Michael Twohig, Director of Subsurface Utility Mapping, recently participated as a panelist in a roundtable webinar, The Future of Global Utility Mapping Regulations, hosted by geospatial data solutions company, Kontur. With nearly 40 years of experience spanning the U.S., Australia, India, and Europe, Michael is a recognized expert in utility locating, mapping, and damage prevention, driven by a commitment to advancing industry safety standards.

In this webinar, the panelists discussed the benefits of utilizing modern utility locating procedure, the evolving role of technology, and the global landscape of industry best practices and regulations. Below we’ve highlighted three key themes from the webinar, which you can watch here.

For any projects involving breaking ground, SUE/SUM investigations are essential to ensuring efficient design and planning while safeguarding project teams and surrounding communities. Despite being widely recognized as an industry best practice, Colorado and Pennsylvania are the only U.S. states to have enacted legislation mandating SUE/SUM investigations before excavation.

One of the industry’s biggest challenges is the lack of clarity regarding responsibility for commissioning these services—contractors, engineers, or designers—which has led to varied and inconsistent use. Clearer regulations defining when and who must involve SUE/SUM professionals would promote proactive surveying practices and enhance project outcomes.

Without regulatory mandates, subsurface risk management is being increasingly used as a reactive, last line of defense, rather than a proactive strategy. When contractors delay or forgo SUE/SUM services and rely on existing records and surface markings, projects face significant risks.

Utility mapping requires a combination of contemporary investigations and historical site analysis. However, when these services are delayed, project teams eager to begin excavation may pressure SUE/SUM professionals to expedite their process. This compromises the completeness of data, jeopardizing both safety and project outcomes. Without a comprehensive understanding of the underground environment, existing records alone cannot bridge the gaps.

According to global data tracked by Reveal, only 66% of underground utilities are reflected in existing records, leaving a 34% gap in utility knowledge. Many existing utility records provided by utility companies are decades old, riddled with inaccuracies that lead to costly errors. Utility strikes are significantly more expensive than the upfront cost of SUE/SUM services. Without the accuracy and reliability provided by thorough SUE/SUM investigations, utility strikes, budget overruns, and project delays become inevitable.

Unlike above-ground infrastructure, underground mapping requires powerful and innovative technology to penetrate the earth’s surface. Looking ahead, as technology advances, the industry calls for more cutting-edge underground mapping tools, such as mobile mapping systems, which have revolutionized the field. For example, new technology that can detect challenging utility types, including nonconductive or nonmetallic materials where traditional tools may fall short.

There is also significant potential for industry professionals to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline data processing and deliver more actionable insights to clients. Faster, smarter data analysis could transform complex utility mapping datasets into clear, useful deliverables, enabling better project planning and safer practices.

The future of SUE/SUM lies in embracing these technological advancements, strengthening industry standards, and fostering clearer regulations. By doing so, we can ensure safer, more efficient construction projects and mitigate risks with increased reliable data.

Facilitated discussions like this bring together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, offering immense value not just to participants but to their networks and audiences as well. By combining unique perspectives, together we can address shared challenges, uncover fresh insights, and develop actionable solutions.

Interested in learning more about our SUE/SUM capabilities? Contact us.