Underground Utility Mapping Market Growth Analysis - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook Report (2025-2034)

The global underground utility mapping market is estimated to be worth USD 1.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 4.33 billion by 2034, increasing at a CAGR of 11.50% between 2025 and 2034.

Key Trends and Developments

The underground utility mapping market is growing due to increased demand driven by advancements in technology, the integration of GIS and AI, stronger regulatory requirements, and the rising need for smart cities.

January 2025

Eversource broke ground on the Greater Cambridge Energy Program (GCEP), a USD 1.5 billion transmission project. It includes the construction of the largest underground electrical substation in the U.S. The project aims to address rising electric demand and support clean energy resources. Completion is expected by 2029, with full service by 2031.

November 2024

Allen & Company used Subsurface Utility Exploration (SUE) technology to map underground utilities, enhancing safety and efficiency for construction projects. By uncovering hidden pipes and cables, SUE reduces risks, cuts costs, and aids in infrastructure planning. This method also helps address outdated utilities and supports long-term infrastructure solutions for future challenges.

August 2024

ProStar integrated its mobile underground utility mapping software with Rycom Instruments' detection devices, enhancing utility locating precision and operational efficiency. The collaboration allows real-time collection and analysis of underground data, improving mapping accuracy and reducing risks. This partnership aims to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and boost productivity in construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors.

September 2022

4M Analytics secured USD 45 million to develop a map of the US underground utility infrastructure. This funding aimed to create a digital repository of reliable utility data, helping engineers pinpoint underground utilities early in projects. The platform, 4Map, compiles utility data into a dashboard, streamlining the planning and construction process.

Advancement in Technology is a Key Trend in the Underground Utility Mapping Market

The underground utility mapping market is growing rapidly due to the adoption of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators. These innovations improve accuracy, reduce operational costs, and deliver quicker results. The use of such technologies is enhancing infrastructure management, mitigating risks, and improving utility detection capabilities, especially in urban and remote areas. In July 2024, the use of Scan-to-BIM technology further boosted utility mapping by enabling the creation of accurate 3D models of subsurface networks.

Integration with GIS and AI is Influencing the Underground Utility Mapping Market Dynamics and Trends

The combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising underground utility mapping. These technologies allow for real-time data collection, analysis, and predictive maintenance, which improve decision-making and long-term infrastructure management. In March 2024, Radiodetection and Trimble partnered to enhance the accuracy of utility mapping. By integrating Radiodetection’s RD Map+ with Trimble's GNSS system, they aim to create highly accurate utility maps, ensuring improved planning and management.

Increased Regulatory Focus is Driving the Underground Utility Mapping Market Growth

Governments and municipalities are increasingly emphasising safety, sustainability, and resource management, which is boosting the demand for accurate underground utility mapping. Stricter regulations and compliance requirements are encouraging the adoption of mapping solutions to reduce risks, prevent accidents, and enhance safety in construction and maintenance projects. In August 2024, the UK initiated the National Underground Asset Register, a £35 million project designed to reduce accidental utility strikes and improve safety and efficiency in excavation activities.

Rising Demand for Smart Cities is Impacting the Underground Utility Mapping Market Revenue

With the growth of smart cities and urban development, the demand for accurate underground utility mapping has increased. Proper installation and maintenance of utilities like water, gas, and electricity are essential for improving city infrastructure planning. Real-time data helps urban management become more efficient and minimises disruptions. In April 2024, researchers introduced OpenTrench3D, a 3D point cloud dataset designed to advance underground utility surveying and mapping, encouraging innovation in 3D semantic segmentation applications.

Market Segmentation

The underground utility mapping industry can be divided on the basis of segments like technological solution, components, services, and end-use.

The industry can be categorised based on technological solutions:

• Electromagnetic Induction
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Others

The industry can be broadly categorised on the basis of its components into:

• Technological Solutions
• Services

The industry can be differentiated on the basis of its services as:

• Professional Services
• Managed Services

The market can be classified on the basis of its end-use into:

• Oil and Gas
• Electricity
• Government and Public Safety
• Construction
• Telecommunication

The regional markets of underground utility mapping like:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Analysis

The global underground utility mapping industry is being driven by factors such as increased concern about the safety of underground utilities and public initiatives to implement utility mapping instruments. The main constraint is the high cost of installation and high maintenance cost of utility mapping instruments.

Competitive Landscape

The underground utility mapping market key players specialise in non-destructive testing and underground utility mapping, offering advanced geophysical equipment globally. These companies are recognised for delivering cutting-edge solutions for utility detection and mapping, assisting sectors like construction, telecommunications, and utilities in managing underground infrastructure accurately and efficiently. They utilise GPR and other non-invasive methods for geophysical surveys, contributing to infrastructure and environmental projects with innovative solutions.

Sensors & Software Inc.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, and established in 1988, Sensors & Software Inc. is a leading provider of ground penetrating radar (GPR) solutions. The company specialises in non-destructive testing, mapping underground utilities, and offering advanced geophysical equipment to industries worldwide.

Vivax-Metrotech Corp.

Founded in 1988 and based in California, United States, Vivax-Metrotech Corp. manufactures high-performance utility locating equipment. The company is renowned for providing advanced solutions for utility detection and mapping, helping industries such as construction, telecommunications, and utilities ensure safe, accurate, and efficient underground infrastructure management.

multiVIEW Locates Inc.

Established in 2008, multiVIEW Locates Inc. is a Canadian company headquartered in Ontario, Canada. It offers comprehensive underground utility location services, utilising advanced GPR technology to locate and map utilities. Its services cater to industries like construction, infrastructure development, and municipal planning.

Guideline Geo AB

Guideline Geo AB, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a global leader in geophysical technologies. The company provides innovative solutions for geophysical surveys, including underground utility mapping, using its expertise in GPR and other non-invasive methods for the infrastructure and environmental sectors.

Other key players in the underground utility mapping market report are Global Detection Solution Sdn. Bhd., Plowman Craven Limited, ProStar Geocorp, Cardno Limited, and Enviroscan, among others.