Utility Locator Market Size and Share Analysis by Technique (Electromagnetic Field, GPR), Offering (Equipment, Services), Target (Metallic Utilities, Non-Metallic Utilities), Vertical (Oil & Gas, Electricity, Transportation, Water & Sewage, Telecommunications) - Global Industry Demand Forecast to 2030

Market Overview

The utility locator market stood at USD 835 million in 2022, and it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9% during 2022–2030, to reach USD 1,315 million by 2030.

The rising concern to ensure the safety of utilities that are present underground, technological developments that are paving the way for the accurate identification and location of utilities, as well as the rapid infrastructure development are expected to drive the market’s growth.

Outdated or missing data regarding the presence of utility structures underground in several sites is one of the major issues that comes into play during excavations and the execution of construction projects. Utility locators are necessary to accurately locate and identify the various metallic and non-metallic structures, cables, and pipes that are present beneath the ground.

Precision in identifying utility lines, such as telephone cables, gas pipes, and sewers, that exist beneath the ground makes it easier to prevent damage to them and injuries to workers. The lines are marked with paint or flags, so that during activities such as excavation or construction, the chances of them being harmed are mitigated.

Technological Advancements Paving Route for Modern Utility Locators

The introduction of various advanced technologies and tools for performing numerous daily tasks as well as business operations is gradually becoming a trend, owing to the significant increase in the efficiency of the procedures that comes with it.

In the same vein, utility locating procedures are now being performed using the latest tools, to gain access to the most-accurate information. Access to real-time and refined data in less time is one of the main advantages that the modern utility locator has over the traditional approaches, such as digging for access to underground pipes or wires. Training the professionals to use modern equipment will enable them to carry out the procedure safely.

Companies such as Honeywell International Inc. offer utility locating as well as data capturing services, wherein instead of using paints and flags for identification, global navigation satellite system data is used for building digital maps, which eventually aid in locating the utilities efficiently.

Increasing Efforts to Prevent Damage to Utilities Existing Underground

Governments in various nations are concerned regarding the safety of utilities that exist underground. The infrastructure that exists beneath the ground, in the form of electricity cables, telephone lines, oil & gas pipelines, and water & sewer pipelines, is essential to cater to the necessities of people. This is set up under the ground to prevent damage due to daily human activities or adverse weather and to ensure the safety and convenience of the people residing or working near or in the same area.

Moreover, there are quality levels based on the accuracy of the information for the underground utility locations, and depending on the type of project, a certain level or quality of information is required. For instance, quality level D is for basic information that is useful for planning projects, and quality level A is for the most-accurate information, such as the type, size, and other characteristics of the utility present underground. Countries such as the U.K. have updated the standards that aid in enhancing the entire process of detecting and verifying the location of underground utilities, both old and new. Before commencing new construction, a maintenance project, or excavation activities, underground utility location is essential to ensure safety.

Electromagnetic Field Technique Is Expected To Dominate Market

During the projection period, the electromagnetic field technique is expected to hold the largest utility locator market share. Moreover, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 6%, attributed to the ability of this technique to provide information about a range of utilities, such as electricity wires, gas pipes, and water & sewage pipes, which are a part of the general civil infrastructure.

Utilizing a combination of a transmitter and receiver for generating and analyzing the signal, to identify the exact positions of the structures present below the ground, the electromagnetic field is mainly used for identifying metallic utility structures.

Additionally, the various purposes for which it can be used, such as for finding access points, monitoring excavation procedures, and tracing the target lines, would aid this category in maintaining its dominance on the market.

Apart from the electromagnetic field technique, the ground penetrating radar technique, wherein high-frequency radio waves are used, is expected to hold a significant share. The ground penetrating radar technique can detect both metallic and non-metallic pipes and conduits. Moreover, since it is non-invasive, it can be used for varied purposes, such as interior spaces.

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Demand for Services To Grow Faster than for Equipment

The services category is likely to grow at the higher CAGR, of around 6.1%, during the projection period. Training, inspection, repair & maintenance, and calibration services are regularly required for the equipment used in the utility locating process. Training is one of the most-essential services as it enables the operator to use the equipment with precision, while maintaining complete safety on the site. Moreover, with the regular usage of the equipment, maintenance and repairs are required.

Metallic Utilities Are Expected To Hold Significant Market Share

The metallic utilities category includes metal pipes and conduits, whereas the non-metallic category includes concrete, plastic, and other materials. The metallic utilities category is expected to hold a significant market share in the coming years due to the wide usage of electromagnetic field solutions for the identification and tracking of such structures.

Telecommunications Vertical To Dominate Market in Coming Years

The telecommunications vertical, which includes lines for telephones and television, fiber-optic cables, and other related infrastructure, is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6.4% during the projection period and hold the largest share.

Telecommunications infrastructure is essential to meet the communication needs that exist worldwide. The deployment of sophisticated systems and technologies to provide coverage to rural areas, especially in developing countries, has become important. Moreover, the existing ones in cities and towns require maintenance without any disruption in communication.

In the same way, the swift pace at which urbanization is progressing in emerging economies would be advantageous in stimulating the market in the electricity as well as the water & sewage verticals.

North American Region Dominated Market

In the past, the North American region dominated the market, and it is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 6% during the projection period. The growth can be attributed to the booming demand for the enhanced inspection of sites before digging or excavation, construction of new buildings, and maintenance of the existing infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada.

Construction is one of the major verticals contributing to the growth of the U.S. economy, and according to a government source, more than 1 million building permits were granted for residential construction in December 2022 alone. The government is also approving investments worth billions of dollars for new construction, since the safety concerns regarding the existing structures are rising and the country wants its infrastructure to be competent with that of developing nations, especially China. This implies that construction and infrastructure development would remain robust in the future, in turn, driving the demand for solutions that can help locate underground infrastructure.

Some Major Companies Operating in the Utility Locator Market Are:

• Radiodetection Ltd.
• Guideline Geo
• Ridge Tool Company
• Ditch Witch
• Leica Geosystems AG
• Vivax-Metrotech Corp.
• 3M
• USIC
• multiVIEW Locates Inc.
• Ground Penetrating Radar Systems LLC
• GSSI Geophysical Survey Systems Inc.
• McLaughlin Group Inc.
• Maverick Inspection Ltd.

Market Size Breakdown by Segment

The report analyzes the impact of the major drivers and restraints on the utility locator market, to offer accurate market estimations for 2017–2030.

Based on Technique

• Electromagnetic Field
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Based on Offering

• Equipment
• Services

Based on Target

• Metallic Utilities
• Non-Metallic Utilities

Based on Vertical

• Oil & Gas
• Electricity
• Transportation
• Water & Sewage
• Telecommunications

Geographical Analysis

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
• Asia-Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
• Rest of the World
  • Brazil
  • South Africa