Future Market Insights (FMI) projects the utility locator market value to reach USD 820 million in 2023. Underground utilities are being monitored, inspected, and detected in real-time, and government policies are facilitating their discovery.
In addition to developing technologically advanced tools, utility locators are being developed in preparation for excavating and construction activities. It is estimated that the market for utility locators is expected to expand at a 4.7% CAGR over the forecast period 2023 to 2033.
Modern advanced locators have become increasingly popular as utility networks become more complex and digital management technologies are used more frequently in the industry.
The underground construction of gas pipelines will require extensive analyses and surveys due to the growing number of projects in the natural gas industry. Furthermore, subsurface gas pipelines must be inspected regularly to detect leaks or damage. As a result, the market for utility locators will expand.
Many countries around the world suffer from aging utility infrastructure that needs repair or replacement. Prior to undertaking maintenance or upgrade projects, utility locators are required to identify existing underground utilities. The demand for utility locators is expected to rise as governments and utilities modernize their infrastructure.
With conductive and nonconductive utilities being found using the ground penetrating radar technique, the market is experiencing strong growth due to the significant benefits that the technique offers.
Water and sewage lines can also be located on ice using GPR locating technique. Due to these various benefits of utility locators in water and sewage verticals, significant demand is expected in the coming years.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Utility Locator Market Size (2022) | USD 779 million |
| Utility Locator Market Share Value (2023) | USD 820 million |
| Utility Locator Market Anticipated Forecast Value (2033) | USD 1.3 billion |
| Utility Locator Market Projected Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 4.7% |
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A study by FMI indicates the global utility locator market exhibited a market expansion of 5.5% CAGR from 2018 to 2022. A deteriorating infrastructure and a growing need for repair and replacement of aging utility infrastructure have contributed to the growth of the market demand.
Globally, the concept of smart cities is gaining traction as a way to improve the quality of life and efficiency in urban areas. The installation and management of utility lines is often an integral part of smart city projects.
The utility locators ensure accurate and efficient utility mapping and maintenance in these projects. The growth of smart cities is creating new opportunities for utility locators.
With cities growing and infrastructure expanding, mapping utility lines like water pipes, gas lines, and electrical cables will become more important. Construction and excavation activities can cause damage to underground utilities when utility locators are not used to identify and mark them.
The market for utility locators is expected to grow due to abundant underground locating technologies and electromagnetic profiling.
The government's creative approach toward implementing utility locators and the advancement of innovative utility locating technologies are expected to drive the market. Between 2023 and 2033, the utility locator market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2033.
Technology Developments and Government Regulations are contributing to the Growth of the Utility Locator Market
Developing infrastructure efficiently drives the demand for utility locators. With increasing urbanization and industrialization, the installation and maintenance of utility lines, such as gas, water, electricity, and telecommunication, is becoming increasingly important.
These locators are essential in identifying underground utilities accurately, protecting them from damage during construction activities, and ensuring safety.
Underground utilities can be damaged during construction or excavation activities, posing significant safety risks. Regulatory bodies and governments worldwide recognize the necessity to prevent such damage.
To ensure accurate underground utility location and minimize the risk of accidental damage, utility locators are increasingly gaining popularity. As damage prevention becomes more important, utility locators are becoming more popular.
A significant amount of technological advancement has taken place in the utility locator market in recent years. Due to these advancements, utility locating devices have become more sophisticated and efficient.
Detecting utility locations accurately and in real-time is possible with modern ground-penetrating radars (GPRs), electromagnetic inductions, and GPS tracking. Utility locating can be further enhanced by integrating advanced software and data management systems. By improving accuracy, efficiency, and reliability, these advanced technologies have contributed to the market's growth.
Regulatory bodies and governments have implemented stringent regulations and safety standards to prevent damage to underground utilities. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory for construction and excavation companies, which often mandate the use of utility locators.
In response to such regulations, utility locating services and equipment have seen significant adoption, which has led to the growth of the market.
High Cost of Products and Maintenance to Limit the Growth of the Market
Increasing ownership and maintenance costs are likely to inhibit the growth of these products. Utility mapping technologies do not integrate with geographic information systems, which may impede the mapping and detection process.
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic locators can be very expensive utility locating equipment. Smaller utility companies or contractors with limited budgets may be discouraged by this high initial investment.
With insufficient awareness and training, a number of utility companies and contractors may be unaware of the benefits and capabilities of utility locating services, owing to inadequate training or lack of awareness.
As a result, this can limit market entry and limit demand for products. Utility locating demand may vary seasonally depending on the region, with peak periods during construction and infrastructure development. The demand for utility locating services may be lower during off-peak seasons.
Regulations and permits are often an issue when it comes to utility locating because underground infrastructure is often regulated. The process of obtaining permits and navigating regulatory requirements can be difficult and time-consuming, making utility locators' efforts more difficult.
Increased Government Investment in the United States Creates a Need for Utility Locator in the Market
According to FMI’s report, the market for utility locator in the United States is expected to grow at USD 407.6 million by 2033. As advanced economies such as the United States require greater monitoring and building activity, the region dominates the market for utility locators.
It is estimated that there are approximately 30 million miles of known subsurface utilities in the United States, with many more unnamed. Underground utilities such as cable lines, gas pipelines, and electric lines are all vulnerable to damage when transportation agencies drill into the ground.
Growing government investments in transportation and infrastructure in the developed economies of the United States, combined with the growing demand for electricity distribution lines, will drive the market. The market for utility locators in the United States is expected to hold a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.
Government initiatives supporting utility locator services and technological advancements may be key factors in driving growth. Water and utility and telecommunication sectors are also predicted to grow rapidly between 2023 and 2033, so the utility locator market is expected to experience rapid growth.
Growing Demand for Construction Activities is expected to Generate Demand for Utility Locator Market
According to analysts, China is expected to record the fastest growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region.
The market is projected to hold a market share of 35% by 2033. China's market is expected to grow due to a number of factors, including the growing trend of construction activities, increased investments by leading companies towards expansion, and favorable government policies that encourage the expansion of road and building infrastructure.
Commercial, industrial, and residential buildings are being built quickly and significantly through investments made by the public and private sectors. In addition to building railways and transportation infrastructure, the Chinese government is planning to build various infrastructure development projects. The market is expected to hold a CAGR of 5.6% by 2033.
With the rapid development of infrastructure and urbanization in China, utility locators are in high demand. Water supply networks, gas pipelines, and electrical systems have all been installed and maintained as part of the construction industry in China. The utility locator market is predicted to grow at USD 111.3 million through 2033.
Better Safety and Maintenance is Expected to Expand the Utility Locator Market
The Japanese government has also invested heavily in upgrading its existing infrastructure, including renovating and expanding older cities. Utility locators play a vital role in infrastructure development and maintenance.
In Japan, underground utilities must be carefully planned and managed in a highly developed and densely populated urban environment.
Utility locators work to ensure the safety of construction projects and prevent service interruptions by accurately mapping and locating utility lines. Moreover, Japan's emphasis on disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience contributes to the demand for utility locators.
A variety of factors, including construction activity, urbanization trends, and government policies, can influence specific demand. The utility locator market in Japan is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period.
Surging Construction and Rental Activity is Expected to Grow Demand for Utility Locator Market
Based on segmentation, the global utility locator market is segmented into equipment and services segments.
The services segment will dominate the market during the forecast period. Utility locator services include rentals, instruction, inspections, calibration, maintenance, and repairs. By 2033, utility locator services are expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period.
An entirely dedicated utility locator would not be economically feasible for a single domestic use. Renting services are therefore recommended instead for end users. A training program is also available to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the equipment while ensuring safe utility detection.
Utilities locator services are a major business for the construction industry. To ensure the safety of construction workers and safeguard underground utilities, it is imperative to identify and mark underground utilities as new infrastructure projects, residential and commercial developments, and road expansions take place.
Utility locator services are mandated in many countries before excavations or digging are carried out. As a result, accidents, injuries, and disruptions of essential services can be avoided. As a result of these regulations, utility locator services are in greater demand.
A Growing Demand for Telephone Lines and Telecommunications Services will Drive Market Growth
According to FMI, the utility locator for telecommunications is expected to hold 4.5% during the forecast period. Increasing demand for telecommunication networks and mobile phones is expected to drive the market for telecommunication utility locators. Devices such as these are used to locate underground cables and pipes using electromagnetic signals.
Detections are possible for metallic and non-metallic utilities, including telecommunications lines. The RD8100 from Radiodetection and the vLoc3 series from Vivax-Metrotech are two popular models.
Using radar pulses, GPR devices are able to create a picture of what is buried underground and identify utilities buried underground. The devices are effective for identifying fiber optic cables and other non-metallic telecommunications infrastructure.
Metallic utilities generate magnetic fields that magnetic locators detect. These devices are primarily used to locate metallic pipes, but can also locate telecommunication cables containing metal components.
A wide range of telecommunications infrastructure exists around the world, including telephone lines, televisions, satellite dishes, fiber optic cables, etc. These factors are likely to grow demand in the market.
Technology advancements and market conditions continually shape business trends. Utility locators are becoming more common throughout the world, and startup ecosystems are growing across the globe.
Some key startups in the utility locator market include:
Numerous innovative products have been developed in recent years as a result of research and development initiatives by most leading market players. To expand their product portfolios, industry leaders collaborate with small and midsized companies, merge with them, and acquire them.
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| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2018 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis | USD billion/million for value |
| Key Regions Covered | North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Middle East & Africa |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, GCC Countries, South Africa, Israel |
| Kay Segments Covered | Technique, Offering, Vertical, Region |
| Key Companies Profiles | Radiodetection Ltd.; Guideline Geo; Rigid Tool Company; Ditch Witch (The Charles Machine Works); Leica Geosystems AG; Vivax-Metrotech Corporation; 3M; USIC LLC; Multi VIEW Locates Inc.; Ground Penetrating Radar |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The sales of utility locators are anticipated to be worth USD 1.3 billion by 2033.
The growth potential of the market is 4.7% through 2033.
Favorable government regulations and technological developments are encouraging long-term market growth.
High cost and high maintenance of products are blocking the uptake of utility locators.
Telecommunications showcase a high growth rate for utility locator.
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Utility Locator Market
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