In recent years, Canada and the United States have witnessed numerous injuries and fatalities due to accidental contact with underground infrastructure, highlighting the need to enhance current damage prevention practices. This presentation, "Knowing What's Below: Maps Save Lives," authored by Steve Slusarenko, Director of Subsurface Utility Map Data Exchange (SUMDEx), delves into the current damage prevention processes and underscores the importance of creating and exchanging accurate maps.

The presentation begins by outlining the role of One Call Centers in notifying utility owners about planned excavations and marking underground infrastructure locations. It discusses the shortcomings of the existing process, including the staggering statistic of 1,400 daily line strikes in North America. It compares these results with more successful models in countries like Japan.

The high costs of maintaining the status quo are examined, revealing $91 billion in annual damages and inefficiencies. The critical role of accurate mapping in reducing these damages is emphasized, with recommendations from the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) for implementing best practices.

The Subsurface Utility Map Data Exchange (SUMDEx) is introduced as a solution to improve damage prevention. Powered by the FuzionView map data conflation engine developed by MN811, this initiative aims to provide accurate electronic map files to stakeholders, enhancing safety, cost efficiency, and project performance. A case study of the Colorado Department of Transportation's C70 Highway project illustrates the tangible benefits of such initiatives, including a significant reduction in damages and improvements in personnel safety, cost, and schedule performance.

The presentation concludes with a call to action, urging stakeholders to invest in accurate mapping and data exchange systems to protect underground infrastructure, improve safety, and reduce costs.