About our Sessions

Utilities in the project site are the source of untenable levels of risk to project owners, engineering consultants, and contractors. Whether it’s utility strikes shutting down construction, utility conflicts derailing schedules and inflating budgets, or lack of available utility data for planning, stakeholders are often forced to reckon with unknown site conditions in the absence of reliable utility location data. But digital innovation and proactive nationwide mapping initiatives are finally becoming a reality, making comprehensive data available at scale. This talk covers how decision-makers can use AI-powered tools like object detection and utility insights to gain early access to a more complete picture of the site—and use that information to mitigate risk, plan more effectively, bid with confidence, and build better together by sharing data among stakeholders.

Instant Availability: In 2025, project teams can no longer afford to wait months to access utility data through labor-intensive methods like boots-on-the-ground utility investigations and manual record research. Proactive mapping and AI tools can now make utility line data instantly available through big data aggregation and conflation.

Comprehensive Coverage: Successful utility risk mitigation requires comprehensive, reliable coverage. With AI tools like object detection, unknown utilities can be discovered earlier and faster, enabling project teams to prevent utility conflicts, avoid accidental strikes, and plan with confidence.

Utility Analytics: Through digital analytics, project teams can draw key insights about project sites including utility density, presence of high-risk utilities, and distribution of utilities in the right-of-way. This data empowers decision-makers to quickly assess constructability, alternatives, and bid packages.