Quick Overview
- 1#1: ArcGIS Utility Network - Advanced GIS platform for modeling, editing, and analyzing complex underground utility networks with high accuracy and scalability.
- 2#2: Utility Design - Cloud-based tool for designing and documenting underground electric utility infrastructure with automated workflows.
- 3#3: OpenUtilities Plot - Comprehensive software for hydraulic modeling, design, and GIS integration of underground water, wastewater, and gas utilities.
- 4#4: SoftDig - Cloud platform for digitizing 811 locate tickets, mapping underground utilities, and managing locate workflows.
- 5#5: QGIS - Open-source GIS software with plugins for importing, visualizing, and analyzing underground utility data layers.
- 6#6: Global Mapper - Versatile GIS application for processing LiDAR, terrain, and vector data to create detailed underground utility maps.
- 7#7: RADAN - Ground penetrating radar processing software for 2D/3D visualization and detection of underground utilities.
- 8#8: GRED HD - 3D GPR data interpretation software optimized for locating and mapping subsurface utilities.
- 9#9: Reflexw - Professional GPR processing tool for high-resolution imaging and utility detection in complex underground environments.
- 10#10: GPR-Slice - Specialized software for slicing and 3D modeling GPR data to identify and map buried utilities.
These tools were selected for their technical excellence, usability, and value, evaluated based on features like accuracy, scalability, and integration potential to ensure they cater to diverse professional requirements.
Comparison Table
Underground utility mapping software is essential for streamlining infrastructure planning and maintenance, and understanding tool differences is key to selecting the right solution. This comparison table explores popular options, including ArcGIS Utility Network, Utility Design, OpenUtilities Plot, SoftDig, QGIS, and more, breaking down their core features, strengths, and ideal use cases to help users align tools with project needs, scalability, and workflow preferences.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ArcGIS Utility Network Advanced GIS platform for modeling, editing, and analyzing complex underground utility networks with high accuracy and scalability. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Utility Design Cloud-based tool for designing and documenting underground electric utility infrastructure with automated workflows. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 3 | OpenUtilities Plot Comprehensive software for hydraulic modeling, design, and GIS integration of underground water, wastewater, and gas utilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | SoftDig Cloud platform for digitizing 811 locate tickets, mapping underground utilities, and managing locate workflows. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | QGIS Open-source GIS software with plugins for importing, visualizing, and analyzing underground utility data layers. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 6.1/10 | 10/10 |
| 6 | Global Mapper Versatile GIS application for processing LiDAR, terrain, and vector data to create detailed underground utility maps. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | RADAN Ground penetrating radar processing software for 2D/3D visualization and detection of underground utilities. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | GRED HD 3D GPR data interpretation software optimized for locating and mapping subsurface utilities. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Reflexw Professional GPR processing tool for high-resolution imaging and utility detection in complex underground environments. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | GPR-Slice Specialized software for slicing and 3D modeling GPR data to identify and map buried utilities. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 6.1/10 | 6.9/10 |
Advanced GIS platform for modeling, editing, and analyzing complex underground utility networks with high accuracy and scalability.
Cloud-based tool for designing and documenting underground electric utility infrastructure with automated workflows.
Comprehensive software for hydraulic modeling, design, and GIS integration of underground water, wastewater, and gas utilities.
Cloud platform for digitizing 811 locate tickets, mapping underground utilities, and managing locate workflows.
Open-source GIS software with plugins for importing, visualizing, and analyzing underground utility data layers.
Versatile GIS application for processing LiDAR, terrain, and vector data to create detailed underground utility maps.
Ground penetrating radar processing software for 2D/3D visualization and detection of underground utilities.
3D GPR data interpretation software optimized for locating and mapping subsurface utilities.
Professional GPR processing tool for high-resolution imaging and utility detection in complex underground environments.
Specialized software for slicing and 3D modeling GPR data to identify and map buried utilities.
ArcGIS Utility Network
enterpriseAdvanced GIS platform for modeling, editing, and analyzing complex underground utility networks with high accuracy and scalability.
Advanced utility network model with diagrammed connectivity, tiers, and conditional tracing for realistic underground flow simulations
ArcGIS Utility Network is Esri's advanced GIS platform for modeling, managing, and analyzing complex utility networks, including underground infrastructure like water, wastewater, gas, electric, and telecom assets. It provides precise spatial mapping, asset inventory, connectivity modeling, and hydraulic/electric tracing to support planning, operations, and maintenance. Integrated with the full ArcGIS ecosystem, it enables real-time data sharing, mobile field access, and 3D visualization for comprehensive underground utility management.
Pros
- Superior network topology modeling with support for complex underground connectivity and subnetworks
- Powerful tracing and analysis tools for flow, isolation, and outage management
- Seamless integration with ArcGIS apps for field data collection, 3D visualization, and enterprise workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring GIS expertise and extensive training
- High implementation costs and dependency on Esri ecosystem
- Resource-intensive, needing powerful hardware for large datasets
Best For
Large utility enterprises and municipalities requiring scalable, enterprise-grade management of extensive underground utility networks.
Pricing
Subscription-based enterprise licensing; ArcGIS Pro with Utility Network extension starts at ~$1,500/user/year, with custom quotes for organizational deployments.
Utility Design
enterpriseCloud-based tool for designing and documenting underground electric utility infrastructure with automated workflows.
Multi-utility 3D clash detection that automatically identifies conflicts in underground models
Autodesk Utility Design is a cloud-based platform specialized in designing, modeling, and managing overhead and underground utility networks for electric, gas, telecom, water, and wastewater infrastructure. It excels in creating accurate 3D models from survey data and GIS inputs, enabling precise mapping and visualization of underground utilities to prevent conflicts during construction. The software supports automated design rules, standards compliance, and real-time collaboration, making it a robust tool for utility mapping and engineering workflows.
Pros
- Advanced 3D modeling and clash detection for underground utilities
- Seamless integration with Autodesk ecosystem and GIS data
- Cloud-based real-time collaboration for teams
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users without Autodesk experience
- High subscription costs may deter smaller firms
- More design-focused than standalone surveying/mapping tools
Best For
Mid-to-large utility engineering firms needing integrated 3D design and mapping for complex underground networks.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at approximately $1,800 per user, with volume discounts available.
OpenUtilities Plot
enterpriseComprehensive software for hydraulic modeling, design, and GIS integration of underground water, wastewater, and gas utilities.
Advanced 3D clash detection and automated plotting rulesets for underground utilities
OpenUtilities Plot from Bentley is a CAD-based tool within the OpenUtilities suite tailored for designing, mapping, and plotting underground utility networks such as pipelines, cables, and conduits. It leverages MicroStation for precise 2D/3D modeling, clash detection, and integration with GIS data to support infrastructure planning and construction. Ideal for civil engineers, it ensures compliance with industry standards while enabling collaborative project workflows through Bentley's iTwin platform.
Pros
- Seamless integration with MicroStation and Bentley ecosystem for advanced 3D utility modeling
- Robust clash detection and standards-compliant plotting for underground networks
- Strong support for collaborative workflows and GIS interoperability
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to CAD-centric interface
- High cost, especially for smaller teams
- Requires significant hardware resources for complex models
Best For
Large engineering firms and infrastructure projects requiring integrated CAD-GIS solutions for complex underground utility mapping.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $3,000-$6,000 per user/year, often bundled in Bentley OpenUtilities or CONNECT licensing.
SoftDig
specializedCloud platform for digitizing 811 locate tickets, mapping underground utilities, and managing locate workflows.
Direct real-time data streaming from locators to create accurate digital sketches automatically
SoftDig is a specialized mobile and desktop software platform tailored for underground utility mapping and locating professionals. It allows field technicians to capture GPS-accurate utility locations, integrate data from electromagnetic locators, and create detailed digital sketches and reports directly from the field. The tool streamlines ticket management, documentation, and compliance reporting, making it easier to map and verify underground utilities efficiently.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app optimized for field technicians
- Seamless integration with EM locators and GPS devices
- Comprehensive reporting and ticket management tools
Cons
- Subscription costs can add up for larger teams
- Limited advanced GIS export options compared to enterprise rivals
- Occasional sync issues in low-connectivity areas
Best For
Small to mid-sized utility locating firms focused on efficient field data capture and documentation.
Pricing
Starts at $99/user/month for basic plans, with custom enterprise pricing available.
QGIS
otherOpen-source GIS software with plugins for importing, visualizing, and analyzing underground utility data layers.
Vast plugin repository enabling tailored workflows for utility field surveys and analysis
QGIS is a free, open-source Geographic Information System (GIS) software that enables users to visualize, edit, and analyze geospatial data including underground utility networks. For underground utility mapping, it supports layering of vector data for pipes, cables, and manholes, spatial analysis like buffering for locate zones, and map production with custom symbology. While versatile, it relies on plugins for advanced features like field data collection via QField or basic 3D subsurface views.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no licensing costs
- Extensive plugin ecosystem for utility-specific extensions like GPS integration and clash detection
- Handles diverse data formats for importing utility surveys and as-builts
- Powerful spatial analysis tools for querying and buffering utility lines
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-GIS users
- Lacks native 3D subsurface modeling or BIM integration for complex utilities
- Performance can lag with massive datasets without optimization
- Requires third-party plugins for full underground mapping workflows
Best For
Budget-limited surveying teams or GIS-savvy engineers seeking a customizable, no-cost platform for utility data management and mapping.
Pricing
Free (open-source, donations encouraged).
Global Mapper
specializedVersatile GIS application for processing LiDAR, terrain, and vector data to create detailed underground utility maps.
LiDAR Module with automatic ground classification and contour generation for accurate terrain models overlying utility networks
Global Mapper is a versatile GIS software suite designed for processing, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial data, making it suitable for managing underground utility mapping projects. It excels in handling LiDAR point clouds, elevation models, and vector data to create 2D/3D representations of subsurface infrastructure from survey imports. While not a dedicated utility locator, it supports terrain analysis, volume calculations, and export to CAD formats for utility planning and documentation.
Pros
- Excellent LiDAR and point cloud processing for terrain modeling over utilities
- Broad format support for importing survey and CAD utility data
- Affordable perpetual licensing with strong scripting automation
Cons
- No native integration with underground utility detection hardware like GPR or EM locators
- General-purpose GIS lacks specialized workflows for utility as-builts or clash detection
- Advanced modules required for full 3D subsurface capabilities
Best For
GIS analysts and surveyors processing post-survey utility data into maps and 3D models.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $599 for Standard, $1,199 for Pro, and $1,999 with LiDAR Module; optional Universal maintenance ~20% annually.
RADAN
specializedGround penetrating radar processing software for 2D/3D visualization and detection of underground utilities.
3D time-slice volume rendering for hyper-realistic visualization of subsurface utility networks
RADAN from GSSI is a specialized post-processing software for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data, enabling detailed analysis and visualization of underground utilities and structures. It provides advanced tools for signal enhancement, 2D/3D interpretation, time-slicing, and hyperbola fitting to accurately map buried utilities like pipes, cables, and voids. Primarily designed for GSSI GPR systems, it supports professional-grade utility locating workflows with robust export options for reports and CAD integration.
Pros
- Superior 3D visualization and time-slice volumes for intuitive utility mapping
- Advanced signal processing and automatic detection tools tailored for GPR data
- Seamless integration with GSSI hardware and strong export capabilities
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface for beginners
- Limited compatibility with non-GSSI GPR systems
- Pricing is opaque and often bundled, reducing flexibility for standalone use
Best For
Experienced GPR technicians and utility locators using GSSI equipment who require in-depth post-processing for precise underground mapping.
Pricing
Contact GSSI for pricing; typically bundled with hardware or licensed separately starting at several thousand dollars per user.
GRED HD
specialized3D GPR data interpretation software optimized for locating and mapping subsurface utilities.
HyperStacking technology for generating ultra-high-resolution 3D subsurface models from multi-channel GPR data
GRED HD is a specialized software from Guideline Geo for processing and visualizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data, optimized for underground utility mapping and detection. It supports multi-channel data import from various GPR systems, offering tools like automatic hyperbola detection, 3D visualization, and time-slice views for precise utility location. Ideal for generating detailed reports and models used in infrastructure, geotechnical, and environmental surveys.
Pros
- Advanced 3D visualization and time-slice analysis for accurate utility mapping
- Automatic detection algorithms for pipes, cables, and voids
- Broad compatibility with major GPR hardware systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Primarily focused on GPR data, less versatile for other locating methods
- Premium pricing limits accessibility for small firms
Best For
Professional GPR surveyors and utility mapping specialists handling complex subsurface infrastructure projects.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $6,000-$10,000 depending on modules, with annual maintenance fees of 15-20%.
Reflexw
specializedProfessional GPR processing tool for high-resolution imaging and utility detection in complex underground environments.
Advanced 3D migration and automatic velocity modeling for highly accurate depth and position determination of utilities
Reflexw, from Sandmeier Geophysical Research (sandmeier-geo.de), is a professional-grade software for processing and interpreting ground-penetrating radar (GPR) data, with strong capabilities in 2D/3D visualization, filtering, migration, and modeling for underground utility mapping. It supports a wide range of GPR systems and formats, enabling accurate detection of pipes, cables, and voids through advanced algorithms like automatic hyperbola picking and velocity analysis. Primarily used in geophysics, it provides tools for subsurface imaging and attribute analysis tailored to utility locating in complex environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive GPR processing with advanced migration and inversion tools
- Superior 3D visualization and modeling for precise utility mapping
- Broad hardware compatibility and scripting for customization
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High cost for full feature set
- Resource-intensive, requiring high-end hardware
Best For
Professional geophysicists and surveying firms needing advanced GPR analysis for complex underground utility projects.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at ~€4,500 for base version; modular pricing up to €15,000+; contact sandmeier-geo.de for quotes.
GPR-Slice
specializedSpecialized software for slicing and 3D modeling GPR data to identify and map buried utilities.
Advanced tomographic migration for generating high-resolution, geologically realistic 3D models from multi-line GPR surveys
GPR-Slice is a professional-grade software designed for processing and interpreting Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data to create detailed 2D and 3D subsurface images for underground utility mapping. It supports data import from major GPR manufacturers like GSSI, Mala, and Sensors & Software, offering tools such as hyperbola fitting, migration, filtering, and volume rendering for accurate detection of pipes, cables, and voids. Widely used in utilities, construction, and geophysics, it enables precise depth estimation and utility tracing but requires skilled users to leverage its full potential.
Pros
- Comprehensive GPR data processing with advanced 2D/3D migration and hyperbola analysis
- Broad hardware compatibility and robust visualization tools
- Proven accuracy in utility depth estimation and anomaly detection
Cons
- Steep learning curve with a complex, non-intuitive interface
- High upfront cost without subscription options
- Limited integration with non-GPR survey data or modern GIS platforms
Best For
Experienced geophysicists and GPR specialists handling detailed subsurface utility investigations in engineering and utility sectors.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at around $5,000 for base modules, scaling to $15,000+ with full utility mapping add-ons; no subscription model.
Conclusion
The top tools reviewed span advanced GIS platforms, design software, and GPR solutions, each with unique strengths for underground utility mapping. ArcGIS Utility Network leads as the top choice, offering exceptional modeling, scalability, and accuracy for complex networks. Utility Design and OpenUtilities Plot stand out as strong alternatives, excelling in electric infrastructure design and hydraulic modeling for water, wastewater, and gas utilities respectively.
To leverage industry-leading precision and versatility, explore ArcGIS Utility Network—your key to optimizing underground utility mapping workflows.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison