PAS128 Surveys

For expert advice relating to underground utility mapping, contact one of the Subvision team today. We deliver expert surveying services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients across the UK. While we provide a wide range of surveying solutions for both above and below ground, one of our core services is the delivery of advanced PAS128 survey solutions. PAS 128 Survey accuracy is vitally important.

PAS128 Cutting-edge Technology

We deliver precise, PAS128-compliant surveys for mapping underground utilities. Our surveying process incorporates advanced electromagnetic location (EML) equipment and ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems, ensuring full compliance with PAS128 standards. Using both methods together means our surveys aren’t limited by the blind spots either technique has on its own, giving a more complete and reliable picture of what’s actually buried on site.

Highly Skilled Surveyors

Our teams consist of highly skilled utility mapping surveyors with extensive experience in GPR and electromagnetic locating methods. Each of our utility surveyors holds NVQ Level 3 or 5 QCF qualifications in utility mapping, giving clients confidence that every survey is carried out to a recognised, formally assessed standard rather than relying on informal training alone. Subvision Surveys provides a vast range of surveying services, including Topographical Surveys, GPR Surveys, Towed GPR Surveys, Desktop Utility Search Packs and more.

Who needs a PAS128 Survey?

PAS128 Utility Surveys are used by Tier 1 contractors, developers, civil engineers, planners, utility providers and private clients. Drawing on more than 3 decades of industry experience, our surveys deliver detailed information on the depth and location of buried utility infrastructure and structures, including electric cables, water mains, gas mains, drainage pipes, telecom cables and fibre optic ducts, in full compliance with PAS128 requirements. Where a project needs a faster, more targeted check before a PAS128 survey is commissioned, we also offer standalone Cable Detection to identify live cables quickly.

For PAS128 utility mapping, contact Subvision today.

Accurate PAS128 surveys depend on experienced surveyors and the right equipment. Get either wrong and the risk shifts onto your project, meaning more delays and more cost. Here’s why clients choose us:

Nationwide reach, Essex-based: We’re SSIP and ISO accredited, with more than 3 decades of experience delivering PAS128 surveys for clients across Essex, the South East and nationwide.

Full range of detection methods: Our surveys combine GPR, electromagnetic locating and other detection techniques as needed, rather than relying on a single method that may miss certain utility types.

Quality-level clarity: We report findings clearly against the PAS128 quality levels (QL-D through QL-A), so you know exactly how reliable the data is and where further verification may be needed.

Combined survey capability: PAS128 utility mapping can be carried out alongside our topographical, GPR, CCTV drainage and Cable Detection surveys in a single site visit, reducing cost and site disruption compared to instructing separate contractors.

For more information about PAS128, please see our FAQs section below, or speak to one of our experts on 0333 920 942.

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Popular surveys trusted by industry professionals.

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PAS128 Surveys

PAS128 surveys provide accurate underground utility mapping to reduce risk and delays.

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GPR Surveys

GPR surveys identify hidden underground features to support safer site development works.

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Topographical Surveys

Topographical surveys provide accurate land and site data to support planning and design.

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Ferro Scanning

Ferro scanning and GPR rebar mapping surveys locate hidden steel and concrete details.

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CCTV Surveys

CCTV drainage surveys and jetting identify blockages and assess pipe conditions fast.

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Utility Search Packs / PAS128 Type D

Desktop utility search packs provide essential PAS128 Type D underground asset data.

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PAS128 SURVEYS FAQ’S

A PAS128 utility survey is carried out to locate and map underground services using the recognised UK specification for utility detection. It provides detailed information about buried infrastructure, helping clients make informed decisions before excavation, construction or redevelopment work begins. PAS128 classifies surveys into different quality levels, from desktop record searches through to detailed on-site verification, allowing the scope of a survey to be matched to what a project actually needs. This structured approach gives clients and their project teams a clear, industry-recognised standard to work to, rather than relying on informal or inconsistent detection methods.

A PAS128 utility survey helps minimise the risk of damaging buried utilities during groundworks. By identifying the position of underground assets before work starts, it improves site safety, reduces project delays and helps avoid unnecessary repair costs. Striking a live service can cause injury, disrupt utilities for the surrounding area, and bring a project to a standstill while repairs and investigations take place. A PAS128 survey removes much of this risk by giving your team confirmed information to plan around, rather than relying on outdated records or assumptions about what may be buried on site.

PAS128 utility surveys are used by contractors, developers, architects, engineers, utility providers and local authorities. They are recommended for any project involving excavation, infrastructure upgrades or construction where accurate underground utility information is required, regardless of project size. Whether it’s a small residential extension or a major commercial development, understanding what’s buried on site is a key part of planning safely and avoiding costly surprises once work is underway. Many clients also request a PAS128 survey as part of due diligence during the early planning or feasibility stage of a project.

A PAS128 survey can detect a variety of underground services, including electricity cables, gas mains, water pipes, drainage systems, telecommunications cables and fibre optic ducts. Using specialist equipment allows surveyors to produce detailed utility mapping for your site, covering both metallic and non-metallic services depending on the detection methods used. This gives a comprehensive picture of buried infrastructure across a site, helping identify potential risks or constraints early, whether you’re planning excavation, assessing a site for development, or simply need an accurate record of what’s currently below ground.

Our surveyors use a combination of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locating (EML) equipment to detect buried utilities. These methods work together to improve accuracy and produce reliable survey data in line with PAS128 standards, with GPR detecting a wider range of materials and EML tracing live electromagnetic signals from cables and metallic pipes. Combining both methods reduces the risk of missed detail that can come from relying on a single detection technique, giving you a more complete and dependable picture of what’s actually present beneath the survey area.

Following completion, you’ll receive detailed survey drawings and supporting data showing the location of detected underground utilities. The information can be used throughout the planning, design and construction process to help manage risk and improve project efficiency. Reports are provided in a format your architects, engineers and contractors can work with directly, giving your project team a clear, reliable reference point for excavation, drilling or piling work, rather than having to interpret raw detection data or reconcile information from multiple separate sources.

Subvision Surveys delivers PAS128-compliant utility surveys using experienced surveyors and advanced detection technology. We provide dependable utility mapping services for projects across the UK, ensuring clients receive accurate data, clear reporting and professional support from start to finish. We’re SSIP and ISO accredited, and our team is trusted by Tier 1 contractors, developers and planners nationwide. Because we also offer GPR, desktop utility searches and virtual trial holes in-house, PAS128 surveys can be combined with these services to give you a complete picture of utility risk on your site.

Have Any Questions?

If you have any questions regarding our services feel free to contact the Subvision team.