Clear locate instructions leave no question about what needs to be marked. Use them to describe where work is taking place and define the area that needs to be located.
Why This Matters
Texas811 relies on your locate instructions to help ensure:
The correct utility companies are notified
The correct locators are sent to the worksite
Locators also rely on this information to:
Understand where work is taking place
Determine what area needs to be marked
Identify the limits of the work area
❗ Important:
GPS points and attachments are reference guides only and do not replace complete directions or locate instructions.
What to Include in Locate Instructions
Locate instructions explain where work is taking place and what area needs to be marked once the locator arrives.
Where work begins
Direction of work (if linear)
Distance or coverage of the work area
Side of easement/right-of-way when applicable
Any important marking limits or boundaries
❗ Important:
Your locate instructions must match your mapped work area.
Need Help Getting Started?
Use one of these templates as a starting point for your locate instructions.
Spot Work Example
Spot Work Example
Locate a [DISTANCE] radius of [LACATION MARKER].
Example: Locate a 25 ft radius of the stake with pink ribbon/GPS point.
Linear Work Example
Linear Work Example
From the beginning point, locate a [PATH DISTANCE] heading south approximately [DISTANCE] to the ending point.
Example: From the beginning point, locate a 50 ft wide path heading south approximately 1,682 ft to the ending point.
Spatial Work Example
Spatial Work Example
From the [CARDINAL DIRECTION CORNER / CENTER] of the work area, locate everything within [DISTANCE] [DIRECTION] and within [DISTANCE] [DIRECTION].
Example 1: From the NE corner of the work area, locate everything within 800 ft S and within 560 ft W.
Example 2: From the center of the work area, locate everything within 800 ft N and S and within 560 ft E and W.
Additional Site Information
Helpful site details should be entered in the Additional Information field, including:
Landmarks
Gate codes
Animals
Access restrictions
💡 Pro Tip: Keep it focused!
Use Locate Instructions to tell the locator where to mark and how much to mark. Save gate codes, animals, landmarks, and access restrictions for Additional Information.
👀 Give Your Locate Instructions a Quick Check
Make sure you haven't:
Used vague or unclear descriptions
Provided GPS without directions
Described a work area differently than it is mapped
Forgotten the side of the road or direction of work
Related Articles
Define Your Work Location → Confirm your location details
How to Write Clear Driving Directions → Guide locators to the worksite
Map Your Work Area → Draw and define the work area
Find Hard-to-Locate Work Areas → For hard-to-find locations
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact Texas811 support at:
📞 888-776-6077