When Justin Bell started his career installing underground utilities, he quickly realised there was a gap in the market for accurate locating. Project teams often relied on records that didn’t reflect what was actually underground, creating unnecessary risk and costly surprises. That experience led him to establish Subsurface Detection 16 years ago.
As one of the early adopters of combining electromagnetic induction (EMI) pipe and cable locating with ground penetrating radar (GPR) the company focused on giving clients the accurate underground information they needed before construction began. What started as a one-man operation has grown into a team of 10 certified locators, two trainees and dedicated office staff.
How GPR underground asset data assists projects
On this recent project, the team used the IDS Stream DP multi-array GPR system to map underground infrastructure and collect critical information for upcoming design work. For Justin, the value extends far beyond simply locating utilities – it provides both the utility positions and pavement reports for helping the carriageway design and any potentially unknown voids.
The team also pairs the multi-array system with a Leica FLX100 GNSS antenna, allowing them to accurately position every utility they detect. As crews collect data, the software displays depth slices that reveal utilities at different underground layers. Operators can watch the underground environment take shape in real time as they move across a site.
Back in the office, IQMaps software transforms that data into clear visualisations that engineers, designers and contractors can interpret.
The purpose of collecting this data is so that it goes directly into the project’s design,” explains Justin. “There’s less clashes when the project is actually done, helping avoid budget blowouts and, just as importantly, keeping teams safe on site.
Rather than reacting to issues during construction, project teams can use the collected information early in the design process to give Designers a better understanding of what sits below the surface, helping them identify potential conflicts before they become costly problems.
Experience on major infrastructure projects
Over the years, Subsurface Detection has supported a broad range of clients including Tier 1 civil contractors, NZTA, Auckland Transport, Watercare, and Fulton Hogan.
For Justin, successful projects depend on more than just the technology being used on site. The Subsurface Detection team works closely with clients to understand their objectives from the outset, allowing the team to tailor its approach and deliver accurate information in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. That collaborative mindset shapes every stage of the process, from data collection through to final delivery.
Why choose the IDS brand of Ground Penetrating Radar?
Justin’s decision to invest in the IDS Stream DP came from years of firsthand experience with the IDS brand. He first used the IDS Detector Duo when he launched his business all those years ago and he still carries that unit with him and uses it every day.
Justin also values strong supplier support as the business continues to grow and says Global Survey has played an important role in helping the team get the most from its investment by providing training, setup assistance and ongoing technical support when needed.
| “The team from Subsurface detection have built a solid reputation by pairing deep technical knowledge with cutting-edge technology. The IDS Stream DP enables you to collect massive datasets in a shorter amount of time. It all comes down to that competitive edge to work safer, smarter and delivering accurate results fast” – Campbell McNair, National Detection Specialist – Global Survey |  |
Preparing for the infrastructure challenges ahead
Justin has seen firsthand the scale of infrastructure hidden beneath New Zealand’s streets and he estimates that if every mark out and dataset the company has collected over the years had been recorded, it would now show well over half of Auckland’s underground assets!
As infrastructure investment continues across New Zealand, access to reliable underground data is becoming increasingly important. The better the information available at the planning stage, the greater the opportunity to improve safety, minimise disruption and deliver projects more efficiently.
See the Sub-Surface Detection website for more info on their projects or read more on Utility Detection Technology
