Accurate information about what lies underground remains essential for any project that involves excavation or utility work. Trial pits, sometimes referred to as test holes or trench cards, provide the most reliable method for confirming the location and depth of buried assets. They reduce the risk of strikes, delays, and rework by turning assumptions into verified information.
Many organizations still rely on manual drafting tools to document trial pit findings. These methods are slow to prepare, difficult to standardize, and prone to inconsistency across teams. Geolantis addresses these challenges with a fully automated Trial Pit reporting system that moves field data directly into clear, accurate reports within minutes.
Smarter Setup and Role-Based Control
Geolantis manages access to Trial Pit Reports through user roles and permissions. This ensures that only approved team members can configure and publish reports, which supports data security, consistent processes, and a clear record of responsibility. Configuration remains simple so that teams can focus on fieldwork rather than administrative tasks.
Field Workflow: Structured Capture from Start to Finish
The Geolantis Mobile app guides field crews through each step of the trial pit process. Every action is designed to maintain accuracy and reduce the likelihood of missing information.
Field teams follow a structured sequence:
- Select the project and confirm device connection and GNSS accuracy. RTK correction is recommended when precise positioning is required.
- Define the pit boundary by capturing a top polygon feature. The first point establishes the orientation of the cross section.
- Record the bottom line by placing the pole at the base of the excavation.
- Capture visible utilities such as pipes, cables, and conduits, and assign their correct type. Users can input the radius or diameter for each object. When not provided, the system applies a standard default value.
All measurements, photos, and attributes are georeferenced and validated before being stored. This ensures clean visualization and accurate report generation once the data reaches the office.
Web Interface: Instant Clarity for Office Teams
The Geolantis Web App converts field data into an interactive visual environment. Users can review a list of all trial pits within a project and select individual pits for inspection.
The Cross Section Preview displays:
- Surface geometry
- Depth measurements
- Identified utilities
- Associated photos
With a single action, users can generate a Cross Section Report that includes measurements, annotations, and embedded imagery. Report templates can be configured at the account level to maintain brand alignment and meet regional standards.
A Fully Digital Workflow with Less Manual Effort
The digital workflow removes the need for CAD drafting, external tools, or manual data alignment. Field geometry, depth information, and utility metadata are combined automatically to produce a spatially accurate cross section. The final output aligns with GIS or CAD data without requiring conversion steps.
This approach improves productivity and maintains consistent quality across teams and projects. It also strengthens traceability and compliance with local regulations and client specifications.
The Business Advantage
Digitizing trial pit workflows delivers measurable value:
- Faster output, reducing report preparation from hours to minutes
- Higher accuracy due to validated data and consistent templates
- Better transparency through a clear visual record of underground assets
- Scalable processes for both small sites and large infrastructure portfolios
Building Confidence in Every Excavation
For utilities, councils, and engineering firms, the Geolantis Trial Pit workflow supports more than operational efficiency. It provides confidence in underground information and helps teams make informed decisions backed by verified data. Each investigation becomes a documented and traceable source of truth.
Speak with the Geolantis Team
If your organization needs to modernize its trial pit workflow or improve underground verification, our team can walk you through the full capabilities of the platform. Contact us to arrange a demo or discuss your requirements.
Download the Geolantis App
Request A Live Demo Today
Ready to see how Geolantis.360 can elevate your utility mapping? Fill out the form to schedule a personalized demo.
Our team will walk you through the features and benefits tailored to your needs, helping you unlock the full potential of Geolantis.360.