Electromagnetic frequency (EMF) utility locating works by inducing a magnetic field in the line being traced. The electromagnetic frequency can be detected on the surface using an EMF receiver and the position and depth is then accurately located. EMF can be used to locate any continuous conductible material including, but not limited to steel and copper wires, gas lines, power and telecommunication lines as well as plastic pipes laid with a trace wire. SMS uses the latest RD8200 locators which feature built in GPS, updated transmitter arrays and more precise signal location.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) works by pulsing radar into the ground and measuring the return of reflected signals. Subsurface structures return a different signal than surrounding materials due to the differences in permittivity of the materials. This technology is ideal for locating non-conductive materials or utilities that are unable to be located via EMF, or for conducting wide area sweeps for the indicative detection of possible subsurface assets in areas without existing records. SMS uses an array of different GPR’s depending on the application, including IDS, GSSI & Radiodetection. Our flagship GPR which is the StreamDP coupled with IQMaps is producing amazing results in areas where GPR normally fails to produce anything usable.

Our technicians use the IDS C-thrue concrete scanner for accurate scanning and real time analysis of concrete structures. Our team can locate rebars, voids, post-tension cables, cavities, conduits, and any other objects buried in the structure before cutting or drilling into the concrete. The solution is suited for all construction sites and operations including building renovation, overpasses, monuments, bridges and tunnels surveys, as well as for detailed analysis of the original engineering project and comparison with the as-built structure.

The SMS team specialise in locating, mapping and potholing projects providing an end to end solution. Vacuum excavation (potholing) is the safest method to expose underground utilities and is also the safest option. After each pothole on site we prepare comprehensive pothole reports which accurately details all of the utility information, as well as photos.