A Guide to BYDA (Before You Dig) & On-Site Locating

Before any excavation, you must find out what's underground. This is a crucial two-step process:

  1. Lodge a FREE inquiry with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA).
  2. Hire a PROFESSIONAL LOCATOR to come to your site and find what those plans miss.

Step 1: How to Lodge a Free BYDA (Dial Before You Dig) Inquiry

This is the essential first step for any project, from building a fence to major construction. It is a straightforward, free online process.

1. Go to the Official Website 

Visit the official, free national service at BYDA Official Website. 


2. Map Your Dig Site 

Use their online map tool to draw a simple box or line around your exact work area.


3. Receive Your Plans 

After you submit, you will get multiple, separate emails, one from Telstra, one from your council, one from your power company, etc. You will not get one single, combined map.


Step 2: What to Do With Your BYDA Plans

The plans you receive are just basic records (Quality Level D). They are not a green light to dig. Find out more about the standards on underground location. 


This is the most critical part:

  • They do not show the exact location or depth.
  • They miss all private utilities (like power to your shed, pool, or stormwater).
  • They are often incomplete or out of date.


Your next step is to call us.

Our Service: The Essential On-Site Scan

We are the certified locators you hire for the essential second step. We use those plans as a guide, then come to your site with advanced equipment to find what's actually in the ground.


  • We use Electromagnetic (EML) locators to trace conductive pipes and cables.
  • We use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to find non-conductive pipes (like stormwater) and unrecorded assets.
  • We mark the actual location of utilities on the ground with spray paint, giving you the confidence to dig safely.


Why Choose a Certified Locator?

Digging based only on plans is a dangerous gamble. Hiring a professional is the only way to fulfil your duty of care. Our team's expertise is proven:


  • Telstra Accredited: We are trusted to locate their most critical and sensitive assets.
  • DBYD Certified: We are professionally trained to interpret the plans and find what they miss.
  • AS9001 Quality Management: Our processes are third-party audited, ensuring a reliable, high-quality service every time.
  • Experts Since 1997: We have been one of Queensland's leading locating specialists for decades.

Get Your Site Scanned Today

Don't risk costly utility strikes or serious injury. If you have your BYDA plans, contact us today to book your professional, on-site scan.

Get in touch with our team today to request a free quote.

CONTACT US TODAY!