NUAR & CAT4 Guide: Using the National Underground Asset Register
NUAR Integration: Using Cable Locators with the Underground Asset Register

NUAR Integration: Using Cable Locators with the Underground Asset Register

• 4 min read • 2 views

↠Part of the Series: The 2026 Ultimate Guide to Cable Avoidance (CAT & Genny)

NUAR & C.A.T4: The Perfect Partnership for 2026

The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) has revolutionised how we view UK infrastructure. Gone are the days of waiting weeks for PDF "stats" from six different utility companies. We now have a unified, digital map of the underworld.

However, NUAR is not a magic wand. It is a Reference Tool (PAS 128 Level D), not a Detection Tool (Level B). In this guide, we explain how to integrate NUAR data with on-site C.A.T4 scanning for a "Zero-Strike" workflow.

Table of Contents

What is NUAR?

Managed by the Geospatial Commission, NUAR is a secure digital platform that aggregates data from water, gas, electric, and telecom companies into a single view. By 2026, it is the standard for planning any excavation in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The "Digital-to-Dig" Workflow

How do you use it on site?

  1. The Desktop Review: Before leaving the office, access NUAR. Identify the "High Risk" zones (HV cables, gas mains).
  2. On-Site Visualisation: Using a ruggedized tablet, overlay the NUAR map onto your physical site. Look for surface features (manholes) that match the map.
  3. The "Search & Confirm": This is where the C.A.T4 comes in. The map says there is a cable 2 metres from the kerb.
    • Scan the area.
    • Confirm its position (maps are often off by metres).
    • Depth Check using the gC.A.T4+. (NUAR rarely has accurate depth data).
  4. Mark It: Spray the actual line, not the map line.

The Feedback Loop: Reporting Discrepancies

In 2026, contractors are "Data Creators." If your C.A.T4 discovers a cable that isn't on NUAR, you have a duty to report it.
Modern gC.A.T4+ units with GPS allow you to export your scan logs (`.kml` or `.csv`). These "Observation Reports" can be fed back into the project workflow to update the records, protecting the next guy who digs there.

Where NUAR Ends and the Genny Begins

NUAR is only as good as the old historical records.

  • "Ghost" Assets: Cables that were removed but never deleted from the map.
  • "Unknown" Assets: Private cables (site lighting, CCTV) are almost never on NUAR.

This is why you must use a Genny4. NUAR gives you a hint; the Genny gives you the truth. Never dig on map data alone.

Conclusion

NUAR is the map; the C.A.T4 is the compass. Use them together to navigate the underground safely.
Equip your team for the digital age with our GPS-enabled gC.A.T4+ range.

Recommended Gear

  • CAT4 - View Professional Range
  • Genny - View Professional Range
  • Sonde - View Professional Range
  • Flexitrace - View Professional Range

Why Professional Equipment Matters

In the field of utility surveying and safety, "cheap" equipment is arguably the most expensive mistake you can make. False readings leading to a cable strike, or a failed gas monitor in a sewer, can cost lives and millions in liability.

At Cable Locators & Survey, we stock only the verified industry standards Radiodetection, C.Scope, Abtech, and Leica. Every unit is checked, calibrated, and field-ready.

Competence & Training: The Forgotten Variable

You can buy the most expensive equipment on the market, but if the operator is untrained, it is a paperweight. Health & Safety guidance HSG47 makes it clear: equipment must be used by competent people.

We recommend a tiered training approach:

  • Level 1 (Basic): Manufacturer-led familiarisation (turning it on, self-tests).
  • Level 2 (User): EUSR or CITB recognised courses for Genny usage and swing technique.
  • Level 3 (Manager): Data log analysis and permit-to-dig management.

Don't just tick the box ensure your team understands the physics behind the beep.

Field Tips from the Training Centre

The "Null" Method

While "Peak" mode is standard for tracing, "Null" mode is excellent for pinpointing. In Null, the signal drops to zero when you are directly over the cable. Use Peak to find it, and Null to verify it.

Induction Clamps

If you cannot get a direct connection to a live cable, use a Signal clamp. However, ensure the clamp acts like a "transformer" it must click shut completely around the cable. A 1mm air gap in the jaws decreases signal transfer by 50%.