Utility Surveys
Desktop Utility Searches
Desktop utility searches providing early visibility of buried services to support planning, risk assessment and commercial project coordination.
What is a Desktop Utility Search?
The most basic type of utility survey is a desktop search. The search for underground utility works is a non-intrusive process, carried out remotely by utilising either the existing paper records of underground utility positions and locations in an online database.
It is always good practice to acquire plans from all the statutory bodies prior to the commencement of an Underground Utility Survey. This includes Drainage, Gas, Power, Water and Telecoms.
Why perform Desktop Utility Searches?
The Desk Utility Searches will allow us to gain important information which would otherwise not be possible to gain through normal surveying methods. These can also be cross-referenced with the results of the Underground Utility Survey to show any discrepancies which would require further investigation.
As surveyors, it gives us the opportunity to construct a picture of a construction site, from topography to buried infrastructure, without ever needing to visit the construction site itself. Additionally, they provide an extra level of accuracy, which can prevent countless miscalculations in the future.
If you would like further information on Desk Utility Surveys or any other surveying service that Fosse Surveying provides, please get in touch.
Supporting Early Project Planning & Risk Management
Desktop utility searches provide an important first-stage understanding of potential underground services before site investigations or construction works begin. By gathering statutory utility records from multiple asset owners, project teams can identify known utility infrastructure early in the planning process and make more informed decisions around design, access and site coordination.
For commercial and infrastructure projects, desktop utility searches help reduce uncertainty, support safer project planning and identify where further underground utility surveys may be required. At Fosse Surveying, desktop utility data can also be integrated with topographical surveys and utility mapping workflows to provide a clearer understanding of both above and below-ground site constraints.
Why Desktop Utility Searches Matter
Supports early project planning
Utility record searches help identify known buried services before design, excavation or redevelopment works begin.
Reduces excavation risk
Early utility information helps reduce the likelihood of service strikes, project delays and unexpected site constraints.
Improves site coordination
Desktop utility data supports better planning for on-site utility surveys, GPR scanning and excavation strategies.
Minimises disruption and delays
Better utility visibility helps streamline project workflows and reduce unnecessary time spent onsite during early project stages.
What information is included in Desktop Searches
Statutory utility record searches
Electricity network information
Gas main locations
Water and drainage records
Telecommunications infrastructure data
Existing utility asset plans
Utility provider contact information
Known underground service constraints
FAQs
What is the purpose of carrying out Desktop Searches?
There are several benefits associated with desktop searches for both surveyors and clients, most of all the fact that the surveyor will spend less time on site, as well as reducing the time that is spent in the surveying phase during a project.
What are the steps involved in a Desktop Search?
As a result of conducting a site investigation, you may be able to access reports and records of previous utility surveys, which can provide information on nearby service networks, underground structures, and any other underground features adjacent to the project site that will need to be noted before any construction or excavation can commence.
How do I obtain a Desktop Utility Search?
At Fosse Surveying, our expert surveyors are skilled in a variety of disciplines and available to answer any questions you may have, including any queries about desktop utility search. Whether you’re looking for more information or ready to pick up the phone and contact us, our team is here to help you. Feel free to give us a call on 0116 2325169
Our Promise
Every desktop utility search is tailored to your project, providing utility records from multiple asset owners to help identify known underground services before work begins.
Where required, desktop searches can be combined with our underground utility surveys and topographical surveys, giving you a coordinated dataset to support safer planning and more informed project decisions.
Desktop Utility Searches Drawing Example
Desktop Searches Example Drawing
View an example of our desktop utility services survey drawings
Supporting commercial projects across the UK
From heritage landmarks in London to large commercial and infrastructure projects across the Midlands and the North, Fosse Surveying delivers survey-grade data nationwide. Our experience spans retail, industrial, public-sector, healthcare and complex multi-site environments, supporting clients with accurate, dependable information wherever their project is located.
Explore our case studies to see how we’ve supported commercial developments, live operational buildings and nationally significant sites across the UK.
Get in touch today
If you’re looking for a company that provides high quality surveying that offers an excellent all round customer experience, you’ve come to the right place.
- 0116 2325169 office
- 07359 617813 on-site team
- mail@fossesurveying.co.uk