Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
Effective engineering design depends on reliable information about existing site conditions. Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) develops project-specific utility information to support planning, design, coordination, relocation and construction activities.
multiVIEW combines records research, field investigation, utility designation, surveying and targeted utility exposure, as appropriate, to develop and document subsurface utility information for defined project requirements.
Expertise that Adds Value
multiVIEW brings decades of experience in utility investigation, mapping and infrastructure data development to SUE projects across Ontario.
Our teams combine Engineering, Geophysics, field investigation, surveying, data management and technical review to develop utility information suited to the requirements of each project. multiVIEW is also a prequalified provider for numerous municipalities and infrastructure organizations, supporting projects ranging from focused investigations to large, multi-phase capital programs.
Quality Levels and Technical Confidence
multiVIEW’s SUE work is performed with reference to the current ASCE 38 standard and its established framework for classifying subsurface utility information by Quality Level.
Quality Levels D through A reflect different sources and degrees of investigation, from existing records and visible surface features through geophysical designation and targeted physical exposure.
Selecting the appropriate Quality Level depends on the project objective, design stage, site conditions and the level of information required.
multiVIEW applies records research, field observation, geophysical methods, surveying and vacuum excavation as appropriate to the investigation. Information developed through these methods is reviewed, correlated and documented to provide the project team with a clearer understanding of known utility conditions, identified conflicts, and areas where additional investigation may be warranted.
Because subsurface investigation is subject to site conditions, utility characteristics, access and the physical limitations of available technologies, no single method can resolve every condition. Our approach is to apply appropriate investigative methods, professional judgment and quality controls to develop and clearly communicate the information reasonably obtainable within the defined project scope.
Hydro Excavation for SUE Level A
Integrated SUE Project Delivery
multiVIEW combines Engineering, Geophysics, surveying, utility investigation and project management capabilities to coordinate SUE programs around defined project requirements.
The appropriate investigation effort is determined by factors such as project stage, site complexity, available records, design needs and the level of utility information required. Depending on the scope, multiVIEW can coordinate records research, field investigation, geophysical designation, surveying, targeted utility exposure, CCTV investigation, mapping, data management and preparation of professional deliverables.
Information developed through each stage is reviewed and consolidated to document the utility conditions identified within the project limits and the Quality Levels achieved.
We used to rely on disparate data to gain an understanding of subsurface assets. Whenever a change would occur, the area would be re-surveyed and data would be stored in various formats. By applying Subsurface Utility Engineering, we’ve created a database of high quality data that can be used by future contractors for years to come.
Florin Doru Merauta, Senior Project EngineerHATCHSUE Capabilities
- QL-D – Records Research and Analysis
- QL-C – Survey of Visible Utility Features
- QL-B – Geophysical Utility Designation
- QL-A – Targeted Utility Exposure and Survey
- Utility Coordination
- CCTV Sewer Investigation
- Sewer Invert and Chamber Data Collection
- Confined Space Entry
- Traffic Control Planning and Coordination
- GIS and CAD
- Project Management
- Technical Review and Professional Deliverables
To learn more about planning an appropriate SUE investigation, read our blog: What You Need to Know About Subsurface Utility Engineering
You can also download our Subsurface Utility Engineering White Paper.
From Field Information to Project Deliverables
multiVIEW’s CAD and technical teams consolidate information developed through the investigation into project-specific drawings, datasets and supporting documentation. Deliverables are prepared to reflect the applicable SUE Quality Levels, defined project scope, relevant standards and customer specifications.
The resulting information provides the project team with a documented representation of the utility conditions identified through the investigation, together with the context needed to understand how that information was developed.

