The global utility locator market size was estimated at USD 842.5 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,252.3 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid surge in infrastructure development projects worldwide, including roads, railways, buildings, and underground utility networks. As infrastructure density increases, the need for precise underground utility mapping has become critical to prevent service disruptions, construction delays, and costly repair work. Accidental damage to underground utilities during excavation activities can result in severe injuries, fatalities, and significant financial losses, making utility locators an essential tool for risk mitigation and safe excavation practices.

The booming residential and commercial construction industry is a major end user of utility locating equipment and services. Rising urbanization, population growth, and large-scale commercial developments are increasing excavation activities, thereby driving demand for accurate utility detection solutions. In addition, stringent government regulations and safety standards that mandate utility location prior to excavation are compelling contractors and construction firms to adopt utility locators to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid legal penalties. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technologies such as ground penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), and global positioning systems (GPS) into modern utility locators has significantly improved detection accuracy, depth estimation, and operational efficiency, further supporting market growth.

A key emerging trend in the utility locator market is the growing demand for real-time analysis of underground utilities beneath concrete structures, roads, railway lines, and other complex infrastructure. Advanced detection technologies, including ground-penetrating radar, electromagnetic field-based systems, and hybrid solutions, are increasingly being deployed to enable accurate identification of buried assets. These modern technologies allow utility owners and operators to conduct immediate assessments of underground systems, facilitating faster decision-making and reducing downtime. As a result, utility locating service providers and equipment manufacturers are incorporating advanced features such as fleet telemetry systems, GPS-enabled devices, geographic information system (GIS) integration, and advanced GPR tools. This technological evolution is contributing to strong market expansion and increased adoption across industries.

Key Market Trends & Insights:

• North America dominated the utility locator market in 2023, accounting for the largest revenue share of 36.8%. This dominance is attributed to well-established infrastructure, strict excavation safety regulations, and widespread adoption of advanced locating technologies. The utility locator market in the U.S. is anticipated to exhibit a significant CAGR over the forecast period, supported by continued investments in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
• The Asia Pacific utility locator market is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and large-scale infrastructure projects across emerging economies in the region are driving demand for utility locating solutions to support safe and efficient construction activities.
• Based on technique, the electromagnetic field segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 44.5% in 2023. This is due to its effectiveness in detecting metallic utilities and widespread use across construction and utility maintenance activities. Meanwhile, the ground penetrating radar segment is predicted to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, as GPR plays a crucial role in detecting both metallic and non-metallic utilities with high precision.
• Based on offering, the equipment segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 65.69% in 2023, driven by increasing purchases of advanced locating devices by contractors and utility companies. The services segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, as rising population levels and urban development lead to increased excavation activities requiring professional utility locating services.
• Based on target type, the metallic segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 68.50% in 2023, reflecting the prevalence of metallic underground infrastructure such as pipes and cables. The non-metallic segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, supported by the increasing use of plastic and composite materials in modern utility networks.
• Based on vertical, the telecommunication segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 28.1% in 2023, driven by extensive underground cable networks supporting digital connectivity. The water and sewage segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, owing to growing investments in water infrastructure and sanitation systems.

Order a free sample PDF of the Utility Locator Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2023 Market Size: USD 842.5 Million
• 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 1,252.3 Million
• CAGR (2024-2030): 6.1%
• North America: Largest market in 2023
• Asia Pacific: Fastest growing market

Key Companies & Market Share Insights:

Key companies operating in the utility locator market include Radiodetection Ltd., The Charles Machine Works, Inc., and Leica Geosystems AG. These market participants are actively focused on expanding their customer base and strengthening their competitive positions through strategic initiatives such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and new product and technology development.

For instance, in July 2023, Ditch Witch, a utility locator provider, entered into a collaboration with Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC), a heavy equipment training programs provider. Under this agreement, HEC became an Authorized Ditch Witch training provider for the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) Certification Program. This initiative introduced instructor-led training sessions focused on fundamental machine operation and job-site safety practices for both new and experienced operators, highlighting the industry’s emphasis on safety, skill development, and advanced utility locating solutions.

Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the global utility locator market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing infrastructure development and the rising need to prevent damage to underground utilities during excavation activities. Stringent safety regulations and mandatory utility location requirements are encouraging widespread adoption of advanced locating equipment and services. Technological advancements such as ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic field detection, and GPS integration are significantly improving accuracy and operational efficiency. North America remains the dominant market due to strong regulatory frameworks and mature infrastructure, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth supported by rapid urbanization. Overall, continued investments in smart infrastructure and advanced detection technologies are expected to sustain market expansion through the forecast period.