March 2025
Survey Solutions Spotlight
As we are now full swing into 2025, the world of surveying continues to evolve and surprise us. At UTSS, we are committed to staying ahead, ensuring that our expertise, technology and accreditations align with the highest industry standards.
From incredible archaeological discoveries that highlight the power of modern surveying techniques to our ongoing commitment to infrastructure development, we’ve been reminded that you never quite know what each project might uncover!
In this newsletter, we explore how precise surveying methods revealed one of Europe’s most significant dinosaur trackway discoveries, share updates on our recent projects from solar farms to railway surveys, and celebrate our latest achievements in quality and security certifications.
Happy reading!
ISO Certified:
We’re very proud to announce that that we have achieved three prestigious International for Organisation Standardisation (ISO) accreditations.
ISO is a non-government organisation that develops international standards. ISO certification brings peace of mind to clients as its third-party endorsement assures that a company meets the organisation’s robust and exacting standards.
ISO 9001:2015
Recognising our robust Quality Management System.
ISO 14001:2015
Demonstrating our commitment to Environmental Management excellence.
ISO 45001:2018
Reflecting our dedication to Occupational Health and Safety standards.
These certifications mean that when you partner with UTSS, you’re working with a team that prioritises precision, sustainability, and safety.
By implementing these standards, we ensure our surveys provide long-term value, from compliance assurance to operational efficiencies that help projects run smoother and safer.
Thank you to our clients for trusting us to deliver excellence, every step of the way!
From Quarries to Dinosaurs
How precise surveying unearthed a Jurassic treasure
The recent discovery of extensive dinosaur trackways in an Oxfordshire quarry shows how modern surveying techniques can reveal what lies beneath our feet. Spanning an incredible 150 meters, these tracks offer a direct glimpse into life during the Jurassic period, demonstrating the unexpected treasures that careful underground investigation can uncover.
I was fascinated to read about the discovery in the media – not least because we have been involved in archaeological surveys ourselves.
UK’s biggest ever dinosaur footprint site unearthed
These footprints offer a glimpse into life 165 million years ago. The discovery site, once a lagoon landscape, shows that the area would have been a subtropical environment with shallow waters and lagoons, ideal for both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs to thrive.
Discovery in
the
quarry: from clay to Jurassic tracks
The discovery was made by Gary, a quarry worker who had been scraping down to the hard ground beneath a two-foot layer of clay. As he dragged and scraped the material away, he noticed something unusual: a bump. Then another. Curiosity piqued, he repeated the process on the other side, revealing fossilised footprints beneath metres of limestone. But Gary hadn’t just stumbled upon a few prints—he had uncovered a continuous trackway stretching across the quarry floor.
The role of surveying technology
State-of-the-art surveying expertise is transforming industries, including quarries, where precision is paramount for efficient material extraction and uncovering geological treasures. Modern surveying methods, such as UAV photogrammetry, are revolutionising how we document both natural and historical discoveries. These techniques provide a level of detail that was previously impossible, capturing vast areas and intricate features with exceptional accuracy.
In addition to revealing historical artifacts, modern surveying methods in quarries improve operational safety. By using 3D models and UAV-based inspections, operators can monitor rock stability and assess environmental impacts. This ability to manage risk and streamline operations is essential in the highly dynamic and often hazardous environment of a quarry.
The future of surveying
The discovery of the Oxfordshire dinosaur footprints reminds us that what lies beneath the ground can be surprising.
From the long steps of a Sauropod to the sharp tridactyl prints of a Megalosaurus, each track tells a story of life 165 million years ago. Thanks to modern surveying, these ancient stories can be accurately recorded and shared.
At UTSS, we push the boundaries of surveying. Incorporating cutting-edge technology into our projects, we guarantee that every detail is captured with precision. We can help ensure that there are no unwelcomed hidden histories beneath your site, roadway or next project.
Our clients benefit from reduced risks, improved project planning, and enhanced compliance with environmental and safety regulations. We believe that every survey should add value, whether through risk mitigation, improved efficiency, or uncovering insights that shape future developments.
Recent Projects
Winkburn:
One of our latest projects took us to Winkburn Solar Farm in Newark, Nottinghamshire, where the team was brought in by the Independent Connection Provider (ICP) to provide detailed elevation surveys for the installation of the new substation.
This substation is an important part of the development, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the local power grid. Using our advanced surveying equipment, we’ve delivered precise elevation data to guide the construction phase and ensure the substation aligns with existing infrastructure, enabling efficient installation and minimising potential costly adjustments during construction.
With solar projects on the rise across the UK, accurate surveying is essential to ensure everything is in working order. We can help clients deliver successful renewable energy projects that easily integrate with existing power infrastructure.
National Grid training:
Over the years we have worked on many projects with National Grid UK, and we recently reached an exciting time in our partnership, as Richard had the pleasure of providing training to some of National Grid’s employees.
The sessions focused on essential surveying techniques, and covered both indoor and outdoor elements, combining theory with handson, practical learning, equipping National Grid employees with the skills to enhance accuracy and safety in their operations- ultimately leading to more effective project delivery and reduced risks in their day-to-day work.
Recent Projects
Leek utility survey:
Our utility surveying skills were put to the test in recent challenging winter weather for a telecommunications site in Leek. The project involved conducting a comprehensive utility survey for a new telecommunications mast installation.
The survey was vital to ensure safe foundation excavation associated to the tower’s foundations. Despite snowy conditions, our team completed a comprehensive underground utility detection. The mast is being installed as a training tool for climbing exercises, so making sure the groundwork is correct was essential, protecting infrastructure and ensuring the safety of future training activities.
National Grid rail survey:
The UTSS team headed to South Wales, where we carried out a crucial rail crossing survey for National Grid in Pontlotyn.
This survey forms part of National Grid’s broader infrastructure assessment programme, which is all about making sure new power lines can be safely integrated with existing rail infrastructure. Our detailed survey work provides the essential data needed to plan these crossings effectively, ensuring both the railway’s integrity and the power network’s development aren’t compromised. We were able to help streamline project progression while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Latest Updates
Giveaway winner Steph:
We’d like to say a huge congratulations to Steph, our lucky winner of the Smart Watch giveaway! Richard had the pleasure of meeting Steph in person to hand over the prize.
500 followers on Insta:
We’ve recently hit 500 followers on Instagram! A big thank you to everyone who follows us.
We’re on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – so give us a follow to see what projects and tasks we get up to!
Cyber Essentials certified:
We’re proud to share that UTSS has become ‘Cyber Essentials’ certified! This government backed accreditation is a UK certification designed to show an organisation has the minimum level of protection against cyber-attacks.
A huge thank you to our team for their efforts in securing this accreditation and to our clients for their continued trust in UTSS!
Let’s work together:
Interested in how UTSS can support your next project with expert surveying solutions?
Whether you’re working on a major infrastructure development, need precise elevation data for a renewable energy project, or want to ensure underground safety before excavation, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your needs and see how our precision-driven approach can benefit you.
