Bunting Labs, a San Francisco-based startup co-founded by Michael Egan and Brendan Ashworth, is on a mission to accelerate map digitization using AI. The fusion of mapping, digitization, and AI intrigued me, prompting a conversation with Michael to delve into their technology and explore potential applications in the realm of damage prevention. Here’s how it went: A CHAT WITH …
UA / ISSUE 79
We’re heading to the Louisiana 811 Damage Prevention Summit tomorrow – let us know if you’re going! County GIS dept. gets new Utility Scan Device READ 🔗 Gentry Council passes ordinance requiring underground utilities READ 🔗 Why digital twins are the future of damage prevention READ 🔗 Any Direction Underground Utilities sees success READ 🔗 Robot worms, lasers, drones …
VHS | ANY DIRECTION UNDERGROUND UTILITIES SEES SUCCESS
“The family-owned business consists of owners Ralph and Sheila Guyton and their sons work in the business with them. They started off working with just the family, rented machines and one truck. Now, they have more than 10 employees, six trucks and six machines of their own.”RECENT POSTSApr. 24, 2025THE RELENTLESS THREATApr. 21, 2025UA / ISSUE 139Apr. 17, 2025SLOW PROGRESS …
DIGITAL TWINS ARE THE FUTURE
Digital Twins are a game-changer for infrastructure management and protection. In this article I’m going to outline what exactly a digital twin is, the motivation for adopting them and the momentum which is pushing us in this direction. Let’s start with a definition: “A real time, virtual representation of the real world” – Josie West 🔗 The concept of a …
UA / ISSUE 78
The fourth story in our alert carries the tragic story of a young USIC locator called Joe Zephries who was struck by a car and passed away. Our condolences are with his loved ones. There’s a GoFundMe fundraiser which you can find here. National Underground Asset Register could be opened for wider use: READ 🔗 Bad Weather Isn’t Enough …
VHS | DIRECTIONAL DRILLING IN FLORIDA
“Aaron visits Earthview in Melbourne, FL to see one of their directional drilling projects where they are installing 40,000 feet of water lines. The purpose of directional drilling is to install underground utilities without disturbing the surface. Directional drilling can be used to install these utilities under roads, train tracks, interstates, etc. Earthview is a women-led company that’s headquartered in …
10 X 25 = REDUCING DAMAGES
A few years ago Geoff Zeiss and Dr. Sakura Shinoaki wrote a white paper called Reducing Damage to Underground Utility Infrastructure during Excavation. In it they outlined ten main topics and concluded with 25 recommendations 25!! This was a hefty piece of research and expertise rolled into one, that sought to challenge the status quo in damage prevention and draw …
UA / ISSUE 77
Welcome to our first Utility Alert of 2024, let’s make this year safer than the one before. Utilities Can Reap the Rewards of Resilience – READ 🔗 ‘The 5 billion-dollar mile’: Bulldozers at the ready for 23 acres – READ 🔗 Forging Forward in Damage Prevention – READ 🔗 Pre-Plan for Success – READ 🔗 Federal funding for Virginia to …
VHS | HOW TO START AN EXCAVATING COMPANY
This week we’re haring a video from Nate Jones on how to start your own excavating company – Land Clearing, Basement Digging, Excavating for Foundations, and Excavating utility work!In the video he covers 5 main points: Costs and Equipment, How much you can make, Downfalls, Legal Set Up, and Getting StartedGive it watch and get inspired!RECENT POSTSApr. 24, 2025THE RELENTLESS …
PRE-PLAN FOR SUCCESS
Utility locating is one of the most pivotal elements in ensuring safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in project execution. There are several key considerations which are often overlooked during project pre-planning that I think would help improve project timeliness and ultimately reduce damages. Unveiling the nuances of 811 and private utility locators unveils critical insights pivotal for a secure and robust …