What is Validated Data?
Validated Data builds upon Foundation Data with analyst-led QA/QC, making it suitable for early design, engineering, and risk mitigation workflows. It refines line geometry, confirms network continuity, and adds detailed attributes through document review and imagery analysis.
Validated Data is best used in project planning and early design, QA/QC and field-investigation prep, early-stage design and engineering, pre-field targeting, risk and conflict analysis, utility coordination, environmental studies (NEPA), pre-construction, and more.
How does Validated Data work?
For higher precision, certainty, and completeness, Validated Data is a QA/QC-processed dataset suitable for advanced planning, early design, and engineering workflows. Typical delivery is 2 to 6 business days per project area.
Our process follows a structured validation approach:
Project data sourcing and gathering: Collect and conflate all available records for the AOI, including public GIS servers, owner records, permits, as-builts, and prior CAD or PDFs. Perform a targeted search for missing engineering documents to improve completeness.
Full object and evidence detection: Analyze current and historical aerial and satellite imagery to detect surface evidence such as manholes, valves, cabinets, poles, inlets, road markings, and trench indicators.
Add missing utility lines: Incorporate new lines based on detected evidence and extend networks by connecting isolated objects where patterns support continuity.
Correct existing lines: Review Foundation lines and refine horizontal positions, remove false positives, and resolve conflicts using imagery evidence and verified documents. Expand attributes where available (installation date, material, size, owner).
Delivery & Continuous Updates – The validated dataset is updated and delivered to 4Map within 2-6 business days, depending on project complexity and size.
Teams can submit corrections via file upload. We triage, apply updates, and republish deltas to keep the live map current and accurate.
What makes Validated Data different from Foundation Data?
Validated Data undergoes expert QA/QC review, whereas Foundation Data is AI-synthesized from public records and GIS data.
Key differences include:
Higher Confidence – Utility line positions are refined and repositioned using expert analysis and imagery validation.
Expanded Attributes – Includes additional data such as depth, installation date, material, and size.
Broader Object Detection – Identifies a wider range of surface utility features compared to Foundation Data.
Expert-Reviewed Verification – Combines aerial imagery, engineering documents, GIS records, and manual refinement to eliminate inaccuracies and improve reliability.
For a full comparison, visit this article.
Where does Validated Data come from?
Validated Data is derived from multiple trusted sources, including:
GIS Servers – Publicly available GIS data from municipal, state, and federal agencies.
Engineering Documents – Digitized construction plans, as-builts, and blueprints for detailed insights.
Satellite & Aerial Imagery – Used for visual verification and horizontal position correction.
Geospatial Analysts – Experts conduct QA checks, refine utility positions, and resolve conflicts in datasets.
What types of data are available in Validated Data?
Validated Data includes:
Comprehensive Utility Mapping – Verified utility lines with enhanced positional accuracy.
Utility Owners & Providers – Detailed information about ownership and service providers.
Utility Attributes – Installation date, material, size, and additional technical details.
Object Detection – Broader surface utility identification, including manholes, poles, and underground access points.
Downloadable Formats – Available in GIS (.SHP, .KML, .KMZ) and CAD (.DXF, .DWG, .DGN) formats.
Complimentary Data Layers – Includes land ownership, right-of-way estimates, topography, and floodplain information.
How reliable is Validated Data?
Validated Data is our highest-confidence dataset, undergoing rigorous expert review before delivery.
Key reliability factors include:
Expert-Reviewed QA/QC – Mapping analysts manually verify and refine data.
Multiple Validation Sources – Data is cross-checked using GIS, engineering records, and satellite imagery.
Horizontal Position Corrections – Utility lines are adjusted based on detected surface objects and verifiable evidence.
Timely Updates – Delivered within 2-6 business days based on project complexity.
Does Validated Data meet ASCE 38-22 standards?
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.
Validated Data is often compared to QL-C/QL-B preparation because it enables teams to target verification efforts efficiently. Licensed engineers remain responsible for final QL-B and QL-C certification.
Validated Data is often used for project planning and early design, QA/QC and field-investigation prep, early-stage design and engineering, pre-field targeting, risk and conflict analysis, utility coordination, environmental studies (NEPA), pre-construction, and more.
Can Validated Data integrate with existing GIS systems?
Yes. 4M provides live WFS streams and export options (.SHP, .KML, .DWG, .DXF, .PDF, .GPKG) for seamless integration into ArcGIS, QGIS, and CAD environments.
Where is Validated Data Currently Available?
Validated Data is available nationwide for project-specific requests. It is delivered within 2-6 business days, depending on project size and complexity.
For specific state availability, contact our Customer Success team.
How to Get Validated Data?
To request a Validated Data package, please contact your Account Executive (AE) or Customer Success Representative. They will assist in determining the best data package for your project needs and guide you through the request and delivery process.
Need More Help?
If you have further questions, reach out to your Customer Success representative—we’re happy to assist!