Utility Mapping for the Channel Islands Air National Guard

Uncovering the Infrastructure Beneath the Base

At the Channel Islands Air National Guard Base in California, maintaining mission readiness depends not only on the runways and buildings above ground, but also on the utilities hidden beneath the surface. To improve planning and ensure accurate records, the Guard needed a comprehensive understanding of its underground infrastructure. For this effort, FORCE was contracted to deliver the specialized utility mapping services required.

The challenge was straightforward but critical: identify, locate, and document the base’s utilities with the level of precision necessary to support both day-to-day operations and future expansion.

Our Approach

FORCE combined cutting-edge survey equipment with proven subsurface utility locating techniques to bring clarity to the underground. Using Trimble GNSS receivers, electromagnetic detection methods, ground penetrating radar, and visual verification, our team collected and verified utility data across the base.

We followed the ASCE standards for subsurface utility depiction, ensuring that every dataset not only met industry expectations but also provided immediate practical value for integration into CAD and GIS platforms.

The Outcome

FORCE delivered a complete utility mapping package that included:

• Quality Level B utility data ready for engineering and planning use
• Accurate horizontal positioning of underground systems, validated with multiple locating methods
• A digital dataset that could be seamlessly imported into CAD and GIS environments, giving the Guard a reliable baseline for decision-making

Why It Mattered

For the Channel Islands Air National Guard, having a verified record of its underground utilities means greater safety, efficiency, and confidence in planning. Whether it’s facility maintenance, upgrades, or new construction, FORCE’s deliverables reduced the risks of unknown utilities and gave the Guard the information it needs to operate with certainty.

This project highlighted FORCE’s ability to step in as a trusted technical partner—contracted to provide specialized expertise and deliver results that directly strengthen the Guard’s mission.