Before Underground Utility Mapping begins, it is helpful to provide accurate information about the property and the project requirements. Important details may include the site address, project boundaries, planned excavation areas, construction plans, known utility locations, and the type of work being performed. This information helps technicians understand the scope of the investigation and determine which areas require detailed mapping.

The site should have safe and reasonable access to the areas being investigated, with unnecessary equipment, vehicles, debris, or other obstacles cleared where possible. Existing utility records, site plans, engineering drawings, as-built documents, previous survey information, or construction records can also be useful. Providing any known information about private or existing utilities can help technicians compare available records with field conditions.

Depending on the site, underground utility mapping may combine electromagnetic locating, GPR scanning, GPS/GIS surveying, field measurements, and available utility records. The collected information can then be organized into digital or marked utility maps showing the approximate locations and paths of identified infrastructure. Proper preparation helps create useful subsurface information for construction planning, excavation, engineering, development, and future utility maintenance.