How Pro-Torque improved pipeline design with QLA Utility Mapping

Geospatial & DigitalUnderground Utility Mapping

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Class A utility mapping and integrated geospatial data to support a new pipeline route in Kewdale, WA.

When Pro-Torque set out to design a path for a new proposed pipeline in Kewdale, they needed more than just a list of what was underground. The team required precise positional data, above and below ground, to make confident design decisions and avoid costly clashes during construction.

RM Surveys was engaged to deliver a comprehensive utility mapping solution, combining Class A locating across all utilities with integrated geospatial data to produce a single, coordinated dataset.

The project involved both RM Surveys’ Utility Mapping (UM) and Geospatial teams, and included mapping of critical assets. We worked through a live traffic environment, coordinating with asset owners and local council to complete the full scope safely and on time.

INTEGRATED SPATIAL DATA FOR PIPELINE PLANNING

WHAT WE DELIVERED

CLASS A UTILITY MAPPING

ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND FEATURE SURVEY

GEOSPATIAL DATA INTEGRATION

PIPELINE CLASH VISUALISATION

TURNING DATA INTO DESIGN

PROJECT OUTCOMES

When utility data relies on existing records alone, positional tolerances can vary significantly, leaving design teams working with uncertainty rather than fact.

RM Surveys applied Quality Level A (QLA) survey methods to reduce positional tolerance to +/-50mm, giving Pro-Torque a dataset accurate enough to support detailed design with confidence.

Integrated above and below ground data

RM Surveys delivered a single, sign-coordinated dataset combining underground utility mapping with geospatial survey. It removed the gap between ‘what’s underground’ and ‘where everything sits spatially’, presenting the full picture in one usable deliverable. The data was showcased directly in Pro-Torque’s main office and was well received by all stakeholders.

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Positional tolerance reduced to +/-50mm

By applying QLA methods, RM Surveys reduced positional tolerance to ±50mm, compared to standard records which can carry tolerances of ±300mm to ±500mm. The result: a dataset stakeholders could rely on for design decisions involving critical infrastructure.

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Clash detection for the proposed pipeline route

RM Surveys incorporated the proposed pipeline route directly into the integrated dataset. This allowed the design team to identify clash points based on the target installation depth, flagging potential conflicts with existing services before any ground was broken.

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3D data ready for major infrastructure planning

The final deliverable was structured for immediate use in workflows. Pro-Torque can draw on the 3D integrated dataset to inform current and future infrastructure planning decisions on site.

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Delivered ahead of schedule

Despite working through complex stakeholder approvals, live traffic environments and coordination with local council and asset owners, the project was completed ahead of schedule with minimal site disturbance.

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“Pro-Torque had the pleasure of working with Rhyce Murphy, Utility Mapping
Manager, on a pipeline project in Kewdale.

His technical knowledge and level of job preparation were second to none. The
project was delivered to a high standard, and stakeholders were extremely satisfied
with the quality of the final deliverable.

We look forward to working with Rhyce and the RM Surveys team on future
projects”

Travis Hudson, Director - Pro-Torque

It was a great experience from client meetings prior to contract engagement,

through to completion. The job was completed ahead of schedule, with minimal
disturbance.

Rhyce Murphy, Utility Mapping Manager - RM Surveys

TECHNICAL DELIVERABLES

High-accuracy, directly usable data delivered in a single coordinated format.

RM Surveys delivered a complete, integrated spatial dataset combining Class A utility mapping with geospatial survey data, structured for direct use in design, construction and asset management.

Deliverables included:

Class A (QLA) locating of all underground utilities, including important infrastructure in the Kewdale area
Above and below ground features captured in a single, sign-coordinated dataset
Positional data accurate to ±50mm, a significant reduction from standard tolerance levels of ±300mm to ±500mm
Proposed pipeline route incorporated into the dataset with clash point analysis at the target installation depth
Final deliverable formatted for direct use in design software and asset management workflows

All data was provided in a format suitable for design coordination, stakeholder presentation and ongoing infrastructure planning.

Aerial view of the Kewdale industrial corridor showing existing infrastructure and surrounding site conditions along the proposed pipeline route.

View along a concrete footpath beside a vacant, sandy industrial lot enclosed by temporary chain-link fencing.

Close-up of a sandy vacant lot enclosed by temporary chain-link fencing, showing two white PVC monitoring well casings (one with a yellow cap, one with a black cap) installed near the base of a large eucalyptus tree trunk. A yellow utility marker line is visible in the ground.

Ground-level view of two white PVC groundwater or environmental monitoring well casings (one with a yellow cap) installed in a sandy, leaf-littered area at the base of a large eucalyptus tree, surrounded by temporary chain-link fencing.

A single white PVC monitoring well casing with a blue cap installed in sandy ground beside a galvanised steel fence post, with sparse weeds and a chain-link fence visible in the background.

Four white PVC monitoring well casings — one with a white cap, two with yellow caps, and one with a blue cap — installed in sandy ground near a chain-link gate bearing a "RocksGone" business sign directing visitors to the office and deliveries entrance.

Close-up of the base of a large rusted galvanised steel gate post set into a concrete pad, with a handwritten notation reading "PSO Comms 0.08 Below Dirt" on the concrete surface. Sandy ground and chain-link fencing are visible alongside.

View of a sandy vacant lot edge adjacent to a concrete kerb and footpath, with two small marker pegs in the ground. Handwritten annotations on the kerb read "P100 Comms 0.25m Below Pavy Level" and "P100 Gas 0.5m Below Pavy Level." A utility access cover with green spray-paint markings is visible on the road surface.

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