This book is the first of a series of books designed to provide a complete course in utility locating/SUE designating/utility mapping. This first publication was created to be a true beginner’s book for those with no experience of any kind in locating/designating underground utilities.

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Although this book may be purchased and used by any individual wanting to understand the process of using Pipe & Cable or Electromagnetic Locators to trace out buried utilities, it was specifically designed to be used in an accepted classroom and field course conducted by a qualified instructor. With most positions, the process of detecting and tracing out buried utilities is referred to as “locating”. However, for those that work for civil engineering firms, it is referred to as “designating the utilities.” In this manual, the process is typically referred to as utility locating.

This book is compliant with both the CGA and NULCA standards. It is also in compliance with the Utility Engineering & Survey Institute (UESI) guidelines for the position of Designating Technician in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE). This is the beginning level of Utility Designator in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE Technician).