Design Utility Locates for Architects & Designers
At Know Before You Dig Locates, we help architects and design teams plan smarter by providing design-grade underground utility line data (QL-B) before layouts are finalized or design drawings are issued. Many projects do not require stamped engineering deliverables at this stage, they simply need clarity on what is buried below. That is where we fit.
Utility Mapping for Design Projects
When you are designing a site or preparing a feasibility study, understanding where existing buried utility lines are located can save time, reduce redesigns, and limit downstream risk. We provide field-verified underground utility line data to support informed design decisions early in the process.
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Identify conflicts early
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Reduce redesigns and scope changes
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Coordinate more efficiently with surveyors and engineers
Whether your team includes in-house engineering support or external consultants, we provide clear, reliable underground information that integrates smoothly into the design workflow.
Why Architects & Designers Work With Us
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We are not engineers and do not provide stamped engineering or Subsurface Utility Engineering deliverables
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Many design projects do not require full SUE, only reliable underground utility line information to support layout decisions
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We provide affordable, design-grade QL-B data suited for feasibility studies, concept development, and early design packages
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If your project team already includes a surveyor or engineer, we coordinate directly with them to ensure our data is captured and incorporated correctly
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Whether your consultants are internal or external, simply introduce us and we will support the workflow without disrupting roles
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Need a surveyor or engineer? We can help connect you with experienced partners familiar with integrating underground utility line data
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Our reports include site photos, Quality Level labels, and clear markings so design teams understand what is known, what is uncertain, and where care is required
What You Get
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Utility Record Research and Compilation (QL-D)
We gather and review available utility records to establish known underground conditions that may affect design decisions.
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Surface Feature Identification and Correlation (QL‑C)
Visible utility features such as valves, pedestals, meters, manholes, and vaults are identified and correlated to help interpret underground routing.
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Field-Based Utility Line Locating (QL‑B)
Using electromagnetic locating, sonde tracing, and ground penetrating radar, we identify buried utility lines where confirmation is possible to support early design and layout planning.
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Field Markings and Photo Documentation
Clear ground markings and photo documentation are provided to support interpretation and coordination with survey and design teams.
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Design and Project Coordination Support
We coordinate directly with your surveyor or engineer to ensure utility line information is captured and integrated correctly into base files and design workflows.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTE
We provide Quality Level data to support early-stage design and planning. We do not issue stamped engineering or Subsurface Utility Engineering deliverables.
Design Support Without Engineering Overreach
Many design projects do not require stamped engineering deliverables at the early stages. They require practical clarity around existing buried utility lines so informed decisions can be made before layouts are finalized.
We support architects and designers by providing reliable field-based utility line information that fits cleanly into design workflows. When projects advance to a point where Subsurface Utility Engineering or stamped engineering is required, we coordinate with qualified professionals to support that transition.
CONTACT US
Or call us at 1-800-905-8204