In underground infrastructure, accuracy matters. A few centimetres can make the difference between safe works in the future and avoidable incidents. For years, GPS poles have been the standard instrument for capturing as-built measurements. They remain reliable — but with the pace of the energy transition and the volume of new infrastructure being built, we need a faster and more complete way to document what goes into the ground.
That is why LiDAR scanning is being introduced into the as-built process. Not as a replacement for skilled field work, but as an evolution in how information is captured, confirmed, and delivered.
Instead of collecting individual measurement points with a GPS pole, LiDAR captures the entire trench as it is being built. The trenching team performs the scan on-site during installation, creating a complete and continuous record of the cable infrastructure, its exact position, its depth, and the total trench length.
This means as-built data is captured immediately, without a supervisor having to drive to site afterwards to take measurements. The result: a single, clear digital record of the work, captured at the moment it happens.
A simple and direct workflow
The process fits naturally into the work on-site:
1. The project is automatically prepared in the scanning tool through an API link with the work planning system
2. The trenching team scans the trench during installation
3. The scan is geo-referenced using GPS and surrounding imagery
4. The as-built file is produced in the required format by the network operator
No separate measurement visit. No delay between construction and documentation.
Clear evidence, less discussion
LiDAR creates a visual and spatial record of everything that was installed, including depth, positioning, and actual trench length. With that level of detail, there is no need for interpretation later on. If questions arise weeks or months afterward, the scan shows exactly what was built and where.
Practical benefits
In day-to-day operations, LiDAR brings measurable improvements:
Practical benefits
In day-to-day operations, LiDAR brings measurable improvements:
-Faster as-built submissions
-No need for supervisors to revisit sites just to measure
-A visual record of trench depth, position, and exact length
-Less paperwork and fewer discussions afterwards
For trenching teams, this reduces extra administrative steps. For project teams and the network operator, it provides clear, objective confirmation of what lies in the ground.
Looking forward
The next step in this evolution is automated asset recognition, allowing the system to identify ducts, cables, and components directly from the scan. This will further simplify the process and reduce manual input.
LiDAR does not replace expertise in the field. It supports it by capturing reality in a precise and consistent way, creating reliable documentation without extra site visits or guesswork. As underground networks grow, this approach helps ensure clarity for every stakeholder — today and in the future, while supporting the fast-growing underground infrastructure of tomorrow.
By Tristan Coppens
Program Manager at Unit-T
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