Underground utility detection system

Abstract

Systems for locating an underground utility include means for generating detection data representative of an underground utility within a subsurface of the earth. Systems may also include means for generating geographic positioning data representative of a geographic position of the underground utility and means for storing the geographic positioning data and the detection data. Means are provided for associating the geographic positioning data with the detection data to generate location data representative of a location of the underground utility within the subsurface.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system for locating an underground utility, comprising: 
 means for generating detection data representative of an underground utility within a subsurface of the earth;    means for generating geographic positioning data representative of a geographic position of the underground utility;    means for storing the geographic positioning data and the detection data; and    means for associating the geographic positioning data with the detection data to generate location data representative of a location of the underground utility within the subsurface.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the detection data generating means comprises means for transmitting an electromagnetic source. signal directed at the subsurface and means for receiving an electromagnetic return signal.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the detection data generating means comprises means for transmitting a seismic source signal directed at the subsurface and means for receiving a seismic return signal.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the positioning data generating means comprises means for receiving a plurality of ground-based position signals.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein positioning data generating means comprises means for receiving a plurality of ground-based position signals and means for receiving at least one position signal from space.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising means for generating data representative of a two-dimensional location of the underground utility within the subsurface using the associated positioning and detection data.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising means for generating data representative of a three-dimensional location of the underground utility within the subsurface using the associated positioning and detection data.  
     
     
         8 . A system for locating an underground utility, comprising: 
 means for generating location data representative of a location of the underground utility within a subsurface of earth;    means for storing utility mapping data comprising at least the location data representative of the location of the underground utility; and    means for facilitating user access to the utility mapping data.    
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the facilitating means comprises means for facilitating multiple user access to the utility mapping data.  
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the storing means comprises means for storing data representative of a two-dimensional location of the underground utility within the subsurface.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the storing means comprises means for storing data representative of a three-dimensional location of the underground utility within the subsurface.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the storing means further comprises means for storing as-built utility mapping data.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the storing means further comprises means for storing geographic positioning data representative of a geographic position of the underground utility.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the storing means further comprises means for storing detection data representative of one or both of the underground utility and the subsurface of the earth within which the underground utility is located.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising means for displaying one or both of alphanumeric data and images associated with the underground utility.  
     
     
         16 . A system, comprising: 
 means for transmitting, while moving a plurality of antennae, electromagnetic probe signals into the subsurface;    means for receiving, while moving the plurality of antennae, electromagnetic return signals from the subsurface;    means for generating positioning data associated with movement of the plurality of antennae; and    means for processing the return signals and positioning data to generate location data representative of a location of an underground object or feature within the subsurface.    
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the processing means comprises means for generating a map of the subsurface over which the plurality of antennae is moved.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising means for acquiring one or more geophysical parameters associated with the subsurface.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of antennae comprise a plurality of transmit antennae and a plurality of receive antenna, further wherein at least two of the transmit antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another and at least two of the receive antennae are oriented substantially orthogonal to one another.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising means for displaying data developed from the return signals.