Desktop Utility Search
The Type D records search, and why it is the first step of every Type B.
Start with what is already on record.
What a Type D is
A Type D survey is a desktop search of the statutory undertakers' records for the site. Nobody visits the ground. It tells you what the owners of the networks say is there, which is the starting point for everything else.
What the pack contains
The records returned by the undertakers, collated onto one plan for the site, with the quality level QL-D shown on it.
Why it comes first
Records are old, incomplete and sometimes contradict each other. The search tells the surveyor what to look for on site, and tells you where the records and the ground disagree. Every Type B we do starts with one.
Lead time
Book at least a week ahead so the records are in before we arrive on site.
From records to detection
A records search alone does not show you what is in the ground. When the excavation matters, add a Type B.
Where it helps
- Before excavation, piling, trenching or ground anchors
- Before a basement dig or a pavement opening in a London street
- Where the statutory records are old, incomplete or contradict each other
- On a site with a history of services being added and abandoned
- When the client or principal designer has specified PAS 128
- Before EV charger, district heating or substation works
What you receive
- Marked-up ground in survey paint, colour-coded by service
- Utility drawing in DWG/DXF and PDF, each line labelled with type and PAS 128 quality level
- Report stating survey type, methodology, kit, operator qualification and limitations
- Records pack from the Type D search
- Within 5 working days of the site visit
A note on interpretation. A PAS 128 survey records what was detected to the stated quality level. It does not guarantee that every service has been found. Safe digging practice, trial holes where the drawing says QL-B3 or B4, and HSG47 still apply.
Often surveyed together.
GPR Concrete Scanning
Ground penetrating radar finds rebar, post-tension cables, conduits, and voids hidden inside concrete, before they become a problem.
Learn moreFerro Scanning
Electromagnetic scanning to map reinforcement, measure cover depth, and estimate bar diameter without touching the concrete.
Learn moreMore from PAS 128 Utility Surveys.
- PAS 128 Utility SurveysPAS 128 Explained
The British specification for finding and recording buried utilities, in plain English.
- PAS 128 Utility SurveysType B Detection Survey
Two detection methods over the whole area, every service positioned and labelled with how confident we are.
- PAS 128 Utility SurveysCAT and Genny Survey
A quick electromagnetic sweep for energised cables and metallic pipes, honestly described.
Got a dig coming up?
Send drawings, photos or proposed fixing locations and we'll advise the right survey approach.