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Our Blog

Transforming Infrastructure with Advanced Utility Data

Increasing costs on materials and components, rising overheads, compressed timelines, and higher competition for bids—the construction industry has little room for error when it comes to maintaining owner cost-benefit and contractor profitability. Any source of uncertainty must be assessed, quantified, and mitigated to ensure successful outcomes. So why does the number one risk factor for transportation construction projects often go unacknowledged?

Industry Insights

Tamar Shafrir

August 21, 2025

Utility AI Mapping vs Traditional Utility Mapping

Remember the days before we all had Google Maps on our phones? We can time-travel back to the days of printing out MapQuest directions, or further back to the 80s when you had to go buy a physical map and chart your course to your destination before you left your driveway.

AI Innovation

Chris Garafola

July 7, 2025

Utility AI Mapping: Better Data and Better Decisions with Amir Hofman

Utility AI Mapping: Better Data and Better Decisions with Amir Hofman

Our Utility AI Platform is a fundamentally new approach to understanding, consuming, and accessing utility data. Traditional utility mapping has relied on fragmented records, outdated as-builts, and manual field investigation. It’s hard to know what’s really out there without exhaustive, inefficient, time-consuming research, and even then there are still unknowns. 

Product

Chris Garafola

April 17, 2025

Smarter Infrastructure Planning with Utility Intelligence

Kaustabh Page, Senior Product Director at 4M, sat down with me recently for an episode of “Convos with Chris.” We discussed the core principles guiding his product decisions and how those principles shape everything from the user interface to the data validation process of 4M’s Utility AI platform. 

Product

Chris Garafola

May 2, 2025

Here's What's New in 4M: May 2025

You asked. We delivered. From Improved admin dashboards to easier ways to share folders and export utility insights, this month's updates are packed with upgrades designed to give you more control, visibility, and collaboration in 4Map.

Product

Chris Garafola

June 2, 2025

The Future of Utility Mapping, AI Innovations, and Winning with 4M

During his military service, 4M Analytics Co-Founder and CEO Itzik Malka was trained to locate and dispose of buried explosives. That experience sparked Malka’s interest in the subsurface, which contains an underground network of man-made infrastructure powering the lives of every American.

Product

Chris Garafola

January 22, 2025

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LTRA drives digital transformation and gains competitive edge with Utility AI Mapping

LTRA is a professional consulting engineering, surveying, and subsurface utility engineering firm established in 1998 in Dallas, Texas. The firm maintains a strong reputation, broad-based technical expertise, and a sincere commitment to client service. Among other initiatives, LTRA works on infrastructure and construction projects across Texas.

Chris Garafola

October 2, 2024

Customer Story

Accelerating Infrastructure Projects with Utility AI Mapping and 3D BIM

Think about everything that keeps America running—our power, roads, water, and communication systems. These critical infrastructures are the backbone that not only protects the nation but also fuels our economy and improves our daily lives. However, in the U.S., many forms of critical infrastructure are deteriorating, and Georgia is no exception.

Chris Garafola

September 11, 2024

Industry Insights

How MasTec accelerated utility record research by 7 months for undergrounding project

A leading provider of construction, program management, and EPC services, MasTec has 80 years of experience and employs nearly 22,000 skilled professionals. MasTec has been involved in some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country, including efforts to convert overhead electrical systems to more resilient underground lines.

Chris Garafola

July 31, 2024

Customer Story

Streamline Records Research with 4M's Foundation Utility Data

Utility damage prevention is a top concern for infrastructure professionals — and with good reason. According to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the U.S. sees between 400,000 areand 500,000 utility strikes yearly.

May 13, 2024

Product

Utility Coordination Best Practices

The key for successful utility coordination is early collection of comprehensive utility data.

May 9, 2024

Industry Insights

Caltrans Cuts Records Research Time by 95% with 4M

The California Department of Technology (CDT) oversees the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative — a massive project that involves laying 10,101 miles of fiber optic lines to provide reliable broadband internet access to all Californians. Heading up on-the-ground construction efforts, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is working hard to finish this giant project ahead of a 2026 deadline.

Chris Garafola

April 9, 2024

Customer Story

WSB Announces Partnership with 4M Analytics to Advance Infrastructure Programs & Projects

Combining Digital Construction Management Services With Utility AI Mapping and Analytics Will Revolutionize the Industry

Chris Garafola

March 27, 2024

Customer Story

What is a Utility Survey?

A utility survey is a comprehensive assessment of underground utilities and structures within a given area — usually a construction site. Often conducted by Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) professionals, a utility survey includes the location, depth, and type of utilities present, helping teams avoid hazards and damages as they break ground on a building project.

March 20, 2024

Industry Insights

What Is Underground Utility Mapping?

Underground utility mapping shines a light on underground infrastructure before shovels hit the dirt. This crucial step pinpoints the location of power lines, gas pipes, cables, and, of course, vital water and sewer systems. Knowing where these hidden assets lie minimizes risks, keeps construction on track, and prevents costly accidents.

Chris Garafola

February 13, 2024

Industry Insights

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