Subvision Surveys provides accurate CAT (Cable Avoidance Tool) surveys, giving vital information about below-ground utilities and services, including their location, depth and size. This essential data helps plan piling, drilling, excavation or construction work safely, confirming site conditions before work begins. With over 25 years’ experience, our team has carried out CAT surveys for domestic and commercial clients across a wide range of project types and sizes.

Our surveyors use CAT and Genny (signal generator) equipment to trace electromagnetic signals from live cables and metallic pipes below ground, our cable detection surveys allow us to detect and mark out utilities quickly and accurately on site. This same electromagnetic principle underpins our standalone Electro Detection Survey service, which we offer where a client needs electromagnetic detection specifically, rather than as part of a wider CAT survey. Every survey begins by understanding your project and site requirements, including the type of work planned and any known site history. Our team then systematically scans the survey area, marking identified services directly on site as they go, before analysing the findings and providing clear survey information you can act on with confidence.

Using professional cable avoidance tools alongside specialist surveying equipment, we can identify a wide range of buried utilities and underground features, including electrical cables, water pipes, gas services, telecommunications, drainage, foundations, voids and other hidden infrastructure that could affect your project. This makes CAT scanning a fast, practical first step before excavation, drilling or piling work, and a standard requirement under safe digging practice on most construction sites.

While a CAT survey is highly effective for detecting live cables and metallic services, it has limitations when it comes to non-metallic pipes, voids or deeper features. For a more detailed subsurface picture, particularly on complex sites, we often recommend combining a CAT survey with GPR, which uses radar to detect a wider range of features regardless of material. Because we carry out both services in-house, combining methods doesn’t mean coordinating between separate providers, our own team applies whichever combination best suits your site, giving you one clear, consistent set of results.

Hidden utilities can lead to costly repairs, project delays and serious safety risks if they’re damaged during excavation, particularly where live electrical cables or gas services are involved. A CAT survey is a straightforward, cost-effective step that identifies underground services before work begins, helping prevent far more significant costs, delays and safety incidents later in a project.

Subvision Surveys is SSIP and ISO accredited, with a team of over 25 surveying professionals delivering CAT surveys and a comprehensive range of detection services for homeowners, architects, engineers, developers, contractors and local authorities across London, the South East and nationwide. We also provide GPR Surveys, Ferro Scanning and PAS128 Utility Mapping Surveys.

Contact Subvision Surveys today to discuss your CAT survey requirements, or speak to one of our experts on 0333 920 942.