What is the "View Source" feature?
This allows users to see the data sources of each utility line displayed in the platform. To view this, click on a specific line in a project, and a pop-up will appear with information about the utility line. Scroll down the pop-up, and you can see Data Source, which displays the source type(s) from which the line was sourced.
Here are the different types of sources you will see:
Data Source Type | Description |
Utility Records | Line derived from public records |
Documents | Line digitized from public engineering drawings or plan sets. (GeoPDF, Blueprints). |
4M Digitized Record | This utility line was digitized by 4M mapping experts. |
AI-Generated | This utility line was mapped or corrected by 4M’s AI. |
Customer Data | Provided or uploaded directly by the customer. The data uploaded by customers is only accessible to their organization. |
Verified Source (Confidential) | This utility line was provided by a verified confidential source. |
For lines derived from Public Records or Public Documents, 4M displays the source name (when available) and provides a snapshot or excerpt from the original source document within the relevant project area. To view this, click on View Sources to the right of Data Source in the pop-up.
A line’s source helps users assess credibility and context during planning, validation, and stakeholder review. The visual reference helps users understand the basis for the line’s placement and evaluate its credibility.
Why don’t I see all the sources associated with a line?
To keep the experience clear, only the most reliable, vetted source is shown for each line. Other sources that don’t meet confidence thresholds are not shown. 4M uses AI to rank sources by historical accuracy and reliability, which are continuously validated by experts and users.
Can I filter or search lines by source type?
Not yet. While each line includes a source label, filtering capabilities are under consideration for the future.
Can I understand how a line was inferred by 4M?
Utility Records / Documents: Visual references and source names are available.
4M Digitized Record: Lines marked as this are created by 4M using AI and proprietary data to analyze aerial and satellite imagery, identify surface objects and indicators, and examine land features to determine this utility line's most likely location.
AI-Generated Lines: This line was generated or corrected by 4M's deterministic AI model, using visual evidence, network topology, and engineering logic.
Verified Source (Confidential): This utility line was provided by a verified confidential source, and 4M has verified this data. Commercial and legal obligations restrict us from disclosing the source's name.
Can source information be downloaded in bulk, similar to owner data?
This is not currently available.
How current are the data sources?
The sources shown in 4M are verified and were collected (mostly) within the last 5–7 years.
Can I get a downloadable list of sources by line ID?
Not at this time. Bulk access to source files is restricted due to licensing concerns.