Utility Plan Digitisation in CAD (GLASS)

Create Accurate, Combined Utility Maps in DWG or PDF Format 

Are you working with inconsistent utility plans from multiple providers in different formats and scales?  

At Technics, we offer a simple solution. Our GLASS utility plan digitisation service removes the confusion and headache, transforming these complex plans into clear, usable digital utility maps. Whether you’re planning construction, development, or land acquisition, Technics’ GLASS (Geo Layered Asset Survey System) ensures you have a PAS 128-compliant view of all underground utilities in a single digital format. 

What is Utility Plan Digitisation? 

There are many modern GIS data creation methods, however the most common method is digitisation.

Digitisation is the process of converting static or paper-based utility plans or survey plans into an interactive CAD and GIS (georeferencing) format, such as DWG or PDF.

our utility plan digitisation (GLASS) collates statutory utility records from over 130 utility suppliers, all of whom are compliant with quality level D (QL-D) of PAS 128, into one clear and coherent format. This ensures maximum transparency and efficiency and removes the confusion and risk associated with handling multiple formats, scales, or interpretations.

 

Who can benefit from digital GIS mapping?

The convenience and clarity provided by having a single coherent plan can aid in producing accurate, swift decisions at a range of levels. It can also: 

  • Simplify planning and reduce errors with a single source of truth. 
  • Improve project safety by visualising underground infrastructure before breaking ground. 
  • Meet PAS 128:2022 Quality Level D standards for desktop utility surveys. (Survey Type D).  
  • Receive deliverables in your preferred format – DWG or PDF. 
  • Tailor the level of detail to suit your project requirements. 

Technics’ Utility Plan Digitisation (GLASS) is trusted by construction companies, house builders, property developers, homeowners, solicitors and environmental consultants across the UK.

 

Technics’ GLASS Deliverable Options Available 

We offer three deliverable options: Primary, Intermediate or Advanced. All GLASS models are fully PAS 128 Survey Type D compliant and can be further tailored to meet your requirements by adding or removing vital/unnecessary attributes or data. 

Option 1 : Type D Primary GLASS

The Type D Primary GLASS model is fully PAS 128 compliant, using desktop survey techniques to identify utilities within your search area. Desktop utility record information is combined into a clear, coherent CAD model. Output is provided in both DWG and PDF formats.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

Option 2: Type D Intermediate GLASS

The Type D Intermediate GLASS model offers a greater level of insight, with assets given an extended list of properties and attributes. The model is refined to include the owner of each utility, along with attributes such as plant voltages and pressures.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Owner, within layer name
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • Nature of the system, e.g. voltage or pressure
  • Drainage pipe flow directions
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

Option 3: Type D Advanced GLASS

The Type D Advanced GLASS model builds upon the Primary and Intermediate options to include utility infrastructure symbology and related annotations. This allows the identification of available pipe sizes, materials, depth of cover etc., along with the location of manholes, valves, joint-boxes, nodes, and any further apparatus made available by the utility provider.

CAD Attributes included:

  • Utility type within line style
  • Owner within layer name
  • Utility positions and orientation
  • Nature of the system, e.g. voltage or pressure
  • Utility infrastructure symbols e.g. manholes, valves and distribution points
  • Annotations e.g. pipe sizes, depth of cover, pipe material.
  • Drainage pipe flow directions
  • PAS 128 quality code
  • Survey area boundary
  • Ordnance Survey base mapping

For more information or advice on which option is best suited for your project, please contact us and one of our experts will be glad to assist.

 

How to Order a Digitised Utility Plan 

You can request GLASS utility mapping as an add-on to any Technics desktop utility report. Simply specify that you would like to use this service, and we will provide a quotation to you at the time of order or as soon as your utility report has been compiled. 

To order a digitised utility report (GLASS), please contact the team on 01483 230 080 or email utility.reports@technicsgroup.com.