What is Utility Routing?
The Utility Routing Beta Tool allows you to visualize and compare multiple conceptual utility routes (e.g., water, sewage) overlaid on 4M’s existing utility data. It enables early-stage planning, utility conflict evaluation, and coordination impact analysis—all within the 4M platform.
How it works:
1. Access the Tool
Navigate to your 4M project.
Go to Tools & Workflows → Click Utility Routing.
2. Create or Upload Routes
You have two options:
Draw Routes: Click “Add New Line” and sketch directly on the map.
Upload Routes: Import a .KML or .KMZ file containing pre-defined routes (e.g., from CAD or GIS tools).
Each line represents one alternative route. You can upload/draw up to 4 routes in beta (unlimited in GA).
3. Specify Route Details
Click “Start Analysis” after all routes have been created. Next, provide the following information:
Line Type (e.g., Drinking Water)
Line Size (e.g., 2 in.)
Easement Width (e.g., 10 feet)
Line Material (e.g., PVC)
Business Objectives (optional)
4. Analyze Routes
Click “Analyze and Compare” to process:
Number of utility crossings
Number of parcel crossings
Estimated acquisition cost
% of route within vs. outside ROW
You’ll receive:
A comparison table across all routes
Summary metrics per route
Suggested “best” route based on impact heuristics
5. Review on Map
Explore each route visually by clicking “Show on Map” in the comparison table to see:
See each line overlaid on existing utilities
Review parcel and utility crossing impacts in a side bar on the left side of the map
Known Limitations
Feature | Limitation |
Max routes | 4 lines per project |
Access | All routing data is visible at org level (project-level restriction not yet implemented) |
Analytics | Limited to crossings, parcel impacts, ROW estimation |
Guest Role | In development – will limit access to specific project(s) |
Report Export | Available soon as PDF for Utility Insights summary |
Next Steps: Test it out and share your feedback! Submit your comments to the 4M team via this form or contact your CSM.