Underground Utility Mapping Global Market Report 2024

The underground utility mapping market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.02 billion in 2023 to $1.13 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%. The growth observed during the historical period can be attributed to several factors. These include technological advancements that have improved the accuracy and efficiency of underground utility mapping processes. Additionally, increasing urbanization has led to a greater demand for infrastructure development, driving the need for accurate mapping to prevent damage during construction activities. Stringent government regulations aimed at ensuring safety and damage prevention have also played a significant role in driving the adoption of underground utility mapping solutions. Moreover, rising awareness about the importance of safety and damage prevention has led to increased investment in these technologies across various industries.

The underground utility mapping market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.72 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1%. The projected growth during the forecast period is driven by the uptake of advanced mapping technologies, the extension of smart city initiatives, a notable increase in the need for efficient utility management solutions, incorporation of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and escalating investments in underground infrastructure maintenance. Key trends anticipated during this period encompass the adoption of cloud-based solutions, heightened utilization of drones for surveying purposes, a focus on sustainable infrastructure practices, the influence of 5G technology on utility networks, and the emergence of augmented reality for utility mapping.

The growth trajectory of the underground utility mapping market is expected to be fueled by the increasing volume of construction activities. Construction involves the assembly or building of structures, infrastructure, or facilities based on specified plans and designs. The upsurge in construction activities can be attributed to factors such as urbanization, population growth, infrastructure development, and investments in real estate projects. Accurate mapping of underground utilities like water pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables is crucial for construction teams to identify their locations. This information plays a vital role in preventing accidental damage during excavation, ensuring safety, and avoiding costly repairs. For example, data from the Office for National Statistics in November 2023 indicated a significant increase in new project output within the UK construction industry, soaring by 15.8% in 2022 and reaching a total value of $165.5 billion (£132,989 million), marking a historic milestone. Consequently, the surge in construction activities is a key driver propelling the growth of the underground utility mapping market.

Leading companies in the underground utility mapping market are focusing on developing advanced products equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as real-time kinematics (RTK) technology to gain a competitive advantage. RTK technology is an advanced GPS correction method that refines satellite data, providing sub-inch accuracy in real-time. For instance, Radiodection, a UK-based company specializing in locating and maintaining underground buried pipes and cables, introduced the RD8200SG in November 2023. This precision multifunction cable and pipe locator leverage RTK technology, elevating the accuracy of underground utility mapping and streamlining work processes by delivering immediate, actionable data. The RD8200SG is designed to perform efficiently in both bustling urban landscapes and challenging rural terrains, ensuring accuracy and reliability in utility detection and mapping. The integration of RTK technology not only enhances precision but also contributes to a safer work environment by reducing the risk of accidental utility strikes.

In January 2021, Blood Hound Inc., a US-based utility locating company, acquired Subsurface Utility Imaging, enhancing its service offerings in Subsurface Utility Mapping. This strategic acquisition aimed to integrate Subsurface Utility Imaging's capabilities, enhancing Blood Hound Inc.'s Subsurface Utility Mapping services for precise identification and location of underground utilities. Subsurface Utility Mapping, a US-based provider of underground utility mapping services, brings valuable expertise to the table, contributing to the growth and advancement of accurate underground utility mapping solutions.

Major companies operating in the underground utility mapping market are Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M), Hexagon AB, Trimble Inc., Topcon Corporation, Leica Geosystems AG, Bentley Systems Incorporated, Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC, Plowman Craven Limited, IDS GeoRadar s.r.l., AirX Utility Surveyors Inc., Geophysical Survey Systems Inc., Guideline Geo AB, Vivax Metrotech Corporation, Sensors & Software Inc., Radiodetection Ltd., Diversified Underground Inc., Landscope Engineering Ltd., Maverick Inspection Ltd., ProStar GeoCorp. Inc., US Radar Inc., multiVIEW Locates Inc., Geotec Surveys Limited, Subsurface Utility Imaging LLC, Stoner & Associates Inc., Geospatial Corporation, Asian Contec Ltd (Stanlay), Red Laser Scanning Ltd., GeoModel Inc.

North America was the largest region in the underground utility mapping market in 2023. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the underground utility mapping market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the underground utility mapping market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Underground utility mapping involves accurately locating and documenting subsurface infrastructure like pipelines and cables to prevent damage during construction or excavation, ensuring efficient urban infrastructure management. It enhances project planning, coordination, and safety for workers and the public.

The key components of underground utility mapping include solutions and services. Solutions encompass software and technologies used for locating and managing underground utilities, employing diverse technologies like electromagnetic, magnetic, sonic, ground penetration radar, live line detectors, and robotic crawlers. These are applied across sectors such as oil and gas, defense, telecommunications, electricity, drainage, and railways for tasks like positioning, identification, and detection.

The underground utility mapping market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides underground utility mapping market statistics, including underground utility mapping industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an underground utility mapping market share, detailed underground utility mapping market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the underground utility mapping industry. This underground utility mapping market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The underground utility mapping market consists of revenues earned by providing services such as surveying, mapping, and consulting for accurately locating and documenting subsurface infrastructure. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The underground utility mapping market also includes sales of ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic locators. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.


This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.