from Hobart and Launceston to regional centres, coastal towns, and remote communities statewide.
Spaulding Geophysics delivers on-site karst formation investigations across all of Tasmania — including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone, George Town, Longford, Deloraine, Smithton, Wynyard, Bicheno, St Helens, Scottsdale, Queenstown, Huonville, Kingston, Kettering, Bruny Island and surrounding communities. Remote and regional sites welcomed.