industry insights

Oncor is the largest electricity delivery company in Texas.

And they had a major problem.

Inaccurate as-builts were impeding their ability to provide safe, reliable power to their over 3.9 million customers. The Dallas-based company had even experienced a large utility strike due to their inaccurate data.

When Oncor needed to quickly and safely conduct repairs and upgrades to some of their high-voltage electrical lines within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, they knew they couldn’t afford a costly and potentially dangerous mistake. They called GPRS, who provided them with the accurate and complete infrastructure data they needed to stay on time, on budget, and safe.

Business Development Manager Boon Bowling was part of the team from GPRS who met with representatives from Oncor to discuss their utility locating needs.

“Dallas is growing so rapidly,” Bowling said. “Some of these lines are old, some of them have been replaced and not always tracked, and even some of the locations where they were initially run, where it was an empty lot, now it’s places like Victory Plaza in downtown Dallas near the American Airlines Center. So, now there’s big, multi-story structures on top of what was an empty lot when those lines were installed, and their maps all still say it’s an empty lot.”

Bowling, along with GPRS Area Manager Zachary Walter, conducted a demo for the Oncor team at and around one of their substations, to show them GPRS’ industry-leading subsurface investigation process.

At the core of this process is the Subsurface Investigation Methodology, or SIM.  

What is SIM?

SIM is a standard operating procedure and set of professional specifications that work as a guide for utility locating experts when scanning for buried utilities and conducting concrete imaging. All GPRS field team members are required to achieve SIM 101 certification, which means completing 80 hours of hands-on training in a classroom setting and 320 hours of mentorship in the field. This dwarfs the American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) minimum recommendation of eight hours for training and 60 hours practicing GPR to achieve NDT Level 1 certification in ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanning.

SIM requires the use of multiple, complementary technologies when locating buried utilities or scanning a concrete slab. This includes GPR scanning and electromagnetic (EM) locating.

GPR scanners emit radio waves into the ground or a concrete slab, then detect the interactions between these signals and any buried utilities or other subsurface obstructions.

EM locators detect the electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic pipes and cables. These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe or from current flow in a live electrical cable or result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields and communications transmissions.

This practice of using complementary technologies capitalizes on each tool’s strengths to create a redundant confirmation when designating subsurface elements.

How SIM & SiteMap^® Helped Oncor Visualize its Buried Infrastructure

Bowling and Walter’s demonstration of GPRS’ SIM-certified utility locating process helped Oncor see the value of having accurate, complete as-builts of their buried infrastructure.

“They were thrilled with the accuracy and success of that, the level of documentation, especially within the substation, with additional photographs of key features and items that they really did not have an existing record of,” Bowling said.

GPRS ultimately located and mapped roughly 55 miles of high-voltage electrical lines throughout the DFW area. The Project Managers navigated everything from areas in the heart of Dallas with heavy traffic to secure locations such as around airports to obtain the information Oncor’s team needed to safely and efficiently complete their line repairs and upgrades.

“We had two outstanding Project Managers on the project full-time, basically,” Bowling said. “They’re killing it… [Oncor] is very pleased with the quality of the data we provided.”

All this accurate, field-verified data was uploaded into SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ intuitive, interactive infrastructure mapping software solution designed to provide existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

With their SiteMap Team access, Oncor had 24/7, secure access to their critical infrastructure data from any computer, tablet, or smartphone, enabling them to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately, build better.

With GPRS’ SIM-certified utility locating data at their fingertips thanks to SiteMap, Oncor was able to ensure they can continue bringing safe, reliable power to their millions of customers.

From locating buried utilities to fully visualizing new construction, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct utility locating services?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can GPRS locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Accurately mapping underground utilities in active roadway corridors, rights-of-way, and dense urban environments remains one of the most challenging aspects of civil and infrastructure projects. Traditional utility locating methods, while effective for isolated projects, are labor-intensive, require specialized traffic management, cause traffic disruptions, and often fall short in providing the comprehensive data necessary for large-scale roadway and infrastructure development.

Recent advancements in high-speed 3D Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology are changing that reality. High-speed GPR arrays now enable subsurface utility investigations to be conducted at highway speeds without the need for lane closures, delivering high-resolution 3D imaging at previously unheard of levels of efficiency and accuracy. One such system, the Raptor^® High-Speed 3D GPR Array by ImpulseRadar, is currently being deployed by GPRS to revolutionize the collection of subsurface utility data.

Challenges of Subsurface Utility Mapping in Transportation Infrastructure

The subsurface environment beneath roadways and rights-of-way is inherently complex. Utilities often overlap, cross, and diverge at varying depths, and older, abandoned, and undocumented prior installations can complicate planning efforts. Failure to properly identify and map these utilities can result in utility strikes, project delays, increased costs, and safety hazards. According to the Common Ground Alliance, utility strikes cost the U.S. economy approximately $30 billion annually. Other figures put that number well over $61 billion.

Traditional methods – such as electromagnetic locating and traditional pushcart GPR scanning – require lane closures, manual scanning, and detailed manual interpretation of collected data, increasing time, cost, and risk. For large projects covering many miles of roadway, the traditional approach poses a host of logistical challenges.

Introduction to High-Speed 3D GPR Arrays

High-speed 3D GPR arrays address these challenges by collecting dense, accurate subsurface data at speeds of up to 80mph, reducing the need for traffic interruptions or additional traffic control measures while increasing safety and efficiency.

The Raptor 3D GPR array, for example, utilizes 18 synchronized antenna channels capable of capturing continuous 3D images of subsurface conditions at speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h) with a 5 cm trace interval. This technology allows for comprehensive mapping in real time while maintaining traffic flow.

Key technical specifications include:

• Speed: Up to 80 mph (130 km/h) without data degradation

• Trace Interval: 5 centimeters

• Data Channels: 18 GPR antennas (450 MHz or 800 MHz configuration)

• Positioning: Real-Time Kinematic (RTK,) GPS, or Robotic Total Station (RTS)

• Software: Real-time visualization and post-processing with Condor^® 3D and Osprey^® for detailed tomography

How High-Speed 3D GPR Arrays Improve Accuracy

Accuracy in subsurface utility mapping depends on both the quality of the signal data and the precision of its geolocation. High-speed 3D GPR arrays excel in both areas.

1. Dense Sampling: The 5 cm trace interval allows for extremely dense data collection, minimizing the gaps and interpolation errors common in lower-resolution surveys.

2. Positioning Precision: By utilizing RTS and RTK GPS, high-speed GPR arrays achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, significantly surpassing standard GPS methodologies which have positional errors up to several meters

3. Real-Time Quality Control: Onboard visualization capabilities allow operators to assess data quality immediately, enabling rescans if necessary while still on site.

4. Advanced Data Processing: Post-processing with software such as Condor 3D and Osprey provides detailed 3D volumetric imaging of subsurface features, allowing civil engineers to model underground environments with confidence.

And for GPRS, field validation utilizing the Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) framework has resulted in a reported utility locating accuracy rate of 99.8% when using high-speed arrays combined with professional verification.

Primary Applications for High-Speed 3D GPR Arrays

High-speed 3D GPR arrays are transforming numerous sectors within the civil and infrastructure fields:

Roadway and Right-of-Way Utility Mapping

Civil engineers, surveyors, and utility managers tasked with roadway expansions, resurfacing, and maintenance require accurate mapping of buried infrastructure. High-speed GPR arrays deliver full-corridor scans quickly and without disrupting traffic.

Bridge and Pavement Condition Assessment

GPR arrays can be utilized to assess pavement thickness, layer interfaces, potential voids beneath roadways, and even moisture intrusion. These insights can inform maintenance planning and extend asset life.

Rights-of-Way (ROW) Engineering

ROW engineers benefit from full-coverage subsurface mapping that can identify utility encroachments, validate clearances, and support legal documentation for infrastructure development.

Environmental and Geotechnical Investigations

3D GPR data supports Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) by identifying potential underground storage tanks (USTs), voids, and preferential contaminant pathways without intrusive digging.

Urban Infrastructure Development

For projects in congested urban environments, where overlapping utilities and complex subsurface conditions prevail, high-speed arrays offer a non-disruptive, comprehensive method to model subsurface utilities prior to construction.

Other Specialized Applications

• Mining: Mapping tunnels, voids, and mineral seams

• Archaeology: Non-invasive surveys for buried structures

• Defense: Detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and subsurface threats

Technology Deployment: GPRS and the Raptor^® High-Speed 3D GPR

GPRS’ deployment of high speed GPR arrays represents a significant step forward in roadway and utility locating services.

Notable capabilities include:

• Zero Lane Closures Required: Survey vehicles operate at normal traffic speeds

• Nationwide Mobilization: SIM-certified Project Managers in every major U.S. market

• Data Deliverables: CAD files, PDFs, GIS-ready exports (KML, KMZ, shapefiles), and full access via SiteMap^® cloud portal are available depending on your needs

SiteMap^® (patent pending) provides 24/7 access to survey data through an interactive, layered map view, improving collaboration between project stakeholders.

The safety and efficiency benefits alone justify consideration of high-speed GPR arrays for large or critical projects.

Technical Limitations

While high-speed GPR arrays offer significant advantages, they are not without limitations:

• Soil Conductivity: High conductivity soils (e.g., clays, wet environments) can impact GPR signals.

• Obstructions: Metallic objects, reinforced concrete, and subsurface debris may cause data clutter.

• Depth Penetration: Higher frequency antennas (e.g., 800 MHz) provide greater resolution but shallower penetration, whereas lower frequency (e.g., 450 MHz) antennas penetrate deeper with reduced resolution.

We recently found abandoned tunnels at 11 ft. under a roadway using the high-speed array. You can learn more here.

What does a High-Speed 3D GPR Array Cost to Operate?

With the many benefits of high-speed 3D GPR scanning, you might wonder if it is cost-effective for a utility, municipality, or facilities manager to purchase one for their use.

The cost to purchase a high-speed 3D GPR array is approximately $160,000 per unit and does not include additional tools like tablets, or processing hardware/software.

You can rent a high-speed unit for about $1,500 per day with a $750 set up fee. However, the level of accuracy you will achieve rests on the abilities of highly trained specialists in ground penetrating radar, CAD design, data registration, and modeling to interpret the GPR findings and turn them into useable maps and models for project use.

Understanding these factors is critical for selecting the correct survey parameters and interpreting results.

GPRS provides tailored RFPs, RFQs, and quotes for customers throughout the U.S. To learn more about our pricing for high-speed GPR array services, click below.

Future Outlook

The adoption of high-speed 3D GPR is poised to increase dramatically. As more municipal agencies, departments of transportation, and private developers recognize the cost savings, risk mitigation, and safety improvements it offers, high-speed GPR arrays will likely become a new standard for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Emerging developments in antenna design, real-time data analytics, and AI-assisted interpretation promise to make high-speed GPR even more effective in the near future.

High-speed 3D GPR arrays represent a transformative advance in subsurface utility mapping, roadway condition assessment, and infrastructure project management. With the ability to safely, rapidly, and accurately collect vast amounts of subsurface data, they deliver tangible benefits for civil engineers, municipal managers, utility owners, and general contractors tasked with maintaining and expanding critical infrastructure.

By combining state-of-the-art hardware with rigorous methodology and professional expertise, GPRS is setting new standards for accuracy, safety, and efficiency in subsurface investigations.

For engineers and project managers facing the demands of complex roadway and right-of-way projects, high-speed 3D GPR arrays are not just an innovation—they are rapidly becoming an essential tool for success when it comes to Intelligently Visualizing The Built World^®.

What can we help you visualize?

What Are Some Architectural Project Examples?

Architects work on a wide variety of projects across all industries. Their expertise covers everything from designing commercial buildings and preserving historic landmarks to planning large-scale mixed-use developments.

Designs must balance aesthetics, functionality, safety, and sustainability. The goal is to create buildings that not only look appealing but also perform well with their local communities, comply with safety standards, and incorporate environmentally responsible materials and systems for long-term durability. This includes thoughtful space planning, attention to user experience, code compliance, energy efficiency, and adaptability to future needs.

The architectural project team includes engineers, contractors, and clients, who rely on accurate as-built data to avoid costly errors, rework, or delays, and ultimately focus on what they do best. The architect’s role begins at the conception stage of each project’s lifecycle. By creating design concepts based on detailed as-built drawings and 3D BIM models, they provide the technical foundation needed to guide construction and ensure precision at every stage of the project.

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Specific Types of Architectural Projects

Here are a few examples of the widely varied work architects may be called on to do:

1. Commercial Buildings

Office Buildings

‍Architects develop design plans for new, renovated, and office-to-residential conversion buildings – ranging from single-story structures to high-rise towers – with a focus on optimizing layout, enhancing energy efficiency, and meeting all regulatory requirements. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of office-to-residential conversions (adaptive reuse) has experienced significant growth due to remote work. Major metropolitan areas like New York City, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles are at the forefront of this movement, implementing a range of strategic initiatives and policy-driven programs to facilitate and accelerate these conversions.
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Retail Stores

When working on retail spaces – whether shopping centers, boutiques, or large malls – architects design layouts that attract customers, enhance the shopping experience, and reflect brand identity. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many retail businesses were forced to close and there was a large push for online shopping, led in part by technically savvy Gen Z-ers. In response to the accelerating evolution of retail demands, project teams are prioritizing flexible, open-plan layouts that support rapid adaptation. Webber Studio states that highly versatile spaces enable seamless transitions between functions, like shifts from traditional in-store shopping to curbside pickup, that can be reconfigured as market conditions and consumer behaviors continue to evolve. According to Miller Zell, Inc., current retail design trends are:

• Sustainable Design
• Technological Integration
• Multi-functional Spaces
• Personalization

Hospitality Projects

For hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, and bars, architects design spaces that are visually appealing, practical, and welcoming. They create layouts that improve guest comfort, support efficient staff operations, and comply with building and health codes. Contemporary hotel design, for example, is undergoing a strategic shift from compartmentalized, single-use configurations toward integrated, multifunctional spatial planning. Areas previously considered underutilized, which include oversized lobbies and redundant amenity zones, are now being reprogrammed to support diverse operational needs. Lobbies are evolving into multifunctional environments that accommodate food and beverage service, co-working, informal meetings, and social interaction. When it comes to working on hospitality projects, there can be a strict timeline, and project teams prefer to get accurate as-built documentation during the off-season.

GPRS was selected by Studio Troika to 3D laser scan the Gibbet Hill Grill restaurant. “Many buildings are unique and not as perfectly aligned as our drawings suggest. To address this, we selected GPRS to document the imperfections with point cloud scans, ensuring our clients receive results that minimize change orders and surprises during construction. We highly value the accuracy provided by these scans.” – Jordan Bradley, Associate Principal of Studio Troika
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Mixed-Use Developments

In mixed-use projects, architects create integrated designs that integrate residential, retail, and office functions within a single structure or development. They plan the spatial layout to balance privacy, convenience, and shared amenities, while ensuring that building systems, which include HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, serve each use effectively. Their designs must also meet the distinct code and zoning requirements for each space type, all while maintaining a cohesive architectural vision.

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2. Cultural and Civic Structures

Government Buildings

Architects plan and execute the new construction and renovation of civic structures such as city halls, courthouses, post offices, and federal and state government buildings. Government projects demand strict adherence to security protocols, public accessibility standards (ADA), safety requirements, and government sustainability goals. Typically, these buildings need funding for renovations, which often happen in phases. Project teams work with stakeholders and regulatory bodies to ensure the project meets functional, symbolic, and sustainability needs, using energy-efficient systems, durable materials, and historic preservation strategies when necessary.

• Hiring a professional service provider to conduct 3D laser scanning provides precise, detailed as-built documentation of existing buildings, helping project teams to plan upgrades, ensure code compliance, minimize construction risks, and streamline coordination across agencies and contractors.
• GPRS is extensively trained and equipped to coordinate within the operational parameters of government facilities, including adherence to access restrictions and designated timeframes.
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Museums and Art Galleries

Designing or renovating museums and galleries requires a deep understanding of both visitor experience and collection preservation. Architects address climate control systems, light exposure management, and circulation flow to protect artifacts while enhancing engagement. Technical responsibilities include integrating security systems, coordinating with curators and exhibit designers, and designing flexible gallery layouts to accommodate changing exhibitions. Many times, decorative work and elements must remain untouched. Acoustic control, material selection, and lighting design all play critical roles in both conservation and user experience.

• Capturing accurate data needs to be done in the off-hours to avoid disturbing visitors.
• Digital twin reduces physical site visits and streamlines renovation processes.

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“I think we've all done hand measuring, but we needed the level of detail that was provided in the point cloud. The laser scan really created the foundation of all our documentation that we were able to supplement and do targeted assessments at the Rough Point Museum.” - Nealia Morrison, Senior Associate at DBVW Architects

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Stadiums, Theatres, and Event Spaces

For stadiums, arenas, theatres, and performance venues, architects develop comprehensive designs that prioritize functionality, safety, and immersive experience. This can include designing seating capacity, layout, acoustics, sightlines, accessibility, and environmental considerations, to create a memorable experience for the athletes, performers, and audience. Coordination with structural and mechanical engineers is critical to achieving large-span roof systems and complex lighting rigs.

• Traditional documentation methods are difficult for stadiums, theatres, and event spaces because of their complex geometry, large scale, hard-to-reach areas, and intricate architectural details that are time-consuming and challenging to measure accurately by hand.
• Whether upgrading aging stadium infrastructure or integrating advanced technologies, precise building dimensions and accurate site data are essential for informed decision-making and successful project execution.
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Libraries

Architects design modern libraries to include quiet study areas, collaborative spaces, and community zones like computer labs and multipurpose rooms. They create flexible layouts, support advanced technology, and use sustainable features such as natural lighting and ventilation. Project teams also ensure the building meets safety codes and reflects the library’s role as both a learning space and a community center.

• A dense layout with many bookshelves can present challenges and more manual measuring.
• Design teams often leverage cutting-edge 3D laser scanning services to document interiors much faster to keep the project on schedule.
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Community Centers

Designing community centers involves creating versatile, multi-use spaces that support recreation, education, social services, and events. Architects focus on modular spatial design, energy-efficient systems, and durable finishes that withstand high public use. Project teams also help manage budgets and construction planning to make sure the center meets the needs of people of all ages.
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“We need a dedicated space for K-12 students to be in. We don’t want to interrupt them, and we need to continue doing our work and activities in the space.” – Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of AIA Philadelphia

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Religious Buildings

For churches, mosques, temples, and other houses of worship, architects ensure the space is inviting, functional, and reflects the church's ministry vision, while also managing the project's financial resources and timelines. Many of these structures are historic and lack original as-built documentation, presenting significant challenges for accurate planning.

For example, the First Parish Church built in 1836 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, standing 138 feet tall lacked original as-built drawings, making accurate documentation essential yet difficult to achieve with traditional methods. Without digital documentation delivered by GPRS, scaffolding and manual measurements would have been time-consuming and posed safety risks, adding complexity to the restoration process.

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3. Schools and Universities

Schools

Architects design and upgrade K-12 campuses, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as public and parochial institutions – with a focus on safety, adaptability, and student-centered environments. They create flexible classrooms, improve natural lighting, control acoustics, and ensure safe student circulation with separated vehicle and pedestrian zones.

• LLB Architects and Pragmaticam engaged GPRS for our expertise in architecture-grade 3D laser scanning and modeling to support the Dexter Southfield Preparatory School. Leveraging our precise documentation services allowed LLB to concentrate fully on design, architectural development, and planning while relying on accurate, high-resolution spatial data as the foundation for their work.
• Ever since our first engagement occurred with Existing Conditions/GPRS back in 2011, we've consistently found that involving their services early in the planning, analysis, and study phases adds a crucial level of resource efficiency and fluidity in project trajectory. This approach has been essential for meeting client timeframe expectations and ensuring accuracy for the entire project team, especially when a project moves into design and construction. – Neal Bijlani, Principal of Pragmaticam

Colleges and Universities

Architects lead the design of academic and student facilities in higher education, including classrooms, research labs, libraries, dining facilities, residence halls, and student unions. They focus on accessibility, sustainability, and long-term adaptability, aligning new buildings with campus growth strategies.

• Getting accurate measurements over the summer is crucial since there will be fewer students on campus.
• Many times, measurements are completed from each building based on priority level.

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4. Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals

Architects help design hospitals with specialized areas like operating rooms, emergency departments, and patient wards. Their work focuses on creating efficient, code-compliant layouts that support patient care, staff workflow, and infection control. They coordinate complex systems such as HVAC, medical gas, and backup power, all while meeting strict health codes like FGI Guidelines. Designs also consider accessibility, durable materials for hygiene, and construction phasing to minimize disruptions during renovations or expansions.

• As-built drawings support clash detection for new system installations.
• Accurate building measurements aid ongoing facilities management in these active environments.

Medical Offices and Clinics

For outpatient centers, doctor’s offices, and urgent care clinics, architects design layouts that improve patient flow, protect privacy, and support staff efficiency. They ensure the spaces meet ADA requirements, healthcare codes, and infection control standards – while remaining functional, safe, and welcoming for patients and staff.

Specialized Facilities

Architects plan and design specialized healthcare spaces such as labs, imaging centers, mental health clinics, addiction treatment facilities, and hospice facilities. Biophilic design is increasingly being integrated into the renovation of specialized facilities. Transforming an outdated building into a modern, patient-centered environment requires more than aesthetic upgrades, it demands a comprehensive approach to enhance functionality and performance. By incorporating advanced heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, the facility can achieve improved energy efficiency and superior indoor air quality. This design strategy not only supports the delivery of high-quality care and extensive services but also creates a more welcoming and therapeutic environment for occupants.

Nursing Homes and Senior Living Communities

In senior care settings, architects design environments that prioritize resident comfort, accessibility, and safety. Projects follow healthcare and residential care codes, incorporating features like nurse call systems, ADA-compliant layouts, and efficient HVAC and lighting. Designs often include social areas, private or semi-private rooms, and flexibility to adapt to changing care needs – all while supporting a home-like atmosphere.

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5. Industrial Projects

Facilities and Warehouses

Architects and engineers design manufacturing plants, warehouses, storage facilities, and distribution centers with efficient layouts that improve workflow, streamline production lines, and ensure employee safety. They plan for clear circulation paths, loading docks, equipment zones, and emergency egress while integrating lighting, ventilation, and fire safety systems to meet industrial code requirements.

• 3D laser scanning provides accurate, detailed as-built data that streamlines facility renovations by reducing measurement errors, improving design precision, and minimizing costly rework.

Data Centers

Designing a data center requires precise planning for cooling, power, and security. Architects create layouts that optimize server rack placement, airflow, and electrical distribution to prevent overheating and ensure 24/7 operation. They also incorporate structural reinforcements, backup power systems, and controlled access points to meet strict technical and security standards.

• Reliable 2D CAD drawings are crucial for asset management and space utilization.
• GPRS’ 3D laser scanning technology is safe for complex data centers and does not damage servers.

Energy Facilities

From power plants and water treatment plants to solar farms and refineries, architects support energy projects by designing scalable, safe, and durable facilities. They plan infrastructure for heavy equipment, energy storage systems, and utility access while allowing for future expansion. Their work ensures compliance with safety codes, environmental regulations, and operational needs across long facility lifespans.

• In this example, our client initiated a comprehensive mechanical rehabilitation of the water treatment plant pump station and selected GPRS to perform 3D laser scanning and develop a detailed Building Information Model (BIM) to accelerate project design and execution. Advanced, custom-built Revit families were developed with selective visibility to accurately represent the facility’s complex features, allowing the client to isolate and analyze specific systems throughout the design process.

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6. Renovation and Restoration

Historic Preservation

Preserving historic buildings is important in rural and urban areas. Architects restore and adapt historic buildings by carefully preserving their unique architectural features. They also integrate modern systems to meet safety codes, accessibility requirements, and energy efficiency standards, ensuring that the building remains functional while honoring its historical value. Historic buildings often have decades of corrosion and façade damage.

• 3D mesh models are a great option for restoring historic buildings.
• Accurate data can be communicated to a 3D printing firm to replicate historical details.

“The extensive data that GPRS gathered allowed us to collaboratively create a highly accurate digital model of the Little Building façade circa 1917, which was no easy task given the complexity of the highly ornate neo-gothic architecture. The ability to communicate the model data directly to the fabricator enabled us to have complete control over the outcome of the replicated façade elements." – Ross Cameron, Vice President of Elkus Manfredi Architects

Adaptive Reuse

For adaptive reuse projects, architects transform old structures like warehouses or churches into modern spaces like offices or apartments. They assess the existing building’s structure and systems to ensure they can support the new function, complying with current building codes and safety regulations. Architects develop strategies to maintain the building’s historic or architectural value while integrating modern infrastructure like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. They also address energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety, managing the permitting process to create a sustainable, cost-effective solution.

• 3D laser scanning captures precise existing conditions, helping architects design adaptive reuse projects that fit within complex, aging structures while minimizing surprises and costly modifications.

Building Upgrades

Architects upgrade existing buildings by improving their façades, structural layouts, and MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) to meet modern codes and enhance energy efficiency. These updates help bring older buildings into compliance with the latest standards, ensuring they are safe, functional, and modern. The benefits of having MEP/FP documentation are:

• Exact layout and dimensions
• Saves time and reduces rework
• System integration and sequencing
• Plan for future maintenance

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7. Urban Design and Planning

Master Planning

Master planning involves organizing land use and designing the layout of entire neighborhoods, cities, districts, campuses, and more. Architects help transform visions into reality by creating functional, aesthetic spaces that serve the community’s needs and comply with local regulations. This includes planning for everything from housing and parks to roads and utilities, ensuring that all elements work together to create a cohesive, sustainable environment.

• When conducting a master plan for an entire campus, for example, it can be time-consuming to measure the site using manual methods or basic tools.
• Utilizing a professional service provider to deliver accurate BIM models is crucial because they are accessible on the server and can be exported into the facility’s existing database management system.

“I am happy to say that GPRS’ 3D laser scans and as-built data have been at the center of our planning and efforts for the next decade of investment. The data helps us make informed decisions based on a more comprehensive understanding of our assets." – Keenan Chenail, Project Manager, Williams College

Transportation Design

Architects design transportation hubs like airports, train stations, and bus terminals with a focus on efficiency, user experience, and safety. They plan layouts that optimize passenger flow, integrate essential systems (like check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage handling), and ensure that the space meets transportation codes. Project teams also consider accessibility, future expansion, and technological integration to enhance security and sustainability. They address complex building systems like HVAC, lighting, and noise control, ensuring that the environment is comfortable and functional for both travelers and staff.
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8. Residential Projects

Single-Family Homes

Architects play a crucial role in designing custom homes or home renovations that reflect the client’s personal style, spatial needs, and long-term lifestyle goals. They develop schematic designs and construction documents that define the structure’s layout, materials, and systems. Sometimes, there are strict rules and regulations depending on the neighborhood. For example, if the home is situated in a historic area, there needs to be prior approval before renovation begins.

GPRS collaborated with Emeritus to 3D laser scan the interior and exterior of the historic Monomoy Road Residence on Nantucket Island.

“When GPRS explained how their process worked, it seemed incredibly appealing to me because it is one less task our staff has to worry about. Their accurate data is a great reference for the model without having to go on-site. Not only is it a time-saver, but it also allows staff members to focus on design, project management, and client communications.” – Matthew MacEachern, Principal, and Founder of Emeritus

Multi-Family Housing

For apartments, condominiums, duplexes, and townhouses, architects are essential in creating multi-unit building layouts that balance density with livability. They address vertical and horizontal circulation, acoustic privacy between units, fire-rated separations, and shared amenities. Design teams work closely with civil, MEP, and structural engineers to coordinate core systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, elevators) that serve multiple occupants efficiently. They also manage zoning constraints, such as floor area ratio (FAR) and open space requirements. Sustainable strategies, such as passive design, stormwater management, and high-performance façades, are often integrated to meet green building certifications (e.g., LEED, ENERGY STAR).

Luxury Residences

Designing luxury villas, estates, or penthouses involves a heightened level of detail, innovation, and customization. Architects oversee custom design elements such as wine cellars, home theaters, spa facilities, and custom millwork. They coordinate with interior designers, landscape architects, and smart home consultants to deliver cohesive, high-end living environments. Technical responsibilities include designing structural spans that allow open-concept layouts, incorporating automated building systems (lighting, security, HVAC), and specifying premium finishes.

Affordable Housing

According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the U.S. faces a severe affordable housing shortage, with no state or metro area where a full-time minimum wage worker can afford a standard two-bedroom rental, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. From 2019 to 2023, rents rose by 30.4% while wages grew only 20.2%, leaving tens of millions of households cost-burdened, as reported by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies and data from Zillow and StreetEasy. Architects develop cost-efficient, sustainable designs for low-income housing, public housing, subsidized housing, manufactured housing, and community housing initiatives. They utilize modular construction, standardized components, and value engineering techniques to reduce construction time and cost without compromising quality. Floor plans are designed for maximum space efficiency, incorporating shared amenities and adaptable living spaces. They also navigate funding requirements, public design review processes, and HUD/FHA design guidelines. Emphasis is placed on durability, low-maintenance materials, and energy-efficient systems to reduce long-term operating costs for residents. Many designs also pursue green building certifications, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility.

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How Can GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services Aid Architectural Projects?

Architectural design requires a high level of detail and accuracy to prevent costly errors, rework, or delays. GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services deliver precise, comprehensive as-built documentation of buildings and sites – far beyond the capabilities of traditional methods. From walls and windows to HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and structural elements, all visible components are captured with millimeter accuracy.

This technology supports every phase of the architectural process, including site analysis, design modeling, construction verification, and final as-built validation. GPRS' experienced team specializes in architectural scanning and model development, providing reliable point cloud data that reduces the need for repeated site visits and accelerates project timelines.

By integrating 3D laser scanning into their workflows, architects gain accurate, real-world data to inform design decisions, improve coordination, and eliminate guesswork – resulting in better outcomes for both new construction and renovations.

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What are the Benefits of 3D Laser Scanning for Architectural Projects?

3D laser scanning offers several valuable benefits for architects, helping streamline design processes and improve project accuracy.

• Captures the exact dimensions and geometry of existing buildings quickly and accurately
• Saves time and money to allow architects to focus on their designs
• Provides highly detailed 3D Revit models, 2D CAD drawings, and point clouds, streamlining the design process and enhancing project efficiency
• Enables architects to visualize spaces, assess design fit, and identify potential challenges
• Delivers precise architectural, mechanical, and electrical designs for accurate renovations
• Reduces the risk of design errors due to outdated or inaccurate plans
• Facilitates collaboration with engineers and contractors using the same reliable data via virtual site visit platforms like WalkThru3D, TruViews, and SiteMap^®
• Minimizes rework, change orders, and construction delays by ensuring accuracy
• Offers detailed, verifiable models that support planning submissions and permit approvals
• Supports building maintenance and future renovations with a valuable digital twin reference

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What Customized Deliverables Can Be Created for Architectural Projects?

For effective project planning, GPRS can provide the following as-built information to an architect:

• Point Cloud Data or Raw Scan Data
• 2D CAD Drawings – Site plans, floor plans, sections, elevations
• 3D BIM Models – For visualization, clash detection, and coordination in BIM environments
• 3D BIM MEP Systems – Existing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure, including HVAC layout, electrical panels, piping, and fixtures
• 2D CAD Floor Plans – Dimensions and layout of walls, doors, windows, and openings
• 2D CAD Elevations and Sections – Vertical relationships, building heights, façade details, and materials
• 2D CAD Structural Details – Location and dimensions of beams, columns, foundations, and load-bearing elements
• 2D CAD Roof Plans – Slope, drainage, mechanical equipment placement, and structural elements
• 2D CAD Ceiling Plans – Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs) showing ceiling height, lighting, HVAC diffusers, and soffits
• Site Conditions – Topography, landscaping, utilities, property lines, and access points
• 3D Photogrammetry – Visual reference of interior and exterior conditions
• TruViews, WalkThru3D, or SiteMap

GPRS data and deliverables ensures architects can design accurately, avoid surprises, and align the new design with existing conditions.

Learn more about GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Deliverables.

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What Modeling Software Can Be Used for Architectural Projects?

• Autodesk Recap
• Autodesk Revit
• Autodesk 3DS Max
• Autodesk Navisworks
• Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
• AutoCAD Map 3D
• Bentley MicroStation
• Bentley Descartes V8i
• ClearEdge 3D Edgewise
• PointSense Kubit
• Leica Cyclone

Learn more about GPRS Modeling Software.

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With GPRS, clients can rest assured that our rigorously trained Project Managers use state-of-the-art technology to deliver the most accurate information. GPRS leads the industry – providing outstanding service – to keep your projects on time and reduce risk.

GPRS has an unmatched nationwide service network making it easy to find an expert Project Manager in your area. Please contact your local GPRS Project Manager for information, pricing, and scheduling needs.

To request a quote from GPRS contact us here.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the theory of adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse in architecture is a sustainable design strategy that involves repurposing existing buildings for new functions, while retaining their historical, cultural, or architectural significance. This strategy promotes the conservation of resources, reduction of waste, and preservation of cultural heritage.

What is a Point Cloud?

A point cloud is the digital dataset captured with a 3D laser scanner. A laser scanner is equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which scans an object or environment by bouncing laser beams off surfaces to record a 3D digital representation of the space. Each point, containing X, Y, and Z coordinates along with additional data such as color, intensity, or classification, is plotted within a three-dimensional coordinate system.

What is Scan-to-BIM Used For?

Scan-to-BIM is a process that uses 3D laser scanning to create a building information model of a building or site. BIM models provide a comprehensive view of a building that can be used throughout its lifecycle – during the design phase, construction phase, and operation phase of the building. The BIM model can be used during the design and planning stages of a project from design changes to material selection, and cost estimation. During the construction phase, the model can be used to coordinate and manage different trades and ensure the building is constructed according to the design intent. During the operation phase, the model can be used to manage maintenance and repairs, track the performance of the building, and plan for future improvements.

How is CAD different from BIM?

CAD is technology and software designed to produce precise technical drawings —replacing manual hand-drawn and drafting techniques with a digital process. 2D CAD drawings are used in many fields, including architecture and engineering, to create accurate and efficient representations of sites.

BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a process of visualizing a digital representation of a physical asset via the 3D model and includes richer levels of data, including information on materials and equipment. Architects, engineers, and construction managers can track and monitor a building through its entire lifecycle, from initial design to construction, operations, and maintenance. Project teams can collaborate, share information, and monitor project costs using BIM.

GPRS provided accurate utility locating and mapping services to help a contractor stay on time, on budget, and safe while installing water lines throughout a 150-acre community college.

GPRS Project Manager James Turrentine was contacted by Arizona Pipeline Co., which was installing the water lines across Gavilan College in Gilroy, California.

A Brief History of Gavilan College

The school was originally established in 1919 as San Benito County Junior College, with instruction offered at Hollister High School. It operated under this name until 1963, when a new community college district was drawn that included both San Benito and southern Santa Clara Counties. A local bond passed in 1966 which provided the funds necessary to construct the college’s current campus at Santa Teresa Boulevard in Gilroy.

Like many historic campuses across the country, Gavilan had no accurate existing as-builts to provide to Arizona Pipeline as the latter was preparing to trench to install the new water lines.

How GPRS Located the Water Line and Other Utilities

Arizona first contacted GPRS to locate a single existing water line on the campus.

GPRS provides precision utility locating services utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating. GPR scanners emit radio waves into a surface or underground, then detect the interactions between the signals and any buried objects such as conduit, pipelines, or underground storage tanks (USTs). These interactions are displayed as a series of hyperbolas on a GPR readout, and GPRS Project Managers interpret this data to provide accurate location and depth data for these obstructions.

EM locators detect the electromagnetic signals radiating from metallic buried utilities, and as such are a perfect complement to GPR scanning.  These signals can be created by the locator’s transmitter applying current to the pipe, or from current flow in a live electrical cable. They can also result from a conductive pipe acting as an antenna and re-radiating signals from stray electrical fields (detected by the EM locator functioning in Power Mode) and communications transmissions (Radio Mode).

Signals are created by the current flowing from the transmitter which travels along the conductor (line/cable/pipe) and back to the transmitter. The current typically uses a ground to complete the current. A ground stake is used to complete the circuit through the ground.

By utilizing both GPR scanning and EM locating, Turrentine was able to locate the buried water line for Arizona Pipeline. Not only did he mark out the location of the utility on the ground using flags and paint, but he also uploaded this data into SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ intuitive, interactive utility mapping software application.

Securely accessible 24/7 from any computer, tablet or smartphone, SiteMap is the single source of truth a facility manager or general contractor needs to ensure their team can plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better. It eliminates the mistakes caused by inaccurate/incomplete as-built documents and replaces them with the peace of mind that comes with knowing where all buried utilities are located – and therefore knowing where you can and can’t safely dig.

How a Water Line Locate Became a Full Site Utility Survey

When Turrentine showed his site contract with Arizona Pipeline the utility locating data he obtained and uploaded into SiteMap, the contact was so impressed that he asked GPRS to locate and map all the buried infrastructure across Gavilan College’s entire campus.

“[Turrentine] showed them in SiteMap their scope of work that they called us out there to do,” said GPRS Area Manager Jake Wright. “And [the client] said ‘Oh wow, we actually have hundreds of [utility] trenches we need to do. Could we do the whole campus like that?’ And Turrentine said ‘Yeah, totally.’”

While every GPRS customer receives complimentary SiteMap Personal access to view the data we collect for them, the platform can be tailored to meet your individual needs. Arizona Pipeline received SiteMap Project access so that their entire team would have access to the accurate, field-verified data collected on-site by Turrentine throughout their project’s lifecycle.

From college campuses to skyscrapers, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What informational output do I receive when I hire GPRS to conduct a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. And all this accurate-field-verified data is uploaded into SiteMap®, so you and your team have secure, 24/7 access.

GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can ground penetrating radar find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

A $66-million road project near Reno, Nevada hit a major speedbump when it was discovered that a high-pressure water line ran right through the project area.

Watsonville, California-based Granite Construction is the general contractor on the first phase of the six-phase Pyramid Highway Project, which is rebuilding and widening about 2.5 miles of the arterial road that serves 50,000 vehicles daily.  

Expected to be completed this summer, this project will see much of the road expand from four to six lanes, along with the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks curbs, gutters, a 10-ft shared-use path on one side of the road, smart traffic signals, sound walls, enhanced lighting, landscaping, and improved drainage infrastructure.

“These upgrades are designed to improve traffic flow, safety and accessibility for all users,” Nanette Maxwell, senior project manager for NDOT, the lead agency on the project, told Engineering News-Record. “This project will not only reduce traffic congestion and travel times, but it will also generate significant crash-cost savings for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians” because the improvements are expected to reduce accidents.

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According to ENR, the local water utility notified the construction team about the previously unidentified water line running through the project area. The line serves the nearby community of Spanish Springs, and the water utility told the construction team that it needed to be at least 2 ft below ground.

A subsequent review of subsurface utility exploration data revealed a small section of the pipe would have less than 2 ft of cover.

Revealing too much of the high-pressure line risked compromising its integrity, and shutting off the water was not feasible. To mitigate the risk, crews advanced in 50-foot sections, excavating and clearing surface material down to the subgrade. The exposed area was then graded and compacted. A temporary gravel layer was placed over the pipe for protection, which will later be replaced with an aggregate base during final roadway construction.

“Meetings were held between NDOT, Granite and the local water authority to develop a work plan allowing the contractor to continue working,” Aaron Lobato, roadway design project coordinator at NDOT, told ENR.

Amanda Callegari, commission engineering manager, told the publication that the collaborative elements of the project – including the real-time multiagency cooperation necessary to overcome the water line problem – show how important Pyramid Highway is to Reno’s present and future. The highway – designated State Route 445 – is an important commuter route for the area’s growing population, with more than 90% of the 40,000 people who live within two miles of the project working outside the area.  

“This project holds regional significance and will provide meaningful benefits to the growing community,” Callegari said. “To ensure its successful delivery, the [commission] and NDOT have joined forces to implement these vital improvements.”

How Accurate Utility Locating Protects Your Infrastructure Projects

Whether it’s a high-pressure water line, an electrical conduit, or a gas main, striking a buried utility while excavating can have costly consequences.

Subsurface damage endangers the lives of your workers and residents of the surrounding community. And the downtime and cost of repairing the damage can decimate your schedule and budget.

Calling your local 811 center should be your first step whenever you’re planning an excavation. Federal law requires you contact 811 to receive the approximate location of all registered utilities within your project area prior to breaking ground. Registered utilities can consist of both private and public lines, but it’s important to remember that not all utilities are registered with 811.

GPRS’ professional utility locating services compliment your 811 locate by providing you with accurate and complete data about the buried infrastructure on your job site. Utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, and other non-destructive subsurface investigation technologies, we identify where you can and can’t safely dig.

All this data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ interactive utility mapping software application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

Securely accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone, SiteMap enables seamless communication between you and your project team. You’ll be able to plan, design, manage, dig, and ultimately build better.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I get when I hire GPRS to conduct a utility locate?

Our Project Managers flag and paint our findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

GPRS also uses a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor.  

Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user.  

More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

A survey conducted by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) found that 46% of Americans plan to dig without contacting 811.

Released in observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, the CGA’s national survey found that 68% of Americans plan to tackle a do-it-yourself project involving digging within the next year, but 27.2 million of them will not contact 811 before digging.

Not only is this illegal – homeowners and contractors alike are required by law to contact their local 811 before breaking ground on any size of excavation project – it's also dangerous. Digging without knowing what’s below risks damaging buried utilities, disrupting service to nearby residences and businesses and endangering anyone in the vicinity of the excavation.

"Our survey found that 46% of Americans don't plan to notify 811 before digging, with most believing their project is too shallow to merit an 811 request,” said CGA President and CEO Sarah K. Magruder Lyle. “This misconception puts homeowners and their neighbors at risk of injury and utility service interruptions. The reality is that utility lines can be buried just inches below the surface, which is why everyone must contact 811 before every digging project—whether it's installing a patio or major construction."

To keep homeowners, families and communities safe, a few days before breaking ground, make a free request to have the approximate location of underground lines marked with flags or paint by calling 811 or visiting www.811beforeyoudig.com. This National Safe Digging Month, and all year long, take the following steps when planning a digging project:

• Always contact 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with the property
• Plan ahead. Make a free 811 request on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked
• Confirm that all lines have been marked
• Consider moving the location of the project if it is near utility line markings
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has contacted 811. Don't allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked

Everyone who contacts 811 a few days before digging is connected to a local 811 center that collects the information and communicates it to local utility companies. Professional locators will then visit the dig site to mark the approximate location of underground utility lines with spray paint, flags or both. Once a site has been accurately marked, it is safe to begin digging around the marked areas.

How GPRS Complements Your 811 Locate

While you should always contact your local 811 One Call Center prior to digging, you should also hire a professional private utility locating company to locate and map all buried utilities in your intended dig area before you put a shovel or bucket in the ground.

GPRS is the nation’s largest professional private utility locating company. We’ve achieved and maintain a 99.8%+ accuracy rate when locating buried utilities, allowing us to compliment 811 services and the tools that support them.  

Utilizing ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners and electromagnetic (EM) locators, our SIM-certified Project Managers collect the accurate, complete data you need to stay on time, on budget, and safe. And this information is always at you and your team’s fingertips thanks to SiteMap^®, our facility & project management application that provides existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

What can we help you visualize?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of informational output is provided when GPRS conducts a utility locate?

GPRS Project Managers flag and paint their findings directly on the surface. This method of communication is the most accurate form of marking when excavation is expected to commence within a few days of service.

We also use a global positioning system (GPS) to collect data points of findings. We use this data to generate a plan, KMZ file, satellite overlay, or CAD file to permanently preserve results for future use. GPRS does not provide land surveying services. If you need land surveying services, please contact a professional land surveyor. Please contact us to discuss the pricing and marking options your project may require.

Can GPRS locate PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Can GPR be used to verify known measurements?

We can use GPR to cross-check the measured depth and location of a located utility with existing as-built plans to verify the accuracy of plans.

Late one evening, GPRS Project Manager Thomas Judge received a message from Kristopher Nickerson, a Senior Project Manager for Skanska. Judge had worked Skanska often, but he wasn’t expecting to hear about a job so late in the afternoon.

Nickerson had reached out asking for some help locating electrical lines for a charity in South Florida called the Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center. Bit-By-Bit is a charity that provides healing with the help of horses to special needs children and veterans. The accredited riding center provides speech, occupational, and physical therapies, while also aspiring to empower everyone they serve and transform their lives.

When their initial local utility locator had to bow out, the charity needed a back-up and they needed it immediately. Nickerson also made sure to inform Judge that Skanska was working free of charge for the charity, so Judge would be donating his time.

Judge didn’t hesitate to agree to the job and called fellow GPRS Project Manager Cameron Church, who also agreed to help.

“It was the night before when he sent out that message and I said, ‘Yeah, I'm clear,’” Church said. “Tomorrow, throw it on me first thing in the morning and let's get this done for them.”

Church, who is a veteran of the United States Air Force, was even more honored to be able to help once he learned the charity does work with veterans.

“Being a veteran of the Air Force myself, I knew this was a chance to give back,” Church said. “Let’s do it.”

The next morning, Judge and Church arrived at Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center. Upon their arrival, they performed a site walk to analyze the area while also having the opportunity to check out the majestic horses that have helped countless people in need. The job was simple: all they had to do was locate underground electrical lines so an area of the barn could be converted into an office space. However, there were some factors that made this job more interesting and potentially difficult.

“The whole area between that barn and where the utility pole was located at, where the power was coming off, that was all sand,” Church explained.

The vast majority of where Judge and Church would be scanning was in a sanded area that served as a corral and exercise space for the horses. GPRS Project Managers are trained to mark underground utilities with spray paint or flags that symbolize different utilities depending on the color. Marking the lines was going to be difficult as the markings could be easily altered by the horses and volunteers walking around the sanded areas.

Despite any challenges Judge and Church would have faced, their extensive training and experience allowed them to find the right solutions.

“It's sand. So with the horses riding around here, how do you want this marked?” Church pondered. “I can paint this, and I can flag it, but it's not going to take long for the marks to be completely gone. So then, they just reassured me that they would do what they could to make sure that the marks were going to stay there, and we took plenty of pictures before I left that day.”

GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers utilize Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic (EM) locators to achieve 99.8% accurate utility scans and lower the risk of utility strikes at all stages of the project life cycle. Once the utilities are located, every GPRS customer receives their digitalized utility locates via SiteMap®, GPRS’ secure infrastructure and facility management software application.  

After Church and Judge documented and marked their findings, they presented them to Bit-By-Bit who had a different idea of where these lines were located.

“We traced out the electric and it ended up being on the opposite end of their field from where they thought it was,” Church explained. “They knew it came off the [utility] pole and they knew it crossed over, but they thought it crossed over on the east side and it actually crossed over on the west. So, they were a little surprised by that.”

Without GPRS’ help, who knows how much time and resources would have been wasted looking in the wrong place for an electrical line?

Upon the completion of the utility scan and data delivery, Bit-By-Bit and Skanska were both appreciative of the time and effort both Judge and Church donated.

“I just know that Phil Nickerson could not have been more thankful that we were able to come through for them,” Judge said.

Judge and Church were both honored to have helped out a charity that does such great work and were able to come through for a long time partner.

“Thank you to Skanska for allowing us to be a small part of the project and Bit-By-Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center for the amazing work they are doing,” Judge said.

Small acts can have big impacts, and whether we’re scanning an underground electrical line or an entire skyscraper, GPRS’ industry-leading 99.8% accurate utility scans help you Intelligently Visualize The Built World® by showing you what you need to see.

What can we help you visualize?

The State of California had more than 3,000 miles of “middle mile” broadband network under construction and expansion at the end of 2024, according to a press release issued by the office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

This publicly funded, owned and open-access network is set to be the nation’s largest, and will connect millions of Californians to high-speed internet, the release states.

“We are building the nation’s largest open-access broadband network of its kind to ensure all Californians have access to reliable, high-speed internet,” Newsom said. “Our historic investments not only set California on track to thrive in the digital world, it provides the foundation for our economy and our workers to flourish.”

What is Middle Mile Broadband?

As demand for reliable, high-speed internet grows, attention has increasingly shifted toward the infrastructure that makes connectivity possible—particularly in rural and underserved communities.

While “last mile” service is often the focus of public awareness and policy, the lesser known “middle mile” is just as essential. Without it, last mile connections cannot function.

In the architecture of internet infrastructure, the term “middle mile” refers to the segment that connects a local network—such as a community, neighborhood, or local Internet Service Provider (ISP)—to the broader internet backbone. It bridges the gap between high-capacity, long-haul transmission lines and the localized distribution networks that reach homes and businesses (the "last mile").

Middle mile infrastructure typically includes:

• Fiber-optic cables
• Microwave or fixed wireless links
• Regional data centers or network hubs
• Aggregation points for multiple local networks

In practical terms, imagine a rural town where a small ISP serves residents and local businesses. The ISP might have its own last mile infrastructure—wires and routers that deliver internet directly to users—but without a robust middle mile connection to a larger urban hub or data center, that service will be slow, unstable, or prohibitively expensive.

In late 2024, the California Department of Technology (CDT) sealed two more joint-build agreements with the Karuk Tribe in the northern part of the state and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments in the southern part of the state. These joint-build partnerships pave the way for 46 miles across county and tribal lands and a 73-mile stretch of network in southeast Los Angeles County, connecting 26 cities, many of them historically underserved communities.

“We are entering into an era of co-management where work together with our state partners to manage these lands which requires an adaptive process,” said Karuk Tribe Chairman Russell Attebery. “The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative is an integral part of that process. Broadband is not just public safety and education, but also a life-changing instrument and we are partnering with the state to ensure that the next generations of the Karuk people can survive and have a better quality of life.”

“Low-income communities are behind technologically – and business as usual has left communities in several areas of California with a digital divide,” added Vilma Cuellar-Stallings, Board President Gateway Cities Council of Governments and Paramount City Councilwoman. “We are grateful that the California Department of Technology worked with the cities in Southeast Los Angeles County to narrow our digital divide and that of communities like ours, bringing high-speed fiber optic access to underserved Californians.”

California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative is designed to ensure that the state’s residents have a resilient, open-access broadband network with high-speed internet. In addition to the 3,000 miles of middle-mile construction that is ongoing, other program highlights include:

• 10 Tribal joint-build partnerships and engagements
• All 58 counties reached
• 7,233 miles in lease/purchase partnership
• 4,000 miles under construction by Spring 2025

“We are building critical broadband infrastructure across the state to ensure a California where everyone has reliable access to the internet,” said California State Chief Information Officer and CDT Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins. “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and our state and local partners working with us to close the digital divide.”

How the Internet Is Structured: Backbone, Middle Mile, Last Mile

To understand where middle mile fits, it’s helpful to consider the three-tier structure of internet connectivity:

1. Backbone – The internet’s global core, composed of ultra-high-capacity fiber optic networks that span continents and oceans. These are operated by large network providers and connect major cities, countries, and continents.
2. Middle Mile – The regional link that connects local ISPs, anchor institutions (like schools and hospitals), and government networks to backbone infrastructure. It includes regional transport networks and routing facilities.
3. Last Mile – The final connection to individual end users—homes, schools, libraries, and businesses. This is often where consumer-facing ISPs operate, delivering broadband via cable, DSL, fiber, or wireless.

All three segments must work together to deliver high-speed, reliable internet. Weakness in any one part limits the entire system.

Why the Middle Mile Matters

The middle mile is often a hidden barrier to broadband expansion. While many funding and development programs focus on subsidizing last mile access, local providers still need affordable, high-capacity middle mile connections to deliver competitive service. This becomes especially problematic in remote or rural areas, where middle mile infrastructure is limited or nonexistent.

Key reasons why the middle mile matters:

• Cost Efficiency: If ISPs don’t have access to open and affordable middle mile networks, they may be forced to lease capacity from private carriers at high rates—costs that are passed on to consumers.
• Network Performance: Congested or outdated middle mile networks limit bandwidth and cause latency, reducing the overall quality of service even if the last mile infrastructure is modern.
• Scalability: Robust middle mile networks allow communities to add more users and services—such as public Wi-Fi, smart grid applications, or remote learning—without overloading the system.
• Redundancy and Resilience: Middle mile investments support redundant routes, improving service uptime and disaster recovery in the event of outages.

Challenges to Implementation

While middle mile development is gaining momentum, challenges remain:

• High Capital Costs: Fiber builds, especially over long distances, are expensive and time-consuming.
• Geographic Barriers: Terrain and rights-of-way issues complicate deployment in mountainous or rural areas.
• Permitting and Coordination: Infrastructure projects often require coordination across jurisdictions and utility owners, slowing progress.

For middle-mile broadband infrastructure to truly benefit the communities in which it’s being installed, it first must be installed safely and without damaging existing buried infrastructure.

GPRS safeguards existing and new infrastructure through our subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and facility & project management services.

Our utility locating services utilize ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic (EM) locating, remote-controlled sewer pipe inspection crawlers and push-fed sewer scopes to locate and map buried infrastructure in your project area so you can avoid it when microtrenching or directional drilling. This ensures you avoid costly and dangerous subsurface damage, including cross bores.

SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ infrastructure mapping software application, stores all this accurate, field-verified data in one secure, yet easily accessible platform. You’ll be able to view and share this information with your project team from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can GPRS find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our elite VPI Project Managers have the capabilities to inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

GPRS safety partners Gilbane and Turner Construction recently topped out the Buffalo Bills’ $2.1 billion New Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.

The milestone marks the halfway point of the joint venture project that broke ground twenty months ago and is expected to be completed prior to the 2026 NFL season, according to a press release issued by New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s office.

“Today marks a major milestone for the future home of the Buffalo Bills and one of the largest construction projects ever in Western New York,” Hochul said. “This world-class stadium would not be possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to cheering along with them at the first Bills game being played here in the 2026 season.”

Hochul and other politicians were joined by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, project stakeholders, hundreds of union workers, and more than 1,400 guests at the topping out ceremony, during which the final structural steel beam was placed in the Bills’ future, 60,000-seat home. Kansas City, Missouri-based architecture firm Populous designed the stadium which is right next to the team’s existing facility.

According to the press release, in addition to structural steel work, project teams have removed 742,000 cubic yards of dirt and installed over 46,000 cubic yards of foundation concrete in addition to placing miles of piping. As many as 1,500 workers will be on site at peak construction.

Construction will now turn to the interior of the building as well as on the roof. The Gilbane/Turner joint venture is currently constructing a 360-degree canopy structure at the stadium’s uppermost level, which will extend to a height of 116 feet above grade. At the same time, the team is setting precast components that will shape the building’s exoskeleton, ahead of installing the exterior envelope this spring — which will include precast architectural panels, perforated metal, and glass elements.

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Once complete, New Highmark Stadium will also include:

• Heated concourses and seating in several areas
• The world’s largest snow melt system, which will utilize roof sensors to monitor and liquefy snow piles
• Two video boards and an acoustic system
• A mix of concessions, kitchens and retail stores

“We’re incredibly proud to reach this major milestone in the construction of the new Highmark Stadium,” said Gilbane Principal-in-Charge John LaRow. “This achievement is testament to the hard work of our skilled trade partners who have worked over 1.8 million hours to date building this state-of-the-art facility. Thanks to the incredible collaboration with the Buffalo Bills, the Gilbane | Turner team, Populous, Legends and the support of the State of New York and Erie County, this stadium will serve as a proud beacon for the region and showcase the very best in professional sports venues.”

Gilbane/Turner Program Director Joe Byrne said the topping out milestone “marks more than the structural progress of a stadium.”

“It reflects the spirit and strength of the Buffalo community,” Byrne said. “We are deeply grateful to the Buffalo Bills, our dedicated staff and trade partners and the thousands of union tradespeople – so many of whom call this region home – whose skill and commitment are bringing this landmark project to life. It is profoundly meaningful that members of the community are helping to build a venue that will serve as a source of pride and celebration for generations to come.”

“This topping out milestone at New Highmark Stadium stands as a testament to the positive impacts development done under project labor agreements and with prevailing wage measures can have on our local communities and collective state economy,” added New York State Building and Construction Trades Council President, Gary LaBarbera. “The construction of this new home for The Buffalo Bills is generating thousands of family-sustaining careers, adding economic stimulus to our neighborhood, and providing hard-working people in the Western New York region accessible pathways to the middle class. We thank Governor Hochul for her efforts in pushing this project forward and look forward to continuing our role in creating a world-class venue for Buffalo football fans and players alike.”

Whether you’re building a 60,000-seat football stadium or renovating an office building, GPRS supports your construction projects through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services. We offer precision concrete scanning and utility locating, pinpoint-accurate leak detection, NASSCO-certified sewer line inspections, 2-4mm accurate 3D laser scanning, and in-house mapping & modeling tailored to your project’s specific needs.

All this accurate, actionable data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to help keep you on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need to mark out the utilities that GPRS locates?

GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

What is the difference between a design intent and as-built model?

‍DESIGN INTENT – deliverables will be shown as a "best fit" to the point cloud working within customary standards, such as walls being modeled 90 degrees perpendicular to the floor, pipes and conduit modeled straight, floors and ceilings modeled horizontal, and steel members modeled straight. This will produce cleaner 2D drawings and will allow for easier dimensioning of the scan area. The deliverables will not exactly follow the scan data to maintain design intent standards. Most clients will want this option for their deliverables.

AS-BUILTS – deliverables will be shown as close as possible to actual field capture. If walls are out of plumb, pipes and conduit show sag, floors and ceilings are unlevel, steel members show camber, etc., this will be reflected in the model. This will produce reality-capture deliverables, but 2D drawings may show “crooked” or out of plumb lines, floors will be sloped or contoured, steel members may show camber, twisting or impact damage. Dimensioning will not be as easy due being out of plumbness/levelness, etc. This option should be used when the exact conditions of the scan area is imperative. Clients using the data for fabrication, forensic analysis, bolt hole patterns, camber/sag/deformation analysis, and similar needs would require this option.

GPRS’ industry-leading 99.8% accurate concrete scans helped contractors in California drill with confidence and keep their project moving forward without the risk of delays or injuries.

Shaw & Sons Concrete Contractors were part of the team converting an existing building into an apartment complex in Los Angeles, California. Part of the project included installing walls by anchoring dowels, long, cylindrical steel rods used to bind concrete slabs and secure structures. The contractors knew where they would likely be cutting and coring the concrete, but didn’t know what infrastructure lay beneath it.

A team of GPRS Project Managers was able to arrive on site a full day ahead of schedule to provide our 99.8% accurate concrete imaging services and give Shaw & Sons the peace of mind they needed to pierce the concrete safely.

GPRS empowers our Project Managers to properly assess the scope of work before they begin scanning. For our team to understand the project’s needs, Project Managers and our customers assess the job scope with both pre- and post-job site walks. Doing so also allows our customers to understand the data we’ve provided when the job is complete.

In this case, Project Manager Jason Osuna’s pre-job fact-finding mission included the information that the slabs he would be scanning were post-tensioned.

“Once we know it's post tension, you know to try and identify the pattern of everything,” Osuna explained. “We were quick to see that it was indeed PT, but it did also have everything else, such as conduit and rebar.”

The scanned area totaled approximately 590 feet of concrete. For comparison, that is over 100 feet longer than the length of the Hollywood sign which is 450 feet in length. Osuna was up for the challenge, because post-tensioned concrete slabs generally contain specific, definable characteristics and the SIM process (Subsurface Investigation Methodology) provides a consistent, repeatable procedure to find, image, and mark it all.

“That's probably one of the biggest scans I've done length-wise,” Osuna said. "Usually everything’s simple, but as far as my biggest project, that has been my biggest one.”

With the guiding principles that SIM provides, GPRS Project Managers deliver highly accurate results that lead to lower hit rates. Through experience-based training and multiple technological strategies, they are given proven protocols to follow that consistently provide clients with the information they need.

As the Project Managers collected the data from the scans, it became clear that some of the planned drilling sites were too congested with PT cables for assured clearance, so Osuna and his team discussed alternatives with the concrete contractor.

“Sometimes we have to be the bearer of bad news and tell them this area isn't going to work,” Osuna explained. “That's when we go ahead and propose if they can possibly move the area or move the locations, because of the amount of post tension cables and the amount of damage it can do if struck.”

The cost of replacing a single PT cable is between $20,000 and $30,000. Not only is there a large monetary risk, but each PT cable pulls between 24,000 and 33,000 pounds of pressure, so the physical risks of striking one can’t be underestimated either.

Despite being surprised at the volume of reinforcements within some areas they planned on drilling, the client was appreciative of the accuracy of the data Osuna and his team gathered, and grateful for their ability to get this job done earlier than expected. The initial scanning job took roughly four days, and the team expects to be called back to scan remaining areas that were not accessible at the time.

When speaking with Osuna about this job, he wanted to thank his team, fellow Project Manager Angel Marin and Project Manager Trainees Jesus Ruiz and Daniel Huerta, for their help on this project.

“It was a long and lengthy project, but at the end of the day, with collaboration and teamwork, we were able to get it done.”

Without GPRS’ SIM-certified Project Managers and precise concrete scans, any concrete coring or drilling during this project could put workers’ lives at risk.

What are Post Tension Cables and Why is it Important to Avoid Them When Drilling or Coring Concrete?

Post-tensioning is a technique in which steel cables, also referred to as tendons, are tensioned after the concrete has been cast, which allows for thinner slabs, longer spans, and fewer joints.

Post tensioned concrete is widely used in commercial, residential, and industrial building projects because of its strength and efficiency. The tendons also play a critical role in the structural integrity of the structure, which is why knowing their exact location is so important.

Just because you’re cutting concrete doesn't mean you can cut corners. Whether it’s a simple repair or full renovation, it’s important to locate post tension cables before drilling can begin. Cutting into a post tension concrete slab without the proper preparation can lead to sudden cable recoil, expensive repairs, severe injuries or death, or compromising the structural integrity of the building.  

Hiring concrete scanning professionals like GPRS lowers the chances of accidents or injuries, while keeping each project on time and on budget.

GPRS SIM-certified Project Managers are trained to locate and identify post tension cables and other obstructions with our industry-leading 99.8% accurate concrete scans. By combining Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) locating, Project Managers provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of post tension cables and other infrastructures embedded within their concrete slabs. By doing so, clients can drill or core into concrete with confidence knowing there are no surprises waiting for them.

From a single slab to the size of skyscrapers, GPRS helps you Intelligently Visualize The Built World® by showing you what you need to see before cutting or coring concrete.

What can we help you visualize?

Microplastics and pesticides are two of the most widespread pollutants in our environment – but new research shows that the real danger may lie in how these two interact.  

A February 2025 report by Beyond Pesticides, based on a review of over 90 scientific studies, concludes that microplastics don’t just exist alongside pesticides — they change how pesticides behave, making them more toxic, more persistent, and harder to control.

The researchers say that this interaction has serious consequences for soil health, food production, water quality, and the health of both people and wildlife. Here's what their research tells us — and why it matters.

Microplastics Are Everywhere — Including in Farmland

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, often smaller than a grain of rice. They come from larger plastic waste that breaks down over time or they’re manufactured intentionally for use in things like cosmetics, cleaning products, and industrial materials.  

Research has shown that the primary contributors to microplastic pollution in water and wastewater include:

• Laundering Synthetic Textiles: Washing clothes made of synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, releases microfibers into wastewater systems. These microfibers are classified as microplastics and often pass through treatment facilities.
• Tire Wear: As vehicles move, the friction between tires and roads generates tiny plastic particles. These particles eventually make their way into the environment through stormwater runoff.
• City Dust: Urban areas generate microplastic particles from various sources, including construction materials, vehicle emissions, and discarded plastic waste.

Efforts are being made to address microplastic pollution on both the fresh and wastewater side through specialized treatment technologies.

In agriculture, microplastics enter the environment through plastic mulch, fertilizer coatings, treated sewage sludge (biosolids), and pesticide products themselves.

Because of their size and durability, these particles can’t be removed easily and are now considered a global pollutant. They’re found in soil, water, air, and even inside living organisms — including humans. People take them in through the food they eat, the water they drink, and the air they breathe.

Microplastics Change How Pesticides Work

The most important finding in the report is this: microplastics can bind to pesticides and change their behavior.

According to Dr. Kuok Ho Daniel Tang, the University of Arizona researcher who led the study, “Microplastics interact with pesticides through adsorption — basically sticking to their surface — and that changes how long the pesticide lasts, how toxic it is, and how easily it can be taken up by plants, animals, or microbes.”

That means a pesticide’s ability to do its job — killing a pest, fungus, or weed — is reduced or altered. And at the same time, it may linger in the environment longer or end up in places it shouldn’t, like food crops, groundwater, or the bodies of beneficial organisms like earthworms.

Lower Pesticide Effectiveness = More Chemicals Used

One of the more troubling outcomes is that microplastics often reduce how available a pesticide is to the target pest. This is known as “bioavailability.” When microplastics bind to pesticide molecules, those chemicals become harder for pests — or even crops — to absorb. As a result, farmers may apply more pesticide to get the same result.

This creates a dangerous cycle: reduced effectiveness leads to increased use, which increases costs for farmers and further contaminates the environment.

Some examples from the research:

• Microplastics caused a weed killer (atrazine) to break down in the soil before it could work properly
• Aged microplastics absorbed more pesticide than new ones, making pesticides less effective over time
• The combination of microplastics and pesticides reduced seed germination in lettuce and other crops
• Earthworms and other soil organisms showed signs of stress or injury after being exposed to microplastics and pesticides together

Microplastics Make Pesticides Last Longer

In addition to changing how pesticides work, microplastics also affect how long they stay in the environment. This is known as pesticide “persistence.” Normally, pesticides break down after a certain period — called their half-life. But when microplastics are present, that breakdown process slows down.

The report found:

• In water, microplastics extended the breakdown time of herbicides from 231 days to over 800 days
• The presence of microplastics increased the half-life of some fungicides and insecticides by 30–50%
• Some chemicals, like chlorpyrifos, broke down much more slowly when microplastics were present, increasing their chance of causing harm to unintended organisms
• When pesticides hang around longer than expected, they can leach into groundwater, harm aquatic life, and continue to disrupt ecosystems well after their intended use

Soil Health Suffers — Which Affects Food Security

Healthy soil is the foundation of agriculture. But pesticides and microplastics — especially in combination — are damaging that foundation.

The review shows that microplastics can:

• Alter the structure of soil, making it harder to retain water and nutrients
• Reduce microbial activity — the natural bacteria and fungi that help crops grow
• Disrupt the balance of organic matter, making soil less fertile over time

These effects mean farmers may have to rely more heavily on synthetic fertilizers and chemical additives to maintain yields, adding more costs and more pollution.

Microplastics Make Pesticides More Toxic to Wildlife

Even though microplastics reduce how much pesticide is available to the target pests, they often increase toxicity in other ways — especially to beneficial organisms.

When a pesticide sticks to a microplastic particle, and that particle is eaten by an earthworm, aquatic insect, or other organism, it delivers a concentrated dose of pesticide directly into their system. This has been shown to:

• Increase stress and damage in earthworms, including to their reproductive organs
• Reduce growth and antioxidant function in soil organisms
• Increase pesticide buildup in plants like radishes while reducing plant growth.

These ripple effects go beyond individual species. They impact soil fertility, crop production, and entire food webs.

What Can Be Done? Transitioning to Organic Solutions

The findings from this literature review make one thing clear: plastic and pesticide pollution are deeply connected. And solving one means addressing both.

A major solution offered by Beyond Pesticides is transitioning to organic agriculture. Organic systems avoid synthetic pesticides and chemical coatings, and limit plastic use in the field. These practices protect soil health, water quality, and the diversity of organisms needed for sustainable farming.

The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) — which helps set U.S. standards for certified organic production — is actively reviewing policies on plastics in farming. Groups like Beyond Pesticides are advocating for tighter restrictions on plastic use and increased support for farmers who adopt safer, more sustainable methods.

GPRS supports effective water and wastewater management through our comprehensive suite of leak detection and sewer pipe inspection services.

Our Project Managers utilize acoustic leak detection and leak detection (noise) correlators to help you find leaks and minimize issues such as non-revenue water (NRW) loss, drinking water contamination, and more. And we utilize remote-controlled sewer inspection crawlers, push-fed sewer scopes, dye tracing, and smoke testing to fully inspect your wastewater systems to diagnose and mitigate the consequences of cross bores, inflow/infiltration, collapsed sewer mains, and more.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pipes can GPRS inspect?

Our NASSCO-certified VPI Project Managers can inspect pipes from 2” in diameter and up.

What deliverables does GPRS offer when conducting a video pipe inspection?

GPRS is proud to offer WinCan reporting to our Video Pipe Inspection clients. Maintaining sewers starts with understanding sewer condition, and WinCan allows GPRS Project Managers to collect detailed, NASSCO-compliant inspection data. GPRS Project Managers not only inspect the interior condition of sewer pipes, laterals, and manholes – they can also provide a map of their location. The GPRS Mapping & Modeling Department can provide detailed GPS overlays and CAD files. Our detailed WinCan/NASSCO reports contain screenshots of the interior condition of the pipe segments that we inspect, as well as a video file for further evaluation, documentation, and/or reference.

Can GPRS determine the size of a located water line leak?

After analyzing thousands of previous leaks detected, we asked clients to send us pictures of the remediation. This information has helped us compare our final leak signal detected with the results of the actual leak. We determine the size of the leak by how far the leak signal travels between contact points and the pitch of the tone received. However, we do not produce formal leak estimations.

Why don’t I see any water where GPRS has located a leak?

Water finds the path of least resistance. Water can run through cracks in subsurface rock or make its way into storm, sanitary, and conduit piping. If the subsurface contains a high volume of sand, it will naturally flow farther down. There is no water visible on the surface in more than 99% of the leaks we locate.

Investment in new biogas projects in the U.S. grew by $3 billion in 2024, according to recently released data from the American Biogas Council.

Between January and December 2024, 125 new biogas projects were launched across the U.S., representing more than $3 billion in new investment. The number of new projects in 2024 rose by 17% compared to 2023, while the total capital invested increased by 40% year over year.

Biogas facilities convert organic waste—including manure, wastewater, food scraps, and captured landfill gas—into renewable natural gas (RNG), electricity, thermal energy, and nutrient-rich fertilizer. Collectively, these segments of the industry generated over 10% more biogas in 2024 than in any previous year.

With the latest additions, the total number of biogas facilities in the U.S. has reached nearly 2,500. These sites now produce close to 1.4 million standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) of biogas, a form of dispatchable renewable energy. That energy output is equivalent to what could be generated by approximately 15,000 football fields covered in solar panels, enough to power 2.4 million homes for a year or to replace the fuel used by 2.6 million gasoline-powered cars.

Biogas also offers significant climate benefits, with a carbon intensity 50% to 700% lower than that of fossil fuels. This is due to the capture of methane—a potent greenhouse gas—that would otherwise be released, and its use as a substitute for fossil energy and synthetic fertilizers.

“The biogas industry keeps hitting new growth records every year because, as an energy source, biogas just makes sense. It provides much-needed clean electricity, cuts pollution and emissions from transportation, and provides heat-producing fuel for industries, all while managing millions of tons of waste from farms and cities alike,” said ABC Executive Director Patrick Serfass. “In a time when demand for domestic energy is increasing significantly, fertilizer markets are constrained by the Ukraine conflict, and America is striving for energy and industrial dominance, the value of 24/7/365 energy and locally produced, natural fertilizer from biogas projects is undeniable.”

Landfill gas (LFG) projects—which capture methane generated as organic waste decomposes in landfills—account for most of the biogas production in the United States, contributing 72% of total output. This dominant share comes despite the LFG sector having fewer facilities than the agricultural and wastewater segments. In 2024, 24 new LFG projects were brought online, raising the total number of operational LFG sites to 580—a 4.3% increase from the previous year.

These new projects represent approximately $1.4 billion in investment, or 47% of all capital committed to biogas development in 2024. The added capacity pushed the sector’s output up by over 12%, with total LFG production reaching around 980,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). While many of the more recent projects are designed to upgrade biogas into renewable natural gas (RNG), most LFG facilities—roughly 77%—continue to generate electricity from captured methane.

While landfill gas production saw notable gains in 2024, the agricultural sector led in new development, launching 93 farm-based biogas projects—nearly four times the number of new landfill projects. For the first time, the total number of agricultural biogas facilities surpassed landfill-based systems. These new projects represented $1.37 billion in capital investment, primarily in rural areas, and marked a 24% increase over the number of farm projects added in 2023. The sector grew by nearly 18% overall, with total agricultural biogas facilities increasing from 522 to 615. These additions contributed 21,000 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) of new biogas production. Notably, hog farms saw increased participation, accounting for 29 new projects, or 31% of all new agricultural installations. Farmers continue to explore more efficient methods of managing animal waste.

A major trend in 2024 was the growing emphasis on renewable natural gas (RNG). Of the new agricultural biogas systems, 95% were built with RNG production as their primary goal. RNG projects now outnumber biogas-to-electricity systems in the farming sector by a ratio of roughly three to two.

Although the wastewater sector did not experience the same pace of growth, it continues to represent the largest share of biogas facilities—about 47% of all installations—and boasts the longest operational history. Some of the earliest biogas systems still in use were installed at wastewater treatment plants in the 1920s, using anaerobic digestion to reduce sludge volumes during water treatment.

Standalone food waste biogas systems remain the least common due to their technical complexity. However, three new food waste-only facilities came online in 2024, raising the total to 114. Despite their smaller numbers, roughly 200 agricultural and wastewater biogas systems currently co-digest food waste with manure or biosolids, expanding the sector’s reach. Growth is expected to accelerate in 2025, with 16 dedicated food waste projects already under construction.

Of the 125 new biogas projects developed in 2024, 119—about 95%—were designed to upgrade their biogas into RNG. This trend has been consistent since 2018, largely driven by incentive programs such as California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which reward producers that cut transportation emissions. Despite RNG’s rise, electricity remains the primary end use for biogas. More than 77% of all biogas facilities, and 60% of total output, are still used to generate renewable electricity—highlighting the ongoing significance of power generation in the sector.

Biogas projects now operate in every U.S. state, as organic waste is a universal byproduct of both human and animal populations. The recent increase in agricultural projects has drawn investment to rural, agriculture-heavy regions. Investment decisions are also shaped by the availability of untapped landfill sites. In 2024, California, Illinois, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia saw the most capital invested in biogas projects that came online. The previous year, Michigan, Indiana, Virginia, Ohio, and Texas topped the list.

Each year, Americans send more than 1.4 billion tons of manure, 33 million tons of inedible food waste, and 1 million tons of wastewater biosolids to landfills. Additionally, 470 landfills currently flare methane that could be captured and repurposed. According to the American Biogas Council (ABC), more than 20,000 new biogas systems could still be developed to convert this waste into energy and usable products—creating jobs and reducing emissions in the process.

These future projects have the potential to generate up to 20 gigawatts of continuous electricity, while supporting an estimated 740,000 short-term construction jobs and 25,000 permanent roles in operations. Additional supply chain job creation is also anticipated.

The ABC views biogas expansion as a key economic opportunity. Further industry development could reduce landfill dependence, lower methane emissions, support domestic energy production, provide sustainable fertilizers that enhance crop yield and food quality, and generate well-paying jobs in both rural and urban communities.

GPRS supports biogas facility projects through our comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services.

Our 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and concrete scanning services mitigate the risk of subsurface damage when you must break ground. We use 3D laser scanning to capture these markings, as well as all above-ground details for future use. And our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can use this data to create complete, accurate as-built drawings and 3D Building Information Modeling (BIM).

All this data is at your fingertips 24/7 thanks to SiteMap^® (patent pending), GPRS’ project & facility management application that provides accurate existing conditions documentation to protect your assets and people.

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you find PVC piping and other non-conductive utilities?

GPR scanning is exceptionally effective at locating all types of subsurface materials. There are times when PVC pipes do not provide an adequate signal to ground penetrating radar equipment and can’t be properly located by traditional methods. However, GPRS Project Managers are expertly trained at multiple methods of utility locating.

Will I need to mark out the utilities GPRS locates?

No, GPRS will locate and mark all utilities for you. We have a variety of tools and markers we can use to highlight the locations of utilities, underground storage tanks and whatever else may be hiding.

What are the Benefits of Underground Utility Mapping?

Having an updated and accurate map of your subsurface infrastructure reduces accidents, budget overruns, change orders, and project downtime caused by dangerous and costly subsurface damage.

How does SiteMap^® assist with Utility Mapping?

SiteMap^®, powered by GPRS, is the industry-leading infrastructure management program. It is a single source of truth, housing the 99.8%+ accurate utility locating, concrete scanning, video pipe inspection, leak detection, and 3D laser scanning data our Project Managers collect on your job site. And the best part is you get a complimentary SiteMap^® Personal Subscription when GPRS performs a utility locate for you.

Click here to learn more.

Does SiteMap^® Work with my Existing GIS Platform?

SiteMap^® allows for exporting of data to SHP, GeoJSON, GeoPackage, and DXF directly from any user’s account that either owns or has a job shared to their account. All these file formats can be imported and utilized by other GIS packages if manually imported by the user.

More information can be found at SiteMap.com.

Apple recently announced its plans to spend and invest more than $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

The investment represents the technology company’s largest-ever spend commitment, according to a press release they issued announcing the news.

“We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing. And we’ll keep working with people and companies across this country to help write an extraordinary new chapter in the history of American innovation.”

As part of this broader investment initiative in the U.S., Apple and its partners will establish a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Houston to build servers that power Apple Intelligence—the company’s personal artificial intelligence platform designed to help users write, create, and accomplish tasks with ease. In addition, Apple will double the size of its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund, launch a new training academy in Michigan to develop future American manufacturing talent, and expand its U.S. R&D efforts to drive innovation in cutting-edge areas like silicon engineering.

This $500 billion commitment encompasses Apple’s collaborations with thousands of suppliers in all 50 states, its direct workforce, infrastructure and data centers supporting Apple Intelligence, corporate campuses, and Apple TV+ productions active in 20 states. Apple continues to be one of the nation’s largest taxpayers, having contributed over $75 billion in U.S. taxes in the last five years—$19 billion of that in 2024 alone.

Today, Apple helps support over 2.9 million jobs across the United States through its direct employment, partnerships with domestic suppliers and manufacturers, and the growing ecosystem of developers in the iOS app economy.

Apple’s New Houston Manufacturing Facility

As part of its latest wave of U.S. investments, Apple will partner with manufacturers to begin assembling servers in Houston later this year. A new 250,000-square-foot facility dedicated to server production is scheduled to open in 2026, creating thousands of new jobs in the region.

These servers, which were previously built overseas, play a critical role in enabling Apple Intelligence and form the backbone of Private Cloud Compute—a system that fuses powerful AI performance with what Apple says is the most advanced security framework ever implemented at scale for AI in the cloud.

These servers reportedly lower the power demands of its data centers, all of which are already powered by 100 percent renewable energy. As Apple rolls out Apple Intelligence to users across the country, it also plans to continue expanding its data center footprint in North Carolina, Iowa, Oregon, Arizona, and Nevada.

Apple to Double its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund

As part of this expanded investment effort, Apple is doubling its U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund—from $5 billion to $10 billion. Originally launched in 2017 to foster innovation and high-skilled manufacturing jobs nationwide, the enhanced fund will continue driving advanced manufacturing and workforce development across the country.

This expansion includes a multibillion-dollar investment in advanced silicon production at TSMC’s Fab 21 facility in Arizona, where Apple is the largest customer. The cutting-edge plant employs more than 2,000 people and began mass-producing Apple chips last month, marking a major milestone in bringing chip manufacturing to the U.S.

Apple says it designs its silicon to deliver top-tier performance, energy efficiency, and powerful features across its devices. Today, Apple suppliers manufacture silicon components in 24 facilities across 12 states—including Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, and Utah. According to Apple’s press release, these investments fuel thousands of high-paying jobs at American companies such as Broadcom, Texas Instruments, Skyworks, and Qorvo.

So far, Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund has supported initiatives in 13 states—including Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Indiana—helping strengthen local economies, equip workers with valuable skills, and advance a broad range of innovative manufacturing techniques and materials used in Apple products.

Growing Investments in R&D

Apple is continuing to scale its research and development efforts across the United States. Over the past five years, the company has nearly doubled its domestic investment in advanced R&D and plans to further increase that spending as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The company recently unveiled the iPhone 16e, the latest addition to its smartphone lineup. The device features the A18 chip and the newly introduced Apple C1, a cellular modem designed in-house. Apple says the C1 offers improved power efficiency and marks a shift toward designing more of its own modem systems. The modem is the product of multiple years of development and signals the company’s intent to further integrate its silicon architecture across future devices.

Looking ahead, Apple has announced plans to hire approximately 20,000 new employees over the next four years, with most of those roles centered on research and development, silicon engineering, software, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As part of this effort, the company will continue expanding its R&D footprint across various U.S. hubs, with teams focused on areas such as custom chip design, hardware, and emerging software technologies.

New Manufacturing Academy in Detroit

Apple plans to launch a new Apple Manufacturing Academy in Detroit aimed at helping businesses adopt advanced manufacturing practices. The initiative will bring together Apple engineers and academic experts, including faculty from Michigan State University, to advise small and mid-sized companies on integrating AI and smart manufacturing technologies. The academy will offer free courses—both in-person and online—covering topics such as project management and manufacturing process optimization, with the goal of improving efficiency, productivity, and quality across supply chains.

The company’s broader investment in workforce development includes ongoing support for educational programs targeting U.S. students and workers. That includes grants for national organizations such as 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and FIRST, which collaborate with Apple to provide free skill-building opportunities in local communities—particularly in areas like coding and STEM education. Among its other initiatives, Apple’s New Silicon Initiative is designed to prepare students for careers in chip design and hardware engineering. Originally launched at Georgia Tech, the program has since expanded to eight institutions nationwide and will add a new partnership this year with UCLA’s Center for Education of Microchip Designers (CEMiD).

GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® for customers in the construction, remodel & design-build industries.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPRS handle projects at a national scale?

Absolutely. GPRS has a coast-to-coast team of highly trained, SIM-certified Project Managers, covering all 50 states—including Alaska, Hawaii—and even Puerto Rico. Our teams are frequently engaged in large-scale projects across sectors like energy, retail, environmental services, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and a broad range of industries tied to architecture, engineering, and construction.  

You can explore more about GPRS’ national reach here.

How does GPRS manage data delivery for large regional or national projects?

No matter the scale—from a single utility locate to thousands of miles of infrastructure—GPRS ensures every client receives consistent, high-quality service and deliverables. That’s the foundation of SiteMap^® (patent pending), our proprietary interactive software platform. Every client is granted free access to SiteMap^® Personal, and we also offer tailored SiteMap® solutions for anything from an individual job site to a comprehensive, nationwide facilities portfolio.  

Discover how SiteMap^® can support your project here.

The process of utility locating involves identifying and mapping underground utilities such as gas lines, water pipes, electrical cables, telecommunication lines, and sewer lines before excavation or construction. Mapping utility locations ensures safety on the construction site, prevents service disruptions, and avoids costly damage to utilities.

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The utility locating process typically follows these steps:

1. Request Existing Utility Records

• Request maps, as-built drawings, and utility records from municipalities, utility companies, local government, public records, engineering firms, or facility managers.

• Review historical data to identify known utility locations.

2. Perform a Site Survey

• If you are planning on digging (on private or public property), you are required by law to contact 811 before you break ground to request a utility locate.
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• 811 will contact the utility owner who usually partner with a subcontractor to locate and mark 811-registered public utilities.
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• Public utility locating via 811 centers is a free service in the U.S., but 811 centers can only contact registered utility owners to mark their utility lines prior to excavation. Their mission does not extend to notifying owners of unregistered or privately-owned utilities.
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• You should also employ a private utility locating service such as GPRS to ensure that there are no private utility lines where you’re intending to dig.
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• A trained utility locating technician performs locates for all non-public buried assets. With a nationwide team of elite Project Managers strategically stationed across the country, GPRS ensures you always have a qualified utility locating professional near you.

3. Select Utility Locating Methods

Technicians use specialized equipment to detect and mark underground utilities. The utility locating process utilizes the following equipment:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): GPR is a non-destructive technology which sends radar pulses into the ground and creates images of subsurface features. It can identify all types of underground utilities and can scan for voids, rebar, conduit, post tension cables, and other structural elements hidden within concrete.
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• Electromagnetic Locators: An EM locator is a device used to locate and trace buried metallic utility lines, such as pipes and cables, by using electromagnetic signals. An EM locator can trace the following buried metallic utility lines – electrical cables, telecommunication & fiber optic cables (with tracer wire), metallic gas pipelines, metallic water supply lines, sewer lines & storm drains, and metal pipes used in irrigation systems.
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• Acoustic Locators: Acoustic locating detects underground water leaks and traces buried pressurized pipes by analyzing sound waves and vibrations. Specialized sensors and ground microphones amplify these sounds, helping technicians pinpoint leaks and trace non-metallic pipes, such as PVC or HDPE, which do not conduct electromagnetic signals.
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• Magnetic Locators: Magnetic locators find buried iron or steel objects such as cast iron or steel water pipes, valve boxes, manhole covers, and other buried infrastructure.
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4. Mark Out Utilities

• Utilities are marked on the ground using standardized color codes and symbols to indicate the type and location of buried infrastructure.
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• After a utility locating service identifies underground pipes, cables, or conduits, they use spray paint, flags, or stakes to mark their positions.
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• Markings often include symbols, letters, or numbers to indicate utility depth, pipe size, or ownership. These ground markings help contractors avoid damage to buried utilities, ensuring safe excavation and construction activities.
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• The American Public Works Association (APWA) has established a universal color code to differentiate various utilities:
  • Red – Electric power lines, cables, and lighting cables
  • Orange – Communication, alarm, signal lines, and fiber optic cables
  • Yellow – Gas, oil, steam, petroleum, and other flammable materials
  • Green – Sewer and drain lines
  • Blue – Potable (drinking) water
  • Purple – Reclaimed water, irrigation, and slurry lines
  • Pink – Temporary survey markings
  • White – Proposed excavation area
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5. Verification and Depth Estimation

• Some projects require additional verification through vacuum excavation or potholing, where small holes are dug to confirm depth and location.
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• Utility depths are estimated based on signal strength and GPR reflections.

6. Map Utilities in CAD and BIM

• The utility marking field data includes precise spatial coordinates, depths, types of materials, and other attributes. Once collected, this data is typically processed in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software to organize and visualize the information.
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  • There are several GIS companies that help clients map their infrastructure; they all share one key challenge: the system is only as accurate as the data entered into it.
  • The effectiveness of any GIS system hinges on the quality of the data it uses. If the input data is inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated, the resulting maps and analyses will also be flawed.
  • SiteMap^® powered by GPRS, is built on accurate, real-world data collected directly from the jobsite by GPRS’ highly trained Project Managers, all of whom are NASSCO and SIM-certified.
• Geospatial data can be exported into precise 2D utility maps in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or MicroStation formats. Color coding is applied and mapped following the APWA utility marking standards mentioned above for clear visualization.
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  • AutoCAD: Used for creating accurate 2D utility layouts, AutoCAD is widely accepted in architecture, engineering, and construction. The utility lines, symbols, and annotations can be placed on standardized layers for easy reference and integration into larger site plans.
  • Civil 3D: This is a more advanced version of AutoCAD tailored for civil infrastructure projects. Civil 3D allows the geospatial data to be integrated with topography, corridors, and other site design elements, making it ideal for clash detection, grading, and pipe network design.
  • MicroStation: Used commonly in DOT and large infrastructure projects, MicroStation supports similar functionality and precision as AutoCAD, enabling teams to visualize utility data in highly regulated formats.

• Each utility is georeferenced to real-world coordinates and organized into standard layering conventions (e.g., separate layers for water, gas, electric, sewer, and telecom).
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  • Many GPS and GNSS receivers utilize RTK GPS coordinates to achieve a greater degree of positioning accuracy.
  • Standard GPS typically offers 1–5 meter accuracy, which is fine for general use but not reliable for precision work like utility locating.
  • RTK GPS, on the other hand, uses real-time corrections to achieve centimeter-level accuracy—ideal for surveying, utility locating, and mapping underground infrastructure.
  • Because RTK's geolocation is more accurate than a standard satellite image, the actual location of your utilities may not line up with where you expect to see them on the map; not because the utilities are mismarked, but because the utility data has been more accurately captured than the satellite image.

• A 3D BIM model can be generated in software like Revit or Civil 3D, including elevation and depth attributes, for detailed visualization and clash detection.

• As-built utility data can be aligned with site plans, survey data, and as-built drawings.
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• By converting GIS geospatial data into CAD and BIM formats, clients get precise, scalable, and easily editable documentation, ensuring safer excavations and more efficient design coordination.
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GPRS’ SiteMap^® Software Platform

SiteMap^® (patent pending), powered by GPRS, is a cloud-based infrastructure mapping application that features GIS functionality, and is able to support data portability for your existing GIS platform of choice

What sets GPRS’ SiteMap^® apart from other GIS platforms is its foundation: it's built on accurate, real-world data collected directly from the jobsite by GPRS’ highly trained Project Managers, all of whom are NASSCO and SIM-certified.

Unlike traditional GIS systems that rely on potentially outdated or inconsistent third-party data, SiteMap^® is powered by precise field data gathered through advanced utility locating, CCTV sewer inspections, and 3D laser scanning.

This verified data is then processed, layered, and modeled by GPRS’ in-house Mapping & Modeling Department to create clear, customized visuals that align with your project requirements. The result is a secure, cloud-based GIS platform that gives you confidence in your infrastructure data—enabling faster decision-making, safer excavation, and better long-term asset management.

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Why Utility Locating Matters

• Prevents costly damages to underground infrastructure.
• Enhances worker safety by avoiding hazardous gas or electrical line strikes.
• Ensures regulatory compliance and prevents legal liabilities.
• Reduces project delays by avoiding unexpected underground obstructions.

By following a thorough utility locating process, construction teams can proceed safely and efficiently without costly or dangerous interruptions.

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Why Choose GPRS?

GPRS excels in utility locating because our Project Managers utilize advanced GPR and EM locating technologies, coupled with industry-leading training and methodologies, to achieve 99.8% accuracy in identifying and mapping underground infrastructure.

Our 99.8% accuracy rating is made possible by our elite team of Project Managers who use advanced tools to ensure compliance with Subsurface Investigation Methodology (SIM) standards.  SIM focuses on training, equipment expertise, and best methodology practices to safeguard underground assets, limit structural damage, and increase contractor accountability.  

GPRS clients are guaranteed reliable utility locating services and the assistance of a Project Manager who provides real-time accurate data in SiteMap^®. GPRS clients get a powerful, visual tool that bridges field conditions and office-based design—streamlining workflows from discovery to delivery.

With GPRS, you'll Intelligently Visualize The Built World™ by mapping your subsurface infrastructure to identify potential site issues and risks.  

What can we help you visualize?

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does utility locating cost?

The cost of a private utility locate varies depending on the size and specifics of the site being scanned, as well as other factors. Utility locates are not cheap, but as mentioned above they are a vital service and significantly less expensive than the cost – both financial and otherwise – of striking a utility line.

What types of utilities can be located?

Electric, steam, telecommunications, water pipes, gas & oil pipes, sewer pipes & storm sewer lines, and many other primary and secondary utility services can be located.

Does GPRS offer same day private utility locating?

Yes, our professional Project Managers can respond rapidly to emergency same-day private utility locating service calls on your job site.

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GPRS concrete imaging and 3D laser scanning services provided accurate existing conditions documentation prior to extensive renovations at one of the largest resort casinos in the United States.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula Valley, California was preparing to renovate parts of its hotel, event spaces, and ballrooms.

The contractor working with Pechanga on its renovations would be cutting and coring into elevated concrete slab. They needed to obtain accurate data about the layout of post tension cable, rebar, stud rails, and conduits, so they could avoid all these reinforcements and prevent costly – and potentially dangerous – subsurface damage.

The catch was that the event spaces needed to remain operational during any investigations of the slab.

“They would be needing to use these event spaces and could not have markings down on the ground,” explained GPRS Area Manager David Henneman. “This gave us a limited window to collect/perform the work, and without having the marks remain on the ground there would be very little value to the client.”

Fortunately, GPRS’ comprehensive suite of subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation, and construction & facilities project management services enable us to find creative solutions to our client’s unique problems.

Project Managers Armando Martinez, Jesse Radilla, Steven Gomez, Mazi Richburg, Mario Poblete, and Mike Abel first conducted our standard concrete scanning services using ground penetrating radar (GPR) scanners. This non-destructive imaging technology emits radio waves into a concrete slab, then detects the interactions between those signals and any embedded objects such as rebar, post tension cable, or conduit.

The interactions between the signals and the buried objects are presented in a GPR readout as a series of hyperbolas that vary in size and shape depending on what was located. GPRS’ Project Managers interpret this data to tell you what was found and provide the estimated depth that those items are buried.

Because Pechanga did not want any permanent markings left in their event spaces, the Project Managers marked out their findings on heavy-duty, temporary floor protection which they had laid over the floor prior to scanning.

The Project Managers then documented their findings with 3D laser scanners. They also scanned the interior spaces that would be renovated, to provide additional data that would prove invaluable during planning and design.

GPRS 3D Laser Scanning Services quickly and accurately document buildings and infrastructure with Leica laser scanners to deliver LiDAR point clouds, 2D CAD drawings, and 3D BIM models that expedite project planning and execution.

Through the combination of concrete imaging and 3D laser scanning, Pechanga Resort Casino ultimately received a 3D model of the spaces they were planning to renovate, along with 2D CAD drawings of the concrete scanning markings, and a 3D at-depth model of the concrete slab.

“We took this as an opportunity to introduce the use of laser scanning and a 3D model to preserve the findings in an accurate digital twin,” Henneman said. “The scope was originally just scanning areas for items within the elevated concrete deck but ultimately evolved into a laser scan with a full 3D model with rebar, conduits, and post tension modeled at depth.”

Henneman said that the team discovered an extraordinary number of conduits embedded within the slab. Had the contractor not had an accurate map of these conduits, they and their team would have been in danger of damaging one of these lines and electrocuting themselves.

“We knew there were conduits in the slab, but the amount we found was surprising,” Henneman said.

The data collected by GPRS allowed Pechanga Resort Casino to safely and efficiently plan and execute their renovations.

From skyscrapers to sewer lines, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World^® to keep your projects on time, on budget, and safe.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3D laser scanning right for my project?

Almost any project that requires as-built information can benefit from a laser scanning survey. Talk with our experts and start your 3D laser scanning survey project today.

Can ground penetrating radar determine the difference between rebar and electrical conduit?

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) can accurately differentiate between rebar and electrical conduit in most cases. We have an extremely high success rate in identifying electrical lines in supported slabs or slabs-on-grade before saw cutting or core drilling.

Additionally, GPRS can use electromagnetic (EM) locators to determine the location of conduits in the concrete. If we can transmit a signal onto the metal conduit, we can locate it with pinpoint accuracy. We can also find the conduit passively if a live electrical current runs through it.

The combined use of GPR and EM locating allows us to provide one of the most comprehensive and accurate conduits locating services available.

What is a digital twin?

A digital twin is highly complex virtual model that is the exact counterpart (or twin) of a physical object. GPRS uses 3D laser scanners to collect real-time data for a building or facility and create a digital duplicate. Data can be easily visualized, measured and analyzed. Digital twins can be used to improve efficiencies, optimize workflows and detect problems before they occur.

What’s the difference between design intent and as-built documentation?

‍DESIGN INTENT – deliverables will be shown as a "best fit" to the point cloud working within customary standards, such as walls being modeled 90 degrees perpendicular to the floor, pipes and conduit modeled straight, floors and ceilings modeled horizontal, and steel members modeled straight. This will produce cleaner 2D drawings and will allow for easier dimensioning of the scan area. The deliverables will not exactly follow the scan data to maintain design intent standards. Most clients will want this option for their deliverables.

AS-BUILTS – deliverables will be shown as close as possible to actual field capture. If walls are out of plumb, pipes and conduit show sag, floors and ceilings are unlevel, steel members show camber, etc., this will be reflected in the model. This will produce reality-capture deliverables, but 2D drawings may show “crooked” or out of plumb lines, floors will be sloped or contoured, steel members may show camber, twisting or impact damage. Dimensioning will not be as easy due being out of plumbness/levelness, etc. This option should be used when the exact conditions of the scan area is imperative. Clients using the data for fabrication, forensic analysis, bolt hole patterns, camber/sag/deformation analysis, and similar needs would require this option.

As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tightens its regulations around lead and copper in drinking water, water systems across the country are under increasing pressure to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR).

With deadlines looming and complexity mounting—particularly around inventory development, customer communication, and service line replacement—utilities are turning to digital tools to help bridge the compliance gap.

Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s becoming a lifeline for water systems trying to meet federal requirements in a cost-effective, scalable, and timely manner. From asset management software to cloud-based GIS platforms and AI-powered data analytics, technology is playing an essential role in preparing for both LCRI and LCRR compliance.

Understanding LCRR and LCRI

The LCRR, published in January 2021, mandates that all community water systems develop a comprehensive inventory of both utility- and customer-owned lead service lines (LSLs) by October 16, 2024. This requirement includes identifying the materials used in service lines and creating a plan to replace those containing lead.

The LCRI builds on the LCRR by clarifying which LCRR provisions will be maintained and detailing new LCRI requirements and compliance deadlines. Together, these rules represent a significant shift in how lead is managed in drinking water systems, necessitating stronger visibility, communication, and accountability across utility operations.

The Compliance Challenge

Meeting these requirements poses numerous challenges:

• Identifying unknown service lines: Many utilities lack complete records of materials used in service lines, particularly on the customer-owned portion. Many more lack accurate data of these lines’ locations.
• Data management: Accurate and accessible data is essential for regulatory reporting and public transparency.
• Customer coordination: Because the rules apply to both sides of the service line, utilities must engage with customers to inspect and, if necessary, replace customer-owned pipes.
• Resource constraints: Smaller utilities may struggle with the staffing, technical expertise, and funding needed to implement compliance plans.

These challenges underscore the need for digital innovation that can streamline data collection, enhance public engagement, and drive informed decision-making.

Digital Solutions: The Path Forward

1. Asset Management & GIS Platforms

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) play a central role in LCRR compliance, enabling utilities to create interactive, map-based service line inventories. These platforms allow for the integration of historic records, field inspection data, and predictive modeling to categorize service line materials with greater confidence.

2. Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning

Where historical data is missing or inconclusive, machine learning algorithms can help fill in the gaps. By analyzing patterns in existing data—such as construction era, property records, or neighborhood characteristics—AI models can predict the likelihood that a service line contains lead.

This predictive approach allows utilities to target investigations and reduce the need for costly, labor-intensive field verification. The EPA has acknowledged predictive modeling as an acceptable methodology for categorizing unknown lines, provided that the approach is transparent and documented.

3. Cloud-Based Platforms for Data Collection and Reporting

Cloud-based tools enable seamless data entry from the field, centralize customer service interactions, and automatically generate compliance documentation. They also provide templates for customer notifications, educational materials, and sample result letters, ensuring that communication aligns with regulatory expectations.

4. Customer Engagement Tools

Given the importance of customer-owned service lines in both LCRR and LCRI, public engagement is a critical success factor. Digital tools help streamline this process through customer portals, online self-reporting forms, and automated outreach campaigns.

For example, utilities can deploy digital surveys that ask homeowners to identify the material of their service lines using photos or inspection guides. The data collected through these platforms feeds directly into the utility’s inventory and reduces the need for on-site visits.

Some platforms also allow customers to schedule inspections or replacements directly online, improving responsiveness and satisfaction while reducing administrative burden.

5. Mobile Field Data Collection

Mobile applications used by field crews can dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of service line verification. With GPS-tagged photos, drop-down menus for materials identification, and cloud syncing, field data can be uploaded in real time and integrated with GIS systems.

This eliminates paper-based recordkeeping, minimizes data entry errors, and enables immediate analysis. Teams can also access customer records and work orders from the field, improving operational efficiency.

Funding and Scalability

Federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is helping make digital transformation more attainable. Many states are channeling funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) into technical assistance and infrastructure upgrades. These funds can be used to purchase software, train personnel, and digitize historical records—an essential first step for compliance.

However, scalability remains a concern. Smaller and rural systems may need more targeted support, especially when it comes to deploying predictive analytics or cloud-based inventory platforms. Regional partnerships and shared service models can help spread costs and expertise across neighboring utilities.

Preparing for the Future

With the LCRR compliance deadline less than a year away and LCRI rulemaking on the horizon, utilities must act now. Digital tools offer a pathway not just to compliance, but to long-term resilience and operational excellence.

GPRS offers 99.8%+ accurate utility line location and mapping, and NASSCO-certified video pipe inspection (VPI) services to accurately map all your storm and sanitary sewer lines, laterals, and to find cross bores caused by trenchless technology (directional drilling). We ensure you have a comprehensive map of your entire drinking and wastewater systems to make finding and replacing LSLs much faster and easier.

Further, every GPRS customer receives access to SiteMap^® (patent pending), our interactive infrastructure visualization software that provides you with layered, interactive utility maps and NASSCO WinCan reports in a secure, cloud-based platform, so you can control the quality of your water infrastructure information and who has access to it. SiteMap^® allows you to put the right information into the right hands, at exactly the right time.

What can we help you visualize?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my building has lead pipes that need to be replaced?

If you have access to the original record drawings that include MEP (mechanical electrical & plumbing) specifications, you may be able to determine the material of the original pipes. However, most record drawings are inaccurate and do not include renovations and updates. The conscientious process to assess and remove LSLs is to hire an expert utility locating company near you to locate your pipes so you can limit potholing to determine their material.

Learn more about GPRS 99.8%+ accurate utility locating and mapping, here.

Learn more about GPRS video pipe inspections, here.

Schedule a personal SiteMap® demonstration, here.

Precision is essential when scanning buildings and facilities in preparation for restoration, renovation, or expansion projects. This is also true in the world of racing yachts which is why the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) has turned to 3D laser scanners.

The ORC has been overseeing the measurement of yachts for over 50 years to ensure each vessel can race fairly against their competitors. Each yacht can differ in size and design, so handicaps are necessary to keep the races fair and adjust race times accordingly. The criteria for these handicaps include some the following:

• The vessel’s size and weight
• The configuration of the hull, which is the body or frame of the ship that is mostly underwater when racing
• The shape of the ship’s appendages, which are parts that extend beyond the main hull such as propellers and rudders
• The dimensions of the sails

There is a long list of items that require precise evaluation. Before the implementation of 3D laser scanners, the ORC relied on manual tools and techniques, including hand measuring, that would take a long time to get the yacht’s true dimensions. Due to the possibility of human error, they would often struggle to capture these measurements with precision, and even the slightest inaccuracies can affect the outcome of a race.

The application of 3D laser scanning allows them to capture the information and measurements needed in a fraction of the time the traditional approaches would take.

In the summer of 2024, ORC ran a trial run for 3D laser at a shipyard in Finland using the Leica RTC360 terrestrial laser scanner. The results showed that the time needed to precisely document the ship’s shape was around three hours, when it would typically take six.

Similar to GPRS’ 2-4mm accurate scans in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries, ORC stated each scan achieved a resolution of 3mm from a range of 10m. The collected point cloud data, which is a virtual 3D dataset of the scanned area, helped create a detailed 3D model of the yacht. Every essential measurement needed to properly assess the vessel was captured in this model.

Are 3D Scans Used in Other Sports?

3D laser scanning has been making its way into the sports industry to help make sure that athletes, coaches, and trainers keep pace with the constantly evolving world of athletics. The incredible precision of 3D scans allows for a greater level of customization to meet the needs of athletes.

One way 3D laser surveys are revolutionizing sports is in training assessments. By collecting scans of athletes’ bodies, the results provide exceptional insights into their physique and movements. With a precise outlook of the athlete’s biomechanics, coaches and trainers can develop customized training programs to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Another way 3D laser scanning is used in sports is with equipment design. From custom-fitted shoes to helmets, 3D scans can be used to create sports equipment that enhances both comfort and performance for athletes.

3D laser scanning is not only transforming the world of yacht racing and sports as a whole, but, with professional 3D reality capture companies like GPRS, it is changing the way architectural and construction projects are planned and managed.

How Does GPRS Utilize 3D Laser Scanning?

GPRS 3D laser scanning services help clients Intelligently Visualize The Built World® by providing them with highly accurate as-builts and existing conditions documentation. GPRS’ 3D laser scanning services include:

• As-Built Services
• Point Clouds
• 3D BIM Modeling
• 3D Photogrammetry
• 2D CAD Drawings
• Drone Imagery

Just like with yacht measurements, hand-measured as-built drawings can be a waste of time and money. Manual measurements are typically inaccurate, which can lead to costly mistakes and project delays. GPRS’ 2-4mm accurate scans and 2-6mm accurate deliverables create detailed and complete as-builts to show clients what they need to see.

Architectural 3D Laser Scanning

The precision and accuracy of 3D laser scanning captures the level of detail necessary for architectural projects. The full documentation of a site or building’s existing conditions helps make sure no inaccuracies or unseen issues arise during the project.

GPRS’ experience in architectural scanning, modeling, and data management helps eliminate site revisits and provides comprehensive as-built documentation that is unmatched by other technologies.

3D Laser Scanning in Construction

For general contractors, securing accurate measurements by hand is often a challenge and can even pose the risk of injury. With the help of 3D laser scanning, general contractors can better design and visualize their plans with highly accurate as-built drawings and measurements captured in a fraction of the time.

Intelligently Visualize The Built World® with GPRS, where we strive to keep your projects afloat even through the roughest waters. What can we help you visualize?

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Deliverables Can GPRS Provide?

Our in-house Mapping & Modeling Department can provide 3D modeling in many formats, including:

• Point Cloud Data (Raw Data)
• 2D CAD Drawings
• 3D Non-Intelligent Models
• 3D BIM Models
• JetStream Viewer

Customizable deliverables upon request include:

• Aerial Photogrammetry
• Comparative Analysis
• Deformation Analysis
• Digital Drawings of GPR Markings
• Floor Flatness Analysis/Contour Mapping
• New Construction Accuracy Analysis/Comparative Analysis
• Point Cloud Modeling Training Webinars
• Reconciliation of Clients 2D Design Drawings
• Reconciliation of Clients 3D Design Model
• Structural Steel Shape Probability Analysis
• Template Modeling
• Volume Calculations
• Wall Plumb Analysis

What is LiDAR?

LiDAR is a remote sensing method used to generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of an object and its surface characteristics. Much like radar systems that employ radio waves to measure objects, LiDAR uses lasers to calculate the distance of objects with light pulses from 3D laser scanners, gathering 3D information about an object.

What is BIM?

BIM stands for Building Information Modeling and is more than just a 3D model. 3D BIM scanning gives engineers the ability to manage the building data throughout its whole life cycle. It provides accurate spatial relationships and manufacturer details, as well as geographic information and other pertinent aspects of the building.

Miami-Dade County, together with South Florida residential and commercial development firm, Terra, recently broke ground on a $1 billion mixed-use Transit-Oriented Community (TOC) in west Miami Dade.

According to a press release issued by the county, Upland Park is being built adjacent to the Dolphin Park and Ride Metrobus Station.

“Through public-private partnerships, we are accelerating smart solutions by adding new transit-oriented communities along major transit corridors,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “These developments provide public transportation connections to employment centers, schools, arts and culture, and healthcare, making it easier for residents to access essential services and opportunities. Upland Park is a prime example of how we are continuing to build a better community for all and a future-ready Miami-Dade County. Located alongside the 836 Expressway, which features a dedicated bus lane, this development will provide residents with seamless and efficient transit options, further integrating smart mobility solutions into our growing region.”

Also known as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), Transit-Oriented Communities typically include a mixed-use of housing, office, retail space, and/or amenities integrated into a walkable neighborhood and are located within half a mile of public transportation.

TOCs improve access to housing and employment for people of all ages and income levels. These thoughtfully designed areas strengthen connectivity for both residents and businesses, promoting safer, more convenient access to jobs, schools, commercial centers, and neighborhoods.

Benefits of Transit-Oriented Community developments include:

• Reduce the number of household drivers
• Lower congestion, air pollution and greenhouse emissions
• Create walkable communities that accommodate healthier lifestyles
• Increase transit ridership and fare revenue
• Expand mobility choices that reduce dependence on the automobile
• Reduce transportation costs

Designed by PPK Architects in partnership with master planner Arquitectonica and urban planning firm Plusurbia Design, Miami-Dade’s Upland Park TOC is a 47-acre development envisioned as a fully integrated, multimodal transit hub featuring residential, retail, and commercial spaces. This new lifestyle model is being realized through transit-supportive land use strategies, expanded mobility options, and generous open spaces that foster a balanced live, work, and play environment.

The Dolphin Park and Ride transit hub offers direct access to Miami-Dade’s East-West Corridor, currently served by the Metrobus 836 Express Route, which links Downtown Miami with the City of Doral and other key urban centers in western Miami-Dade.

“As our community continues to grow, we must prioritize smart, sustainable development that enhances connectivity and quality of life,” said Juan Carlos Bermudez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 12. “Upland Park is a significant step forward in ensuring that residents of West Dade, have greater access to transit, jobs, and essential services. This project, in partnership with Terra, is a model for how we can integrate housing, transportation, and economic opportunities to create a more vibrant and accessible Miami-Dade County.”

Once completed, Upland Park will become the largest TOC in Miami-Dade County to date, generating over one billion dollars in revenue for Miami-Dade County from a 90-year development and land lease agreement. The multi-phased development will include more than 2,000 mid-rise and garden style multifamily apartments, approximately 282,000 square feet of retail, and about 414,000 square feet of commercial space. Phase One, which is now under construction, encompasses a total of 578 multifamily apartments slated for delivery in 2026.

“I am happy to see that we are moving forward with this transit-supportive development directly next to a fast-growing community that’s surrounded by a major commercial and employment hub in west Dade,” said Josiel Ferrer-Diaz, the Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) Interim Director. “By leveraging partnerships with the private sector, we are continuing to enhance Miami-Dade County’s goals to strengthen our economy, connectivity, the environment, and greater engagement.”

“We are grateful to Miami-Dade County for their support and partnership, which highlights what can be achieved through effective public and private collaboration,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “As a prime example of the growing demand for mixed-use transit-connected communities, Upland Park will not only create jobs and generate new tax revenues, but it will also help drive economic growth and mobility solutions in the County for decades to come.”

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