Client Overview

• Company: J. Wilson Contractors Ltd (JWC)
• Location: Wrexham, UK (Nationwide Operations)
• Industry: Civil Engineering, Utilities, Groundworks
• Use Case: Underground utility detection for pre-site investigation and excavation
• Technology Used: Leica Geosystems DSX Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Background

With over 15 years of experience in groundwork and civil engineering, J. Wilson Contractors Ltd (JWC) works with some of the UK’s largest housing developers. The company provides a broad spectrum of services, including:

• Trial hole investigations
• Utility installations (water, gas, electric, telecom)
• Substation and kiosk bases
• Directional drilling
• Site supply connections

As land becomes increasingly saturated with buried utilities—many of which are poorly mapped or incorrectly installed—pre-site detection becomes critical. The company needed a solution to enhance on-site safety and improve surveying accuracy for excavation and utility installation projects.

Challenge: Limitations of Traditional Utility Detection Methods

Traditional tools like Radiodetection tracing systems were effective for basic surveys but struggled with non-metallic utilities such as PE (polyethylene) pipes. Inconsistent depth readings and missed detections presented real risks during excavation.

Key challenges:

• Inability to detect untraceable or non-metallic utilities
• Difficulty determining accurate utility depth
• Time-consuming and less reliable manual methods
• Risk to site safety and delays in project delivery

“There are now more utilities in the ground than ever, and many aren’t buried at correct depths. Standard tracing equipment simply isn’t enough anymore.”
— James Wilson, Managing Director, JWC

Solution: Leica DSX for Safe, Accurate, and Efficient Utility Surveys

To address these limitations, JWC invested in the Leica Geosystems DSX utility detection solution, supplied and supported by M&P Survey Equipment—an authorized Leica distributor with decades of experience.

Key Benefits of the Leica DSX:

• Non-contact Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  Accurately detects metallic and non-metallic pipes, cables, and buried assets
• In-field 3D Mapping & Visualisation
  Engineers can generate a 3D utility map on-site without needing post-processing
• High-Speed Data Collection & Automation
  Intuitive software automates data analysis, saving valuable time and reducing risk
• Seamless CAD & Topographic Integration
  Easy transfer of data into CAD platforms for design and planning workflows

“We now have a solution to locate services that couldn’t be found using standard equipment. It’s a huge step forward in our service offering.”
— James Wilson, Managing Director, JWC

Implementation & Results

JWC integrated the DSX into their utility detection and trial hole workflow with support and training from M&P. The outcome was immediate:

 Improved Detection Accuracy

• Accurately identifies buried utilities, including untraceable plastic pipes
• Depth readings provide safer excavation planning

 Enhanced Safety Standards

• Reduces risk of strikes during excavation
• Meets evolving health and safety compliance requirements

 All-in-One Survey & Detection Offering

• JWC now provides full-service pre-site detection, trial holes, and reporting
• Offers developers a “one-stop-shop” for survey, investigation, and design support

“The DSX enables us to scan, excavate, and deliver detailed reports—offering clients everything they need from one provider.”
— JWC Team

Partner Support: M&P Survey Equipment

The success of the rollout was underpinned by the hands-on support provided by M&P, part of Hexagon and the UK’s longest-standing Leica Geosystems Authorised Distributor.

• On-site training and equipment onboarding
• Technical guidance for data interpretation and reporting
• Ongoing customer support

“The team from M&P have provided excellent service from day one, including guidance, training, and equipment support.”
— JWC Management

Conclusion: Raising the Bar for Utility Surveys in Civil Engineering

With Leica DSX, J. Wilson Contractors Ltd has modernized its approach to utility detection—offering more accurate, safer, and faster surveys. This investment aligns with JWC’s mission to be the go-to utility and surveying partner for developers by providing high-quality, cost-effective services with minimal delays.