UNDERGROUND UTILITY SURVEYS

Utility Surveys in Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire & Suffolk

Accurate Underground Utility Surveys for Safer Excavation

Looking for a PAS 128-compliant utility survey to locate buried pipes and cables before you dig? AKN Engineering delivers accurate, cost-effective underground utility mapping using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Location (EML) methods.

Our expert engineers support construction and infrastructure projects across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and the surrounding counties—helping you reduce risk, avoid costly service strikes, and stay compliant with CDM Regulations.

Want to discuss a project? Call us on 01279  927033

WHAT IS A UTILITY SURVEY?

A utility survey identifies and maps underground services, including:

  • Gas pipes

  • Water mains

  • Electricity cables

  • Telecoms

  • Drainage systems

  • Fibre optics

Using non-invasive technology such as GPR scanning and cable locators, we provide detailed utility detection drawings that support planning, design, and safe excavation.

Our Underground Utilities Survey Methods

We tailor our surveys to site conditions and your needs, using:

✅ Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

  • Detects non-metallic services like plastic pipes and ducts

  • Provides depth data and subsurface imaging

  • Ideal for areas with unknown or mixed utilities

    ✅ Electromagnetic Location (EML)

  • Traces metallic and conductive services (e.g. live power cables)

  • Accurate route tracking using CAT & Genny equipment

    ✅ Manhole & Valve Inspections

  • We lift accessible covers and record invert levels where required

    ✅ Statutory Records Integration

  • We can incorporate utility record plans into your final deliverable



    All surveys are delivered in line with PAS 128:2022 specification (QL-B1 to QL-B4), ensuringtransparency and survey confidence.

OUR CLIENTS

LOCATIONS WE COVER

HERTFORDSHIRE

BEDFORDSHIRE

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

LONDON

ESSEX

KENT

OXFORDSHIRE

BERKSHIRE

NORFOLK

SUFFOLK

LINCOLNSHIRE

RUTLAND

WHAT YOU GET

UTILITY LOCATION AND SERVICE TYPE ANNOTATIONS

COMPLIANCE WITH CDM AND SITE HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

DEPTH ESTIMATIONS
(Where possible)

OVERLAY ON TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS
(If required)

COLOUR CODED DRAWINGS ALIGNED TO YOUR EXISTING CAD LAYERS

SUPPORTING PHOTOS AND SITE NOTES (AS NEEDED)

Prefer to speak? Call us on 01279  927033

 FAQs

  • We can detect most metallic and some non-metallic utilities, including electricity, water, gas, telecoms, and drainage. GPR can also help locate ducts and voids

  •  EML detects conductive utilities by tracing signals through metallic cables or pipes. GPR uses radar waves to identify buried features—including non-metallic services and obstructions.ce.

  • Yes—especially in urban or brownfield sites. A utility survey helps avoid accidental strikes, protects personnel, and ensures legal compliance with CDM Regulations.

  •  Yes. We can carry out surveys to PAS 128 specification, providing clarity on detection methods, quality levels, and survey confidence.

  • We can usually attend within a few working days following a PAS 128 Type D Survey (Desktop Utility Records Survey).

  • Absolutely. We offer combined surveys to save you time and cost—giving you surface and subsurface data in a single, integrated package.

WHY CHOOSE AKN ENGINEERING FOR YOUR UTILITY SURVEY?

✔️ PAS 128-compliant utility mapping

  • ✔️ GPR & EML-trained surveyors

  • ✔️ Fast turnaround and flexible site attendance

  • ✔️ Fully CAD-integrated deliverables

  • ✔️ Excellent client support and communication

We regularly support main contractors, developers, architects, local authorities, and consultants. Need a combined topographical and utility survey? We can do that too, saving you time and money.

Book Your Utilities Survey Today

INeed clarity below the surface? Get in touch with our team for a free quote or to discuss the best survey method for your site. Click the button below and share your information and we’ll get back to you the same day

Prefer to speak? Call us on

01279  927033

OTHER WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU

SITE ENGINEERING

Site engineering services play a critical role in the construction process, providing expertise and support to ensure the successful execution of a project. These services encompass a wide range of activities, including site investigation, surveying, and topographical mapping. Site engineers work closely with the design team and construction crew to establish the necessary groundwork, determine the optimal layout, and oversee the implementation of plans on-site.

TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS

Topographical surveys are detailed assessments of the natural and man-made features on a specific piece of land. These surveys provide crucial information about the elevation, contours, and physical characteristics of the site, including buildings, trees, bodies of water, and other relevant elements. By conducting topographical surveys, engineers and planners can gain a comprehensive understanding of the terrain, which is essential for making informed decisions during the design and construction phases of a project.

SETTING OUT

Setting out is a vital process in construction that involves marking the precise locations and dimensions of structures, roads, or other elements on a construction site. It ensures that the project is executed accurately and in accordance with the design plans. Surveyors and engineers use various tools and techniques to establish reference points, levels, and alignments, allowing construction teams to follow precise measurements and positioning during the building phase.

AS-BUILT SURVEYS

As-built surveys are conducted typically at the completion of a construction project to document the actual constructed conditions of the site and its improvements. These surveys serve as a comparison to the original design plans and specifications provided by the engineer during the planning phase. By conducting as-built surveys, engineers can ensure that the constructed elements align with the approved design and meet all required standards and regulations.

MACHINE CONTROL

Machine control for earth moving involves the creation of precise digital models and plans, which are then translated into real-time instructions for construction equipment. Through the integration of advanced technologies such as GPS, sensors, and software interfaces, these machines are guided to execute excavation and grading tasks with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, resulting in reduced material waste, optimised project timelines, and enhanced overall productivity in earth-moving operations.

The main goal of volume calculation is to find out a volume of material that was mined or heaped up in predefined area and to verify if the volume corresponds to the expected value stated in project documentation. The volume is determined by a difference of topographies from two survey phases or by a difference between the survey and the project documentation.

MACHINE CONTROL

  • "From the beginning, AKN Engineering showcased their professionalism and punctuality. their commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering results was highly commendable."

    ‘Anon’

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Book Your Utility Survey Today

Need clarity below the surface? Get in touch with our team for a free quote or to discuss the best survey method for your site. Click the button below and share your information and we’ll get back to you the same day…

Prefer to speak? Call us on

01279  927033

OUR CLIENTS