Utility Locate Services BC

We locate and map all buried utilities in your property.

Professional underground utility locating, and mapping services across Metro Vancouver and British Columbia. Prevent costly damages before you dig.

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Our Expertise

Comprehensive Utility Locating and Mapping Services

We utilize advanced technology to ensure the safety and efficiency of your project by accurately identifying and mapping all underground infrastructure.

Electrical Line Locating

Electrical & Power Lines

Accurate detection of live and abandoned high-voltage and low-voltage electrical cables to prevent life-threatening strikes.

Gas and Oil Pipes Locating

Oil & Gas Pipelines

Precision tracking of high-pressure natural gas lines and fuel pipes using advanced electromagnetic tracing technologies.

Water and Sewer Line Locating

Water & Sewer Infrastructure

Identification of municipal water mains, storm drains, and sanitary sewer lines, including non-metallic pipes using traceable rodders.

Telecom and Fiber Optics

Telecom & Fiber Optics

Locating fragile fiber optic networks and telecommunication cables to avoid costly service disruptions and repair bills.

Private Utility Locates

Private Utility Locates

Locating utilities on private property that public services don't cover, such as lines between a house and detached garage or pool.

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Other Services

Design & Project Management • Civil Construction • Cable Placing & Splicing • Directional Drilling • Copper Cable Removal • Power Utility Construction

Safety and Compliance Certified Badge

Safety & Compliance First. Fully Compliant with Provincial Safety Regulations.

We adhere to the strictest industry standards. Before breaking ground, it is crucial to contact the free public utility notification service. However, public services only mark public utilities. NCI Utility Locates completes the picture by finding all private lines on your property, ensuring full compliance with local regulations and protecting your crew from hazards.

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Advanced Technology

Survey-Grade Precision Mapping

We utilize industry-leading technology in Radiodetection RD8200SG. This survey-grade locator combines precision electromagnetic utility locating with RTK GPS mapping in a single instrument.

  • Sub-centimeter RTK GPS accuracy for mapped points.

  • Simultaneous utility locating and mapping workflow.

  • Seamless integration with CAD and GIS software.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our utility locate services in BC.

What is an underground utility locate?
Utility locating is the process of identifying and mapping the position of buried infrastructure before any excavation or ground disturbance begins. We use advanced electromagnetic locators and ground-penetrating technology to safely find utilities such as electricity, gas, water, and telecommunications so they can be accurately marked on the surface.

Why do I need a utility locate before digging?
Requesting a utility locate is essential for safety, financial protection, and legal compliance. Striking a buried line can cause severe injuries, service outages, and massive repair bills. Furthermore, provincial regulations legally require excavators and homeowners to determine the exact location of underground utilities before breaking ground.

Do I still need to contact the public utility notification service if I hire you?
Yes. The public utility notification service is a free service that notifies registered public utility owners of your intent to dig. However, they only provide maps or locates for public infrastructure up to the property line or meter. NCI Utility Locates specializes in finding private utilities (lines owned by the property owner) which make up a significant portion of underground infrastructure on any residential or commercial site.

What is the difference between a public and private utility locate?
A public locate (like a public notification ticket) only identifies utilities owned by public utility companies, which typically end at the property line or the utility meter. A private utility locate is required to find any lines owned by the property owner, such as those running from the meter to a building, between detached structures, parking lot lighting, or private irrigation systems.

What types of underground utilities can you locate?
We use advanced Electromagnetic (EM) locating technology to find a wide variety of utilities, including: electrical lines, gas pipes, water mains, sanitary and storm sewer lines (using traceable rodders), telecommunications, and fiber optics.

What do the different paint colors on the ground mean?
When utilities are marked on your site, the paint colors follow a universal industry code to indicate what is buried below:
  • Red: Electrical power lines and cables
  • Yellow: Gas, oil, steam, or petroleum lines
  • Blue: Potable water lines
  • Green: Sewers and storm drain lines
  • Orange: Telecommunication, alarm, and fiber optic lines
  • Pink: Temporary survey markings or unidentified facilities

How does your RD8200SG technology compare to traditional locators?

Traditional utility locating requires finding the line first with a locator, and then coming back later with a separate GPS rover to survey the marks. This two-step process is time-consuming and prone to mapping errors.

We utilize industry-leading technology in the Radiodetection RD8200SG. This survey-grade locator combines precision electromagnetic utility locating with RTK GPS mapping in a single instrument. Key benefits include:

  • Sub-centimeter RTK GPS accuracy for mapped points.
  • Simultaneous workflow: we locate and map the utility at the exact same time.
  • Seamless integration with CAD and GIS software for delivering instant digital maps.

How much does a private utility locate cost?
Pricing depends on the specific needs of your project, including the size of the area, the complexity of the site, and the types of utilities being mapped. We offer competitive rates and utilize survey-grade accuracy (RD8200SG) to ensure you get the absolute best protection for your investment, preventing damages that could cost thousands in repairs. Reach out via our contact form for a precise quote based on your site requirements.

Areas We Serve in British Columbia

Proudly providing private utility locating and mapping services across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, BC Interior and throughout British Columbia

Vancouver Burnaby Surrey Langley Richmond Coquitlam Maple Ridge Abbotsford Chilliwack Kelowna Kamloops Hope Vernon Penticton Clinton 100 Mile House Williams Lake Quesnel Prince George Chetwynd Fort St. John Vancouver Island Kootenay

Get in Touch

Ready to schedule a utility locate? Contact our team for a fast response and accurate service.

Call Us

+1 250-214-7040

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Parent Company

Netstar Construction

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