Subsurface Utility Engineering (S.U.E.)
SoftDig® provides S.U.E. services with licensed engineers to certify work to ASCE Standard 38-02 when required.
Locate Subsurface Utilities with Confidence
SoftDig® specializes in accurately locating and mapping underground utilities using cutting-edge technology like ground penetrating radar (GPR). Our experienced technicians precisely document the location of subsurface pipes, cables, tanks, and other infrastructure.
Google Reviews
Trusted Experts in Your Industry
We support industries that require accurate subsurface data for planning and executing complex infrastructure projects, along with comprehensive survey support. Backed by state-of-the-art equipment and decades of expertise in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), underground utility mapping, private utility locating, ground penetrating radar (GPR). Our team also provides vacuum excavation, CCTV pipe inspection, and hydro jetting and cleaning services to deliver reliable subsurface insights and reduce project risk. We deliver high-quality subsurface data that consistently meets accuracy, efficiency, and safety standards.
Our Recent Work
Department of Transportation
Delaware DOT
Overview Softdig does a lot of work for the transportation industry. Our Delaware department of transportation project consisted of designating and creating GIS maps of all utilities along 5 miles of a highway for design of roadway upgrades. This stretch of road was located in Kent County. Delaware.
Read MoreCommercial
American Dream Meadowlands
Overview The American Dream Meadowlands project at The American Dream retail and entertainment complex located in East Rutherford, New Jersey covers 91 acres and is an example of a commercial industry job. On this job site, Softdig offered services such as utility mapping to recognized areas such as the amusement park and proposed hotel location.
Read MoreDepartment of Transportation
Atascosa County Line
Overview The Atascosa County Line project was completed in West Tilden, Texas. For this project Softdig reviewed and updated existing utility layouts provided by the state by utility mapping and GPS surveying. Within 180,000 linear feet of data, there were 25 test holes performed that ranged between 0-5 feet, 10 test holes that were 5-8 feet and 2 test holes that were 8-13 feet.
Read MoreAirports
BWI Airport
Overview One assignment that falls into our Airport Industry category is the BWI Airport project. The BWI Airport is located just outside Baltimore, Maryland. This project required excavating test holes to locate existing utilities adjacent to runways for re-grading. This work is performed at night, during weekends and shut down periods. In order to map the entire underground infrastructure a total 91 test holes were dug.
Read MoreDepartment of Transportation
Camp Arrowhead
Overview Softdig’s Camp Arrowhead project was completed in a few locations the main job was completed at the intersection of State Route 24 and Camp Arrowhead Road in Lewes, Delaware. This project consisted of utility mapping an area greater than 12,000 linear feet. Softdig also performed 7 manhole and catch basin reports. Lastly, Softdig’s crew hand sketched all of the utilities that were mapped and turned them into a digital deliverable that is ready to be analyzed.
Read MoreResearch Facilities
Chestnut Run Renaissance Project
Overview The Chestnut Run Renaissance project falls under the research facilities industry. For this project we designated and located utilities for building, roadway, and infrastructure improvements to R & D Campus in Wilmington, Delaware. This work was performed under active construction and Softdig had to comply with the strict timeline set.
Read MoreEnvironmental Remediation
Clearview Landfill
Overview Softdig has work history in the industry of Environmental Remediation. For our Clearview Landfill project located in Eastwick, Pennsylvania, Softdig’s job was to provide markout, GIS analysis, marking, and digitally mapping. Softdig compiled maps of the area for the protection of existing utilities during extensive soil sampling and groundwater testing operations.
Read MoreDepartment of Transportation
Duval County Line
Overview During our Duval County Line project located in Kent County, Delaware, Softdig preformed utility mapping of an area of about 22.495 linear feet. In this area there were a total of 97 test holes dug, measured, detailed, and replaced. 62 of these manholes were 0-5 feet deep, 32 were 5 to 8 feet deep and 3 were 8 feet to 13 feet deep. Working with a little over 4 miles these test holes were done with precision and accuracy.
Read MoreEnergy
National Energy Technology Laboratory
Overview For Softdig’s National Energy Technology Laboratory project Softdig located utilities, performed test holes, and surveyed across both sites. Even though the project is finished, Softdig continually maintains and adds information to a working site plan that can be utilized for multiple projects. The location for this site is Morgantown, West Virginia.
Read MoreCommercial
Hemisfair Park
Overview Softdig’s Hemisfair Park project was a commercial industry job. At this job Softdig located at already performed test holes to find utilities for designing upgrades that will change this park into a full urban district with multiple parks, residences, and local businesses. This project was based in San Antonio, Texas.
Read MoreOur Affiliations
Latest Posts
Locating Underground Hazards, Before They Cause Damage
Tim Hoffer
August 21, 2023
When to Call in a Private Utility Locator
Tim Hoffer
August 21, 2023
Utility Flag Colors Explained…and More!
Tim Hoffer
July 21, 2023
How the Pros Do It: Tools & Techniques for Water Leak Detection
Tim Hoffer
June 7, 2023
Underground Power Lines: Locating Utilities, Safety, and Global Practices
Tim Hoffer
May 9, 2023
Gold Shovel Is Joining the Common Ground Alliance
Tim Hoffer
April 5, 2023
How Deep Are Gas Lines Buried?
Tim Hoffer
March 20, 2023
WHAT IS GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) & HOW DOES IT WORK?
Tim Hoffer
February 13, 2023
Why Municipalities Favor Underground Utilities
Tim Hoffer
January 30, 2023
The Importance of Subsurface Utility Engineering
Tim Hoffer
January 20, 2023
FAQs
What is underground utility mapping?
Underground utility mapping identifies and documents the location of buried utilities such as gas, water, electric, fiber, and sewer lines. SoftDig uses advanced technologies like GPR, SUE methodologies, and vacuum excavation to provide accurate subsurface data for planning and construction.
What industries does SoftDig work with?
SoftDig supports infrastructure, transportation, energy, commercial construction, engineering firms, municipalities, and utility providers that require reliable subsurface information for safe and efficient project execution.
What is Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)?
Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a professional engineering practice that combines records research, surface surveys, geophysical methods, and excavation to reduce risk related to underground utilities. SoftDig delivers SUE services in accordance with industry standards.
When is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) used?
GPR is used to detect underground utilities, structures, and anomalies without excavation. It is commonly applied during utility locating, concrete scanning, and site investigations when records are incomplete or unreliable.
What is vacuum excavation and why is it used?
Vacuum excavation is a non-destructive excavation method used to safely expose underground utilities. It is commonly used for potholing and daylighting to visually confirm utility locations while minimizing risk and surface disruption.
Does SoftDig provide nationwide services?
Yes. SoftDig provides underground utility mapping and related services nationwide, with offices based in Pennsylvania and Texas. Project teams are deployed where needed to support clients across the United States.
Can SoftDig support large or multi-location projects?
Yes. SoftDig routinely supports large-scale and multi-site projects, coordinating subsurface data collection, mapping, and reporting across multiple locations and phases of work.