Maui 📍

Locating & Mapping Services

From utility locating to cesspool detection and high-precision drone mapping, ʻImi Systems helps Maui property owners and contractors make informed decisions

Cesspool Locating

We locate cesspools before property sales and digging to keep inspections, disclosures, and excavation safe and on track

Utility Locating

We locate underground electric, water, sewer, gas, and communications

Hidden Metal Locating

Magnetic locating to find buried ferrous objects such as steel pipes, tank lids, rebar, valve boxes, and survey pins. 

Irrigation Line Locating

We locate buried irrigation lines and components to help prevent damage during digging, landscaping, or property improvements.

Drone Mapping & Orthomosaics

High-resolution RTK drone mapping and orthomosaic imagery to provide accurate site visuals for planning, documentation, and development

Topographic & 3D Site Models

Detailed topographic maps and 3D site models that capture elevation, slope, and terrain for smarter design and construction decision

Tree Root Mapping

We map major tree roots around homes and streets to identify potential foundation risks and determine when removal or mitigation may be necessary.

High-Accuracy RTK Mapping

We use RTK-enabled GNSS equipment to deliver highly accurate measurements and maps for property planning, construction, and documentation.

ʻimi / to seek, search, locate

Subsurface Locating & Mapping Services

ʻImi Systems provides professional subsurface locating and high-accuracy mapping services to help homeowners, contractors, and property professionals make informed decisions before digging, building, or selling. Using advanced detection methods, RTK-enabled positioning, and aerial mapping, we identify what is below and above the surface with clarity and precision. Our services support safe excavation, foundation protection, irrigation planning, pre-sale inspections, and site documentation, reducing risk, avoiding costly surprises, and keeping projects moving forward with confidence across Maui.

Drone Mapping Services in Maui
Underground Locating & Mapping Services in Maui, Hawaii

FAQ

Subsurface utility locating is the process of identifying and mapping underground utilities, including electric, water, gas, and communication lines, before any excavation begins. In Hawaii, underground utility strikes contribute to an estimated $1.5 billion in damages annually across the U.S., and Maui’s aging infrastructure and lack of accurate records make professional locating essential. ʻImi Systems uses electromagnetic (EM) detection and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to provide precise depth and location data, reducing excavation risk and protecting your project timeline and budget.

“Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) works by emitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground and recording the reflected signals as they bounce off subsurface features. Different materials — concrete tanks, metal pipes, voids, and soil layers — each produce distinct signal patterns. GPR is completely non-destructive, requires no digging, and can detect features up to 10–15 feet deep depending on soil conditions. In Maui’s volcanic and clay-heavy soils, GPR is particularly effective for locating cesspools, septic tanks, and unknown underground structures that may not appear in property records

Maui has a large number of older homes, agricultural properties, and rural lots that were developed before modern utility documentation requirements. Studies show that up to 30% of underground utilities in Hawaii are either unrecorded or inaccurately mapped. Many cesspools and septic systems were installed decades ago with no formal documentation, and agricultural irrigation systems were often added informally over time. ʻImi Systems specializes in uncovering and mapping these unknown subsurface conditions, giving property owners, realtors, and contractors the accurate information they need before making decisions

Most residential subsurface locating jobs, including cesspool locating and utility line marking are completed within 2–4 hours on site. Larger commercial or agricultural properties may require a full day. Drone mapping surveys typically take 1–3 hours for standard residential or small commercial sites, with data processing and deliverables provided within 24–48 hours. ʻImi Systems schedules most projects within 48 hours of inquiry, making us one of the fastest-response subsurface locating services on Maui.”

Electromagnetic (EM) locating works by detecting the electromagnetic field generated by metallic utility lines, making it ideal for tracing active electric, gas, and communication lines over long distances. Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) uses radar pulses to create a cross-section image of the ground, detecting both metallic and non-metallic features like concrete tanks, PVC pipes, voids, and unknown structures. ʻImi Systems is NULCA-certified in both technologies and uses them together for the most comprehensive subsurface picture — EM for tracing known utility lines, GPR for detecting unknown or non-metallic features

Yes, cesspool and septic locating is increasingly important in Maui real estate transactions, especially following Hawaii’s Act 125, which requires cesspools statewide to be upgraded or replaced by 2050. Buyers need to know the location, condition, and accessibility of any cesspool or septic system before purchasing. Many Maui properties, particularly older homes and agricultural lots, have unknown or undocumented cesspools. ʻImi Systems provides precise cesspool locating reports used by realtors, buyers, and inspectors to complete due diligence accurately and confidently.

 
 

Drone-based mapping produces high-accuracy topographic models, orthomosaic imagery, and 3D site models used across a wide range of applications in Maui. Common uses include pre-construction site surveys, grading and excavation planning, wetland and conservation area documentation, agricultural land assessment, and before-and-after project documentation. Drone surveys are up to 5x faster than traditional ground surveys and produce centimeter-level accuracy. ʻImi Systems has completed drone mapping projects for organizations including Hawaii Land Trust, providing critical baseline data for land management and conservation planning.

Pricing for subsurface locating services in Maui varies based on property size, complexity, and the technologies required. Residential cesspool and septic locating typically starts at a few hundred dollars, while larger commercial utility locating or drone mapping projects are priced based on site scope. Considering that a single underground utility strike can cost $10,000–$50,000 or more in repairs, delays, and liability, professional locating services represent a highly cost-effective investment. Contact ʻImi Systems at 808-269-8817 for a project-specific quote — most projects can be scheduled within 48 hours.”

Client Testimonials

We've used Nohea at Imi Systems to locate and mark water lines during tree work to not damage any underground piping during removal. The tree root mapping was also very useful to tell when a tree growing close to a house might pose a foundation structure risk.
Jordan Hoiem
What Tree Services
We utilized ʻImi Systems to complete drone mapping of our wetland area prior to grading, creating a clear baseline for the site. The before-and-after aerial data allowed us to monitor changes accurately throughout the project. Their mapping provided valuable insight for planning, documentation, and long-term site management
Denby Freeland
Hawaii Land Trust
I’m so happy to have found ‘Imi Systems. As a Realtor, they’ve become my trusted go-to company whenever a client needs help locating an unknown cesspool. Nohea is extremely knowledgeable and thorough, and the scheduling process is always smooth and easy.
Sailor Bockius
Coldwell Banker

Know whats below

Accurate Locating and Mapping You Can Plan Around
Underground Locating Services

Know Whats Below

Accurate Locating and Mapping You Can Plan Around