What is Validated Data?
Validated Data is 4M’s expert-verified utility dataset, providing higher precision, certainty, and completeness through a rigorous QA/QC process. This dataset is enhanced by mapping analysts and geospatial experts, making it suitable for advanced planning, design, and engineering workflows.
Validated Data ensures more accurate utility mapping by refining and correcting utility line positions, supplementing missing data, and verifying information through multiple sources, including imagery analysis and engineering documents.
How does Validated Data work?
Our process follows a structured validation approach:
Enhanced Data Sourcing – We collect and conflate all available utility data, including GIS records, engineering documents, and satellite imagery, to create a more complete utility map. completeness.
Full Object & Evidence Detection – Our AI-driven models analyze aerial and satellite imagery to detect surface utility objects such as utility poles, road markings, and access points.
Utility Line Validation & Correction – Geo-spatial experts manually refine and reposition existing utility lines to improve horizontal accuracy, leveraging visual evidence and engineering records.
QA/QC and Expert Review – Geospatial experts cross-check data accuracy, correct inconsistencies, and ensure completeness.
Delivery & Continuous Updates – The validated dataset is updated and delivered to 4Map within 2-6 business days, depending on project complexity and size.
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.
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!