Skip to main content

Radiodetection Method

06 November, 2024

Purpose: The Radiodetection method is a precise and efficient tool for locating underground utilities and infrastructure. It is widely used in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) to trace pipes, cables, and live utility lines, essential for construction and excavation planning.

Applications:

Utility Mapping: This method allows operators to energize and trace buried pipes and cables, helping avoid damage during excavation.

Passive Detection of Live Utilities: In passive mode, Radiodetection can detect active power lines and signals from telecommunication lines, providing a non-intrusive way to locate live infrastructure.

Technical Process: The Radiodetection PTLG+ instrument uses a 10-watt transmitter with selectable frequencies to energize target lines. The receiver then picks up these signals, and traced lines are marked on the surface with spray paint and photographed for documentation. Digital recordings can also be made for detailed record-keeping.

Key Uses: Radiodetection is essential for accurate utility location in urban and industrial areas, complementing other SUE tools like GPR and EM31, and ensuring safe and efficient infrastructure development.


The Radiodetection PTLG+ instrument consists of a 10-watt transmitter with selectable frequencies. The transmitter for this geophysical method energizes pipes and cables so that the receiver operator can trace them. It can also be operate in the passive mode to detect live hydro lines and certain secondary radio signals emitted by various lines (e.g., telephone, electrical). Results can be digitally recorded with the receiver. We trace detected lines with spray paint on the ground surface and photograph them for further reference.

Radiodetection is just one of several instruments used for SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering). Others include GPREM31 and EM61