AS 5488.1-2022

Description

AS 5488.1 – 2022 Edition – Classification of Subsurface Utility Information (SUI), Part 1: Subsurface Utility Information

AS 5488.1 provides a framework for the classification of subsurface utility infrastructure based on location (i.e. the act or method of detecting the utility), position (i.e. the spatial information or coordinates of that utility) and attribute information from which specified quality levels are assigned for the management of subsurface utilities.

AS 5488 Part 1 applies to subsurface utilities and associated surface features that facilitate the location,positioning, identification and engineering management of subsurface utility infrastructure.

AS 5488 1 also applies to all existing (including redundant) and under-construction subsurface utility infrastructure.

This document does not apply to utility infrastructure that is above the surface, such as overhead power and telecommunication lines.

This document describes common methods for locating (i.e. detecting) subsurface utility infrastructure, but does not provide guidance on specific methods to determine, manage or apply spatial position information. This focus recognizes that physically confirming the presence and identity of infrastructure is historically the primary concern when considering safe access or avoidance.

However, the authors of this document also recognize that increasingly accurate and accessible positioning methods, coupled with progressively improving catalogues of utility positions, have the potential to drive significant improvements in subsurface utility management. GPS/GNSS positioning at decimetre-level accuracy can be obtained using inexpensive mass-market mobile devices, supported by Augmented Reality (AR) applications to make spatial information easily accessible in the field.While not in scope for this revision of the document, positioning methods can be expected to have an increasing role in the improved detection and management of subsurface infrastructure.

NOTE Consultation with competent professionals is recommended to identify appropriate methods and satisfy
tolerances for absolute spatial positioning and relative spatial positioning where required in AS 5488.1.

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