4M helps AEC firms pursue smarter, plan faster, design with confidence, and deliver safer projects. 4M provides a reliable starting point for utility data by consolidating millions of public and private records, satellite imagery, and surface evidence into one easy-to-use map. While 4M data is not a substitute for a full Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) investigation, it gives engineers a trusted foundation to begin planning, validate assumptions, and assign the appropriate quality levels as design advances.
Below are best practices with clear guidance on how to use 4M throughout the project lifecycle, with examples from real 4M customers.
Concept Planning & Site Selection
How to use 4M in this phase: Lay the groundwork for success by assessing feasibility, identifying risks, and evaluating route options early.
Foundation Data: Instantly access utility maps, ROW, parcel data, and environmental layers to evaluate sites in hours instead of weeks. Foundation is available in select states, reach out to your CSM to inquire about your state.
Utility Insights Dashboard: Identify high-risk corridors, ROW conflicts, and utility congestion zones before committing resources.
Transportation Planning (closed beta)*: For transportation projects, compare alignments and plan early coordination with utility owners.
Utility Routing (closed beta)*: Test multiple route options and avoid high-risk areas to minimize future redesigns.
Customer Story:
“4M’s product creates the most value in early project planning phases, enabling the ability to get reliable data up front.” – Caleb Grinager, Caltrans
Pursuits & Proposals
How to use 4M in this phase: Differentiate your bids by reducing unknowns, pricing smarter, and demonstrating proactive risk management.
Foundation Data: Gather complete utility information quickly to scope proposals and deliver faster.
Utility Insights Dashboard: Justify pricing and minimize contingencies by showing risks have already been identified.
Utility Routing (closed beta)*: Compare relocation scenarios to strengthen proposal strategies and reduce surprises later.
Customer Story:
“We use 4M on every public pursuit. It’s not an expense; it’s a strategic advantage that’s helped us win several projects.” – Chris Howard, Kimley-Horn
Preliminary Planning & Design
How to use 4M in this phase: Design with confidence by using reliable data and directing field investigations where they matter most.
Validated Data: Work from QA/QC-reviewed utility data and ownership details to reduce rework. Validated data is available in all states.
WFS API Workflow & Exports: Stream 4M data into CAD/GIS for seamless workflows across design and coordination teams. Users will soon be able to download 4M data into CAD file format with Foundation data; stay tuned for the upcoming announcement.
Object Detection: Identify and verify manholes, valves, hydrants, and poles with 95% accuracy.
Customer Story:
“I use 4M for upfront proposals and QA/QC—obtaining quantities, utility parcel owners, schedule estimates, feasibility route studies, right-of-entries, easements, and parcel acquisition. This upfront information gives us an edge.” – Ryan Lewis, Halff Associates
Pre-Construction Readiness
How to use 4M in this phase: Validate assumptions, support QA/QC, and mobilize with confidence to avoid costly delays and safety risks.
Object Detection: Identify and verify above-ground utilities—enabling faster field mobilization, fewer site visits, and more confident QA/QC.
Road Marking Evidence (coming soon): Confirm relocations with time-stamped paint, posts, and flags (where available).
Guest permissions: Share a centralized, updated utility map with contractors, inspectors, and DOT stakeholders using the Guest role for data privacy.
Customer Story:
“It was super simple. I drew the box around the project site, and I literally watched as the utility data populated in real-time.” – Stuart Drahota, DPR
*Note: Closed betas will soon be released to Open betas, then become generally available. Join our Early Access Group to be among the first to get access to these new features and share your feedback.
Want to learn more about how your teams can best use 4M? Reach out to your Customer Success Manager to learn more.