Different Types of Locating Equipment: A Complete Guide

When it comes to Underground Utility Locating, accuracy and safety are everything. Whether you’re working on a small residential job or a major civil project in Sydney, the right Locating Equipment makes all the difference. Professional utility locators rely on advanced technology to find and map buried pipes, cables, and other underground assets before any digging begins.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of locating equipment, how they work, and why choosing the right tools is essential for avoiding costly damage and ensuring every excavation runs smoothly.

Why Locating Equipment Is Essential

Beneath Sydney’s surface lies a complex web of power lines, water mains, gas pipes, and telecommunication cables. Without the right locating equipment, digging into these areas can cause service disruptions, safety hazards, and compliance issues.

By using specialised underground locating services, technicians can detect buried utilities precisely, ensuring projects remain safe, efficient, and compliant with Australian standards.

1. Electromagnetic Locators

One of the most common tools in utility locating services is the electromagnetic locator (EML). This device detects metallic pipes and cables by transmitting an electromagnetic signal that travels along the utility line.

How it works:
A transmitter induces a signal into the buried line, while a receiver above the ground picks it up. The signal’s strength and tone help the utility locator determine the utility’s position and depth.

Best for:

• Metallic water or gas pipes
• Power and telecommunication cables
• Steel or copper conduits

Electromagnetic locators are fast, reliable, and ideal for tracing known conductive utilities.

2. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is one of the most advanced types of locating equipment. It’s especially useful for detecting non-metallic objects such as PVC water lines, fibre optic cables, and voids in the ground.

How it works:

GPR transmits high-frequency radio waves into the ground. When these waves hit a buried object or a change in material density, they bounce back to the surface and are recorded by a receiver. The resulting data forms a visual map of what’s beneath the surface.

Best for:

• Non-metallic pipes and conduits
• Concrete structures
• Voids or buried debris
• Areas with complex subsurface conditions

GPR is a go-to for locating underground services when precision and detail matter most.

3. Acoustic Locators

Acoustic pipe and cable locators are used to detect leaks or identify plastic water lines when traditional electromagnetic methods can’t. They rely on sound waves or vibrations generated by water movement within the pipe.

How it works:

A sensitive microphone picks up the sound of escaping water or vibrations caused by movement. Technicians use this data to pinpoint leaks or track the path of non-metallic water lines.

Best for:

• Water leak detection
• Plastic pipe tracing
• Residential plumbing inspections

This type of locating equipment is perfect for precise leak detection without invasive digging.

4. CCTV Pipe Inspection Systems

CCTV systems are crucial for visual inspections during underground utility locating. These high-definition cameras are sent down pipelines to record internal conditions and identify obstructions, cracks, or root intrusions.

How it works:

The camera, mounted on a flexible rod or crawler, captures live footage of the inside of the pipe. Technicians can then assess the condition, verify pipe locations, and plan necessary repairs or maintenance.

Best for:

• Sewer and stormwater pipes
• Drainage systems
• Structural integrity assessments

CCTV pipe inspections complement other locating equipment by providing visual confirmation of underground utilities.

5. GPS Utility Mapping Systems

Modern underground scanning services often integrate GPS and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to record utility positions accurately. After detecting underground services, GPS mapping systems log exact coordinates and depth data, creating a permanent record for future reference.

Best for:

• Large-scale construction projects
• Utility management and documentation
• Civil engineering and surveying

This combination of locating equipment and mapping technology enhances accuracy, efficiency, and long-term safety.

6. Hydro-Vac and Non-Destructive Digging (NDD)

Although not traditional Locating Equipment, hydro-vac excavation is often used alongside locating tools for verification. By using high-pressure water and a vacuum system, technicians can safely expose utilities without damage.

Best for:

• Confirming detected utilities
• Verifying depth and alignment
• Working in sensitive or high-risk areas

This method ensures the information gathered from utility locators is precise and validated.