“Digital Advancements through AI, GPS, and Augmented Reality (AR)”
- A significant and accelerating trend in the North America utility locator market is the integration of advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), GPS mapping, and augmented reality (AR) into utility locating equipment. This convergence is transforming the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of subsurface utility detection across sectors such as construction, energy, and telecommunications
- For instance, companies such as Radiodetection and Leica Geosystems are incorporating AI-powered data analytics and machine learning algorithms into their locators to better interpret electromagnetic signals and distinguish between multiple utility lines in congested underground environments. These smart systems can also learn from repeated scans to improve detection reliability over time.
- The use of GPS-enabled utility locators has become widespread across the U.S. and Canada, allowing operators to geo-tag utility locations with high precision. This capability supports real-time mapping and long-term utility record management, helping utilities and municipalities reduce future excavation risks. Subsite Electronics' TK RECON series, for example, integrates GPS with intuitive mapping to streamline field operations
- Augmented reality (AR) overlays are emerging as another transformative feature, with systems such as vGIS enabling technicians to visualize underground utilities using AR headsets or smartphones. This provides workers with a real-time, above-ground view of buried infrastructure, minimizing human error and reducing the chance of accidental strikes
- The fusion of these technologies into utility locator systems not only improves accuracy but also boosts productivity and enhances worker safety by reducing the need for manual probing or trial-and-error detection. Moreover, AI-driven platforms are being used for predictive maintenance of utilities by analyzing ground and usage data to anticipate potential service failures
- This trend toward smart, digitally enhanced locating solutions is reshaping how utility infrastructure is managed in North America. As municipalities, contractors, and utility providers increasingly adopt intelligent, connected equipment, demand is surging for integrated locator platforms that offer real-time data, enhanced user interfaces, and seamless connectivity with asset management systems
