Map Underground Utilities with Layer Toggles

The most dangerous construction mistakes happen underground, where you can't see what's already there.

If your underground utilities exist only in separate CAD files, utility company records, or paper as-builts, you're creating unnecessary risks for excavation, construction, and emergency response. That's why smart project managers ask: can we map all underground utilities on one system with layer controls that let us see exactly what's buried where?

With Atlas, you can map underground utilities with organized layer toggles that show or hide different utility types instantly. No CAD software required, no file hunting, no overlay confusion. Everything displays clearly with the ability to focus on exactly the underground infrastructure you need to see.

Here's how to set it up step by step.

Why Underground Utility Mapping with Layer Controls Matters

Comprehensive underground utility mapping with selective visibility prevents conflicts, reduces excavation risks, and enables safer construction planning.

Underground utility mapping provides:

Conflict prevention by showing all subsurface infrastructure before excavation begins
Safety enhancement through accurate utility location data for dig-safe compliance
Project efficiency by identifying utility relocations and access requirements early
Emergency response support with precise utility shutoff and service information

So mapping underground utilities with layer controls isn't just documentation—it's safety planning and risk management that protects people, infrastructure, and project timelines.

Step 1: Set Up Your Base Map with Surface Reference Features

Atlas makes it easy to create comprehensive underground utility maps:

Add satellite imagery or aerial photography showing current surface conditions and landmarks
Upload property boundaries and street centerlines for spatial reference and addressing
Import building footprints and paved areas to understand surface constraints
Create coordinate systems that match existing utility company standards and survey data

Once configured, you have precise spatial reference for accurately positioning underground infrastructure.

Step 2: Create Organized Layer Structure for Different Utility Types

Next, organize your underground utilities into logical, toggleable layers:

You can create layers for:

Electric utilities including primary distribution, secondary service, and street lighting circuits
Gas pipelines with pressure classifications, service lines, and safety valve locations
Water infrastructure showing mains, service connections, hydrants, and shutoff valves
Sewer systems including gravity mains, force mains, manholes, and pump stations
Telecommunications covering fiber optic cables, copper networks, and junction boxes
Storm drainage with pipes, catch basins, outfalls, and detention structures

Each utility type becomes a separate layer that can be toggled on or off independently.

Step 3: Configure Visual Styling for Underground Infrastructure

To make underground utilities clearly distinguishable:

Use standardized colors following industry conventions (red=electric, yellow=gas, blue=water, etc.)
Set appropriate line weights showing pipe sizes, voltage ratings, or capacity differences
Add depth indicators using line styling or labels to show burial depths
Create symbol libraries for valves, manholes, transformers, and other underground assets
Configure transparency settings so multiple overlapping utilities remain visible

Underground infrastructure becomes immediately recognizable and interpretable.

Step 4: Add Utility Attribute Data and Asset Information

To make underground utility maps operationally useful:

Include pipe specifications such as material, size, installation date, and operating pressure
Add service information including voltage ratings, flow capacities, or signal specifications
Document maintenance access showing valve locations, manholes, and service connections
Create asset condition data for replacement planning and risk assessment
Include emergency contact information for utility companies and service providers

Also read: Draw Utility Lines and Service Zones

To make layer management simple and efficient:

Create intuitive toggle controls that clearly identify each utility type and status
Set up layer combinations for common workflows like excavation planning or emergency response
Design quick selection tools for showing only utilities within specific depth ranges
Configure search capabilities for finding specific utility assets or service addresses
Test mobile functionality so layer controls work effectively on phones and tablets

Users can quickly focus on relevant underground infrastructure without visual clutter.

Step 6: Integrate with Construction and Emergency Planning

Now that underground utilities are mapped with layer controls:

Connect to dig-safe workflows for excavation permit applications and utility locating requests
Generate construction drawings showing underground conflicts and clearance requirements
Create emergency response maps with utility shutoff locations and service priorities
Set up project planning views that highlight utility relocations and access needs
Export utility data for integration with CAD systems, project management, or GIS platforms

Your underground utility mapping becomes part of comprehensive construction safety and emergency preparedness.

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Use Cases

Mapping underground utilities with layer toggles is useful for:

Construction managers planning excavation work and avoiding utility conflicts in development projects
Utility companies coordinating service installations and maintaining accurate infrastructure records
Emergency services locating utility shutoffs and understanding service priorities during incidents
Municipal planners managing public infrastructure and coordinating utility improvements
Engineering consultants designing projects that work around existing underground infrastructure

It's essential for any operation where underground infrastructure visibility and conflict prevention drive safety and project success.

Tips

Verify utility locations with professional locating services before relying on mapped data for excavation
Use consistent symbology that matches industry standards and local utility company conventions
Update maps regularly as new utilities are installed or existing infrastructure is modified
Create layer combination presets for common viewing scenarios to simplify user workflows
Train teams on dig-safe procedures that combine mapped data with professional utility locating services

Mapping underground utilities with layer toggles in Atlas creates comprehensive subsurface infrastructure visibility.

No specialized utility GIS needed. Just organize utility data into logical layers, configure toggle controls, and create the underground infrastructure intelligence that prevents conflicts and enables safer construction.

Asset and Site Management with Atlas

When you manage a portfolio of sites, the challenge isn't just knowing where things are—it's keeping everything up to date, shared, and clear.

Atlas gives you a spatial layer for asset intelligence: one map for locations, inspections, boundaries, and notes.

Upload, Tag, and Visualize Sites

You can:

Import parcels, points, or lines from your internal datasets
Label assets by status, type, owner, or any field you choose
Color or filter by attribute to highlight what needs attention

Also read: Draw and Label Sites for Ongoing Monitoring

Every layer you add can be styled, filtered, or toggled—so your team only sees what matters.

Enable Field-to-Office Collaboration

Atlas lets remote teams:

Add notes or comments on the map
Drop points for recent site visits or findings
Share annotated views without screenshots

That means no more spreadsheets for site status, and no more confusion over which map is current.

Manage Smarter, Not Slower

Whether you're tracking new installations, checking compliance, or prepping for reporting, Atlas keeps everything visible and centralized.

It's spatial asset management—minus the learning curve.

Boost Your Field Operations with the Right Tools

Field operations move fast. Whether you're collecting data, updating status, coordinating teams, or making decisions—speed and accuracy matter.

Atlas gives you both.

In this article, we covered how to map underground utilities with layer toggles, but that's just one of many things you can do with Atlas.

From subsurface infrastructure management to construction safety, emergency planning, and utility coordination, Atlas makes complex underground utility visualization simple and organized. All from your browser. No utility mapping expertise needed.

So whether you're managing construction projects, utility infrastructure, or emergency services, Atlas helps you move from "scattered utility records" to "comprehensive underground intelligence" faster.