What is Foundation Data?
4M delivers instant, reliable utility data on an up-to-date Foundation base map with portfolio-grade coverage and intelligence. It compiles millions of public records, permits, GIS layers, imagery, and satellite sources into a single, continuously improving dataset. It delivers broad coverage and reliable context for planning, feasibility, and early-stage design.
What types of data are available in Foundation Data?
Foundation Data includes key utility information such as:
Utility Lines: Details on specific utility lines, sectors, sub-sectors, and lengths.
Utility Owners: Ownership details and utility provider names.
Utility Attributes: Information on above- and below-ground utilities, including size, material, and installation date.
On-Surface Object Detection: Detection of manholes and utility poles.
Complementary Data Layers: Includes parcels, topography, floodplain, and estimated ROW.
Downloadable Formats: Available in GIS-compatible formats (such as shp, gpkg, kml).
How does Foundation Data work?
Our AI-driven process follows three key steps:
Collect, Extract, and Conflate: Our AI algorithms gather, geo-reference, merge, and synthesize millions of public utility records from GIS servers, as-builts, permits, and more, creating an instantly ready-to-use utility map.
Detect and Validate: Using advanced AI-powered object detection and computer vision, 4M identifies on-surface utility objects (e.g., manholes, poles, valves, road markings, and more) and visually verifies them with satellite imagery, aerial data, and Google Street View.
Maintain and Update: Our AI continuously collects and updates information through a feedback loop triggered by source updates and changes, enhancing the map’s quality and accuracy. We maintain a complete history and track changes across all sources and datasets.
📌 Foundation Data Recovery (FD Recovery): Using 4M’s scoring algorithm, we automatically detect which projects require data enhancements based on coverage gaps and data quality metrics. When a project does not meet our scoring criteria, the user will be notified that a data enhancement is underway (see below to learn more).
What is Foundation Data Recovery (FD Recovery)?
Using 4M’s scoring algorithm, we automatically detect which projects require data enhancements based on coverage gaps and data quality metrics. When a project does not meet our scoring criteria, the user will be notified that a data enhancement is underway.
FD Recovery supplements missing data using additional sources such as satellite imagery and engineering documents. This process is conducted by our geospatial specialists, ensuring that the most reliable and relevant data is incorporated into the map.
This enhancement is typically delivered within 1-2 business days, with automation efforts in progress to reduce processing time further by the end of 2025.
While FD Recovery improves data coverage, it does not involve full QA/QC validation or repositioning of existing lines. For expert-verified accuracy, Validated Data is available as an add-on.
How does 4M ensure Foundation Data quality in areas with incomplete or unreliable records?
When existing data is missing or inconsistent, 4M’s AI models infer missing lines by detecting patterns across records, imagery, and surface evidence, connect isolated utility objects with AI-generated lines, and reveal network continuity beyond incomplete or out-of-date records.
Each line includes source lineage and a project-level confidence score, so users can transparently assess where data confidence is high or where further validation is recommended
Where does Foundation Data come from?
Foundation Data is built using diverse and verified sources, including:
✅ Public GIS Servers: Data from municipal, state, and federal agencies.
✅ Engineering Documents: Digitized and geo-referenced construction plans, as-builts, permits, and blueprints.
✅ Imagery: Satellite, aerial, and street-view imagery to detect utility markers and validate data.
✅ Geospatial Analysts: Experts conduct quality assurance (QA) checks to resolve conflicts, enhance data accuracy, and identify undocumented utilities.
Every utility line displayed in 4M is generated using proprietary AI and Big Data methodologies.
How reliable is Foundation Data?
Foundation Data provides moderate confidence-level insights and is as reliable as a comprehensive manual record search. However, it does not undergo full QA/QC validation and is not a replacement for Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) services.
If a project requires enhanced accuracy and certainty, Validated Data offers expert-verified insights with additional refinements, repositioning, and corrections. (Click here to learn more)
For a detailed comparison between Foundation Data and Validated Data, visit this article.
What quality level does Foundation Data correspond to under ASCE 38-22?
4M is not a SUE provider or engineer of record. We do not certify design accuracy or assign/display ASCE 38-22 quality levels (QL-D, QL-C, QL-B, QL-A). Those determinations and sign-offs are made only by licensed engineers. Our data is often compared to these levels because it helps teams quickly prioritize and support the work needed to complete or reach them.
Foundation Data aligns most closely with QL-D/QL-C. It’s designed for planning-grade workflows such as feasibility studies, cost estimation, route selection, right-of-way research, and pre-design coordination—not for design or construction-level accuracy. (see Validated Data for information on 4M’s higher-accuracy dataset).
Where is Foundation Data currently available?
New states with Foundation Data are added monthly. Check with your CSM for the most up-to-date list of available states.
Additional Questions
Does Foundation Data include topography data?
Yes. Our base map provider supplies the topography layer, which integrates data from government sources and private commercial providers. This ensures detailed elevation and terrain information to support infrastructure planning.
How frequently is Foundation Data updated?
4M continuously ingests and validates new utility records from available records and proprietary sources. Foundation Data is regularly refreshed at the state level by reprocessing all steps—sourcing, structuring, vetting, and AI-driven conflation—to ensure data completeness on a monthly basis.
Can I request additional validation or enhanced data accuracy?
Yes! If you require expert-reviewed data with full QA/QC validation, Validated Data is available as an add-on, providing increased confidence in accuracy and completeness.
How does Foundation Data help mitigate risks in project planning?
By providing immediate access to synthesized utility data, Foundation Data helps:
Reduce reliance on time-consuming manual research.
Identify potential conflicts early in the planning phase.
Enhance coordination between field and office teams.
Support more informed decision-making before excavation.
Can Foundation Data be streamed into ArcGIS or QGIS?
Yes. 4M supports OGC-compliant WFS (Web Feature Service) streaming, allowing Foundation Data to flow directly into ArcGIS, QGIS, and other enterprise GIS environments. Updates occur automatically as data is enhanced or validated.
Need More Help?
If you have further questions, reach out to your Customer Success representative—we’re happy to assist!