1. Survey Type D: Desktop Utility Records Search

When requesting a Survey Type D desktop utility record search, clients could include the following text in the specification document:

Undertake a Survey Type D: Desktop Utility Records Search, as defined in Section 7 of PAS 128:2022, of the required site area (reference to the search boundary plan to be provided by the client). This shall comprise a thorough and complete search of all known utility asset owners within the specified area.

The search shall identify and include:

01. A plan showing the boundary of the requested survey area.

02. A list of utility owners who were sent a request for data.

03. A list of owners of utility data on private sites* who were sent a request for data.

04. A list of utility owners who responded.

05. A list of actions taken to obtain a response from utility owners who did not respond to the request for data.

06. All data received from utility owners, together with any covering letter/s and asset guidance notes.

07. The date of issue of all data supplied by utility owners.

08. An advisory note in bold type explaining how this data was constructed, its limitations regarding accuracy and stating that no on-site survey or geophysical detecting techniques have been used in compiling the information.

09. A final deliverable may be provided as a compilation and consolidation of all record data into a digital representation within a CAD, GIS, PDF or BIM model file structured to the client’s requirements.* *

*Private sites could include for example hospitals, airports and nuclear power plants. When a project takes place on a private site, such as a hospital, industrial or military establishment, a utility owner might not have statutory records covering the survey area. Historical utility data should be obtained from the relevant estate’s department, where available.

** This may be offered as an additional item. It is not a requirement of PAS 128.