Accurate, Safe, and Certified Underground Utility Locating

We specialise in underground asset locating services across Darwin and the Northern Territory. Our trained technicians use industry-leading technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and cable locators to accurately detect and map underground infrastructure before excavation begins.

Combined with our expertise in non-destructive hydro excavation, we provide a comprehensive solution for safely locating, identifying, and protecting existing underground assets. Whether your project is in an urban environment, a remote location, or a high-risk defence site, JSM Civil ensures that all subsurface services are located and marked to prevent costly and dangerous utility strikes.

What is Underground Asset Locating?

Underground asset locating is the process of identifying and mapping subsurface utilities and infrastructure prior to excavation or construction. This includes locating:

  • Electrical and telecommunications cables
  • Water and sewer pipelines
  • Gas lines
  • Stormwater drains
  • Fibre optic networks
  • Irrigation lines

At JSM Civil, we combine non-invasive detection tools with targeted hydro excavation to expose and verify underground services without damaging them. This process ensures accurate depth, location, and condition information, reducing risk and enabling informed planning for all stages of the project.

Our Asset Locating Capabilities

We utilise advanced equipment and industry-standard techniques to ensure the precise location of underground services:

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

GPR transmits high-frequency radio waves into the ground and records the reflected signals to detect objects, changes in material, and voids. It is effective for locating:

  • Non-metallic utilities (e.g., plastic water and sewer pipes)
  • Fibre optic lines
  • Subsurface structures and voids
  • Reinforced concrete and underground tanks

GPR is particularly useful in areas where metallic utility locating methods are ineffective or where as-built drawings are unreliable or unavailable.

Cable and Pipe Locators

Our cable locators use electromagnetic fields to detect metallic utilities such as:

  • Electrical cables
  • Gas lines with tracer wire
  • Metallic water mains
  • Communication cables

These tools allow us to accurately trace the route, depth, and location of conductive utilities, even in congested areas with multiple overlapping services.

Hydro Excavation for Visual Confirmation

Once utilities are located using GPR and electromagnetic locating, our team may use hydro excavation to safely expose and visually confirm underground services. This step is crucial when planning construction in high-risk areas or near live services.

Hydro excavation is a non-destructive method that uses high-pressure water to break up soil while a vacuum system extracts the debris. This ensures utilities are not damaged during exposure.

Why Underground Asset Locating is Essential

Prevent Utility Strikes

Striking underground utilities during excavation can lead to major safety incidents, service outages, project delays, and costly repairs. Accurate asset locating minimises these risks and ensures safer working conditions.

Ensure Compliance with Regulations

Utility locating is a requirement under Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) and other safety regulations. Our team ensures all locating is conducted in compliance with Australian standards and local regulatory requirements.

Improve Project Planning and Design

Accurate subsurface mapping allows project managers, engineers, and planners to design projects around existing services, reducing the need for redesigns or unplanned work.

Reduce Excavation Costs

By identifying exact utility locations, asset locating helps avoid unnecessary excavation, reducing equipment use, labour, and site restoration costs.

Suitable for All Site Conditions

Our locating methods are suitable for a wide range of surfaces and subsurface conditions, including clay, sand, gravel, rock, and concrete. We operate across diverse environments, from busy commercial precincts to remote community infrastructure sites.

Why Choose JSM Civil?

JSM Civil provides trusted, professional underground asset locating services backed by certified systems, experienced personnel, and advanced technology.

Certified and Compliant

We operate in full compliance with Australian safety, quality, and environmental standards. Our certifications include:

  • ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management
  • ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
  • ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management

These certifications reflect our commitment to delivering safe, accurate, and environmentally responsible services across all projects.

Experienced Team

Our trained technicians are experienced in asset locating across various industries, including:

  • Civil infrastructure
  • Telecommunications and NBN
  • Electrical and renewable energy
  • Water, sewer, and stormwater
  • Government and defence

Integrated Service Offering

In addition to asset locating, we offer a full suite of trenching, directional drilling, hydro excavation, and civil construction services, allowing us to provide end-to-end solutions for utility installation and infrastructure development.

Our integrated approach reduces subcontractor reliance, streamlines project management, and ensures consistent quality across all phases of work.

Service Areas

  • Darwin and Greater Darwin
  • Palmerston
  • Katherine
  • Remote Indigenous communities
  • Defence installations and infrastructure zones
  • Industrial and commercial precincts across the NT

Contact JSM Civil for Asset Locating Services in Darwin

If you're planning excavation, construction, or utility installation, accurate underground asset locating is critical to your project's success. JSM Civil offers professional, compliant, and non-destructive locating services across Darwin and the Northern Territory.

Contact our team today to discuss your project and arrange an assessment or site inspection.

Contact Us
A team of drilling workers on site

INVENTORY AND PERSONNEL

Directional Drills
4
DitchWitch JTAT30 Rockdrill
2
RockSaw
1
Chain Trenchers
1
Hydro Excavation Units
5
Excavators
7
Field Trucks
12
Cable Trailers
2
Cable Winch Utilities
1
Trailers
6
Fibre Jointing Vans
1
Splicing Equipment
5
Cable Locators
4
GPR Machine
1
Director      
1
Management
2
Leading Hands
4
Field Staff    
12