4M helps DOTs and public sector owners plan smarter, design faster, and deliver safer, more predictable transportation projects. 4M provides a reliable starting point for utility information by consolidating millions of public and private records, satellite imagery, and surface evidence into a single, statewide map. 4M data gives DOT engineers a trusted foundation to scope projects, validate assumptions, and determine where deeper investigations and quality levels are needed.
Below are best practices with clear guidance on how to use 4M throughout the project lifecycle, with examples from real DOT customers.
Project Initiation & Concept Planning
How to use 4M in this phase: Quickly scope projects and create realistic STIP budgets with fewer unknowns.
Foundation Data: Instantly access utility maps, parcels, and ROW boundaries to assess feasibility and identify early risks.
Utility Insights Dashboard: Identify utility crossings, high-risk corridors, ROW conflicts, and utility congestion zones for fewer unknowns and better alignment from day one.
On-Surface Object Detection: Verify manholes and values for grind and overlay projects.
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, Transportation Engineer, Caltrans
Preliminary Engineering & Design
How to use 4M in this phase: Design with confidence by evaluating options and targeting SUE where it matters most.
Transportation Planning: Evaluate utility relocations and potential impacts to schedules.
Utility Routing: Compare relocation routes and minimize redesigns later. Use the Utility Conflict Matrix to guide outreach and avoid downstream schedule slips.
4M Agents (coming soon): Get AI-driven recommendations to focus SUE investigations on high-risk utilities.
Foundation CAD Download (coming soon): Export your Foundation project utility data as a CAD file.
Customer Story:
“Utility owners take months to respond. We end up chasing the same info 2–3 times.” – Georgia DOT
Detailed Design & Permitting
How to use 4M in this phase: Finalize relocation designs and deliver PS&E packages with fewer contingencies.
Validated Data: Use expert-reviewed, QA/QC-vetted linework and ownership details to support utility relocation design.
WFS API: Stream 4M data directly into CAD/GIS for seamless design integration so stakeholders can work from the most current data.
Foundation CAD Download (coming soon): Export your Foundation project utility data as a CAD file.
Customer Story:
“Most as-builts we get from utility owners don’t match field conditions. That’s our daily reality.” – Iowa DOT
Pre-Construction Readiness
How to use 4M in this phase: Confirm assumptions, verify relocations, and mobilize safely.
On-Surface Object Detection: Confirm field conditions and relocation status. Detect 85% of utility objects with 95% accuracy to minimize strikes and traffic disruptions.
Road Marking Evidence (coming soon): Validate utility locations with time-stamped flags, posts, and paint before mobilization (where available).
Customer Story:
“The challenge is, how can we identify utilities earlier? If we can do better, why not? Incorporating 4M early helps streamline the process and avoid cost, delays, and risk.” – Justin Willingham, District Utilities Manager, GDOT
Want to learn more about how your teams can best use 4M? Reach out to your Customer Success Manager to learn more.