Utility Locator Market Analysis

Market Insights:

The global utility locator market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period on account of the implementation of stringent regulations that are intended to force contractors and excavators to use utility locating equipment before digging. Technologies such as electromagnetic induction, radio detection, and ground penetrating radar are widely used in locating underground utilities such as natural gas lines, fiber optic cables, telecommunicating, electricity, water, and sewage lines among others.

Some of the factors that are expected to positively influence market growth are the products reliability, simple placing mechanics, and easy deployment techniques. Utility locators follow electric currents that pass through lines below the surface which helps them identify the exact location of an underground utility.

Utility locating companies operating in this market also offer private utility locating services, inspections, monitoring, and leak detection services. The increasing number of repair & remodeling and infrastructure development initiatives, coupled with smart city developments is projected to positively influence demand for utility locators across the world. “Call before you dig” initiative taken by my many countries in order to promote a safe and hassle free excavation is expected to foster the demand for utility locating services.

Several mishaps have been caused on account of damage to pipelines and other utilities during excavations. Governments have imposed stringent laws, regulations, and standards to prevent such events and ensure a safe excavation procedure. The “One Call” systems implemented by some states allow excavators to avail services for accurately locating underground utilities. Some of the countries using the “One call” system are Australia, Canada, the U.S., and the UK.

Countries have also established color coding systems that help identify existing underground utilities such as electricity, gas, water, communication lines, fire services, sewage, oils & flammable liquids, and steam among others. In March 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the use of 811, which is a national call-before-you-dig phone number. The U.S. has more than 62 One Call centers that connect an excavator directly to the local utility service provider.

Technology Insights:

Companies have made large investments in research and development initiatives in the utility locator industry. Electromagnetic induction technology is expected to gain high traction in the market. Electromagnetic locators use electromagnetic waves to profile the conductivity or resistivity of the ground and provide imaging based on those values. Ground Penetrating Radar helps locate hollow pipes and non-conductive materials. Radiofrequency is a very useful pipe & cable locator and is used to locate conductive materials.

Technological advancements such as drone mapping allow companies to reduce time and cost in locating underground utilities. Drone mapping is a new concept devised by the technology team ReconnTECH of USIC. By using drones the company was able to increase field productivity by 50-75%. Normally a utility locating technician can cover five to seven sites per day. With drones, utility locating technicians can complete approximately 10 to 20 sites per day, depending on driving time between locations.

Product Insights:

Based on the products, the utility locator market is segmented into Electromagnetic Induction, Radio Detection, Acoustic Locating, Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetic locators, Wires & Markers, and Others.

Electromagnetic Induction segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Ground Penetrating Radar segment is also projected to witness a steady growth rate over the forecast period as it minimizes the chances of damaging other utilities. The initial high costs of these locators are anticipated to restrain the growth of this segment. Acoustic pipe locators have the ability to accurately locate unmarked, underground piping systems. These locators require a transmitter that is attached to one exposed end of the pipe, and function according to the vibrations produced in the pipeline.

Services Insights:

On the basis of services, the utility locator market is divided into Vacuum Excavators, Specialty Services, Private Utility Locating, Leak Detection, and Others. Leak detectors segment is projected to gain a significant market share over the forecast period attributing to its wide application across industries. The leak is detected where the sound emitted from the transmitter is higher. The Higher cost of these detectors coupled with the outside externalities is anticipated to limit the growth of this segment. The private utility locating segment is also likely to grow due to the advancements in technology.

Application Insights:

By application, the utility locator market is segmented into Telecommunication, Electricity, Water, Natural Gas, Sewage, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Transportation, and Others. Natural Gas segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Telecommunication application segment is anticipated to experience a rapid growth over the forecast period. This growth is primarily attributed to the advent of GRRS. It uses non-destructive testing equipment to track piping, power-lines, underground storage tanks, and grave sites that are barely seen.

Regional Insights:

The demand for utility locators across the world is expected to grow on account of growing construction and infrastructure development activities. Smart city projects undertaken in developed and developing economies is also expected to fuel demand for utility locators. Asia Pacific is one the fastest growing regions in the world. The region is characterized by rapid infrastructure development initiatives and huge investments by the public and private sector in residential, industrial, and commercial establishments. Developing trade routes is one of the prime concerns of countries operating in Asia Pacific. Increasing pipeline projects are also expected to positively influence market growth.

End-Use Landscape:

The end-use landscape includes a list of current and prospective consumers prevailing across the regions. This section provides company addresses, contact details, products, and regional presence of companies who are purchasing or are likely to purchase products from the global utility locator market. The major consumers of the product are Verizon Communications Inc., and AT&T Inc among others.

Competitive Scenario:

The players profiled in the utility locator market include USIC LLC, Ditch Witch, Tracer Electronics LLC, The Utility Locators Inc., 3M Company, Ridgid Tool Company Inc., Sidewinder Underground Utility Locators, and McLaughlin among others.

Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of companies profiled in the report.

In July 2016, Vivax-Metrotech introduced THE NEW VM-510FFL cable & fault find locator system which provides power lineman with an all-in-one cable & fault-find locator system.