Caterpillar Acquires UIT
Caterpillar Inc. has acquired all assets of Underground Imaging Technologies Inc. (UIT) through its majority owned affiliate, Underground Imaging Technologies LLC.
UIT is an advanced geophysical services company and technology developer based in Latham, N.Y. The acquisition will give Caterpillar the capability to provide geophysical services, specializing in providing three-dimensional representations of underground utilities and other targets.
“UIT’s geophysical expertise and advanced technologies will add dynamic new subsurface infrastructure capabilities to our Connected Worksite offerings,” said Hans Haefeli, vice president with responsibility for the Caterpillar Advanced Systems Division. “But most important, this service provides detailed information that enables design engineers and contractors to proceed on underground projects with a clearer picture of the subsurface environment, contributing to both project cost savings and increased safety on the worksite.”
“The use of advanced near-surface geophysical tools provides highly accurate three-dimensional images and digital maps of subsurface utilities and unknown objects,” said UIT CEO Mark R. Wallbom. “Our portfolio of proprietary software and geophysical means and methods has high value for both design and construction projects. Identifying underground impediments — before design and construction begin — speeds the work, saves money and enhances safety. The technology also has potential applications in road building quality control, site evaluation, environmental surveys, and mapping geologic layers for mining applications.”
Founded in 2002, UIT has been instrumental in developing many advancements in 3D mapping by integrating geophysical and geospatial hardware and custom software. UIT is the owner of a number of patents and proprietary geophysical technologies. UIT also has demonstrated expertise in using those geophysical tools, such as its multi-channel 14-antenna ground penetrating radar system called TerraVision II and its time domain electromagnetic induction (TDEMI) system called MetaVision II.
Currently, UIT is focusing on working witwh customers in North America, but plans call for offering imaging services in many other parts of the world.
