Overview
Utility Object Detection gives you a clear view of utility objects within your project area — so you can make faster, more informed decisions right from 4M.
With our detection capabilities and an integrated Google Street Viewer, you can easily identify utility objects, understand what they are, and verify their location.
Detecting 85% of utility objects with 95% accuracy, so you can plan smarter, move faster, and reduce field visit—across planning, design, and pre-construction.
What’s Included
Detection of the following objects:
Manholes
Poles (Traffic, Electricity, or Street Light)
Valves
Hydrants
Inlets
Pedestals
Google Street View Integration - Click on any detected object to verify it using horizontal imagery.
How It Helps Your Project
💰 Bidding & Pursuits - Quickly identify and quantify utility objects to:
Improve cost estimates
Reduce unknowns in project proposals.
🧭 Early Planning & Scoping - Assess existing infrastructure early to plan proactively:
Permitting challenges
Relocation needs
Potential conflicts before design begins
👷 Field Investigation
Reduce the amount of field visits & better prep field teams, so they know where and what to look for before teams go on-site.
Faster on-site validation, saving time, resources, and improving confidence.
Strengthen QA/QC processes with better post-field validation data & remote quality control.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Create a new project
If you need help with creating a new project, check out this support article.
Step 2: Trigger Utility Object Detection
After creating your project, a message will appear in the bottom-left corner indicating whether your project is eligible for Object Detection and if coverage is available.
To begin, click “Start Detection.”
Generating on-surface object data may take time, depending on project size.
You’ll see a notification letting you know that the detection is in progress.
Once ready, results will appear on the map and in your Project Overview.
Step 3: Review Detected Utility Objects
Go to the Project Overview panel.
Under “Total Detected Objects,” you’ll see a breakdown by object type — including manholes, poles, valves, hydrants, inlets, and pedestals.
Step 4: View Coverage Areas
Click “See Coverage” to view where object detection is available:
🟩 Green = Full coverage
⬜ Gray = Limited coverage
Step 5: Explore Objects on the Map
On the map, each detected object is marked with an icon representing its type.
This gives you immediate context into what’s on-site and where.
Step 6: Inspect an object
Click any object icon to open a preview.
You’ll see a screenshot of the detected object to help you visually verify it.
Step 7: Open Street View
In the object preview pop-up, find the “Street View” section.
Click “Check it out” or “Expand” to launch Street View and begin remote validation.
Step 8: Verify the object
Use the screenshot as a reference. Rotate and pan within Street View to confirm the object’s real-world position — no site visit required.
🎉 You Did It!
You’re now ready to explore your project with Utility Object Detection!
Every object you detect brings you closer to smarter decisions, smoother planning, and fewer surprises on-site. Go ahead — click around, validate with Street View, and see how much time you can save.
💬 We’d Love Your Feedback
We’re constantly improving Utility Object Detection and want to hear from you:
What’s working well?
What utility objects would you like us to detect next?
Any features you’d love to see?
Reach out to your CS rep — or email us directly at [email protected].
Your input helps shape what’s next!