DDMS Surveys

To effectively manage the UK’s road network, it’s crucial to have a clear picture of the vast, unseen drainage systems beneath it. This is where professional surveys and strict data standards become essential.

What is a Highway Drainage Survey?

A highway drainage survey is a comprehensive inspection and mapping of all the drainage assets within a specific area of the road network. Using high-resolution CCTV cameras, geospatial mapping tools, and specialist software, the goal is to assess the condition of every pipe, culvert, and chamber to identify potential failures and create an accurate digital record.

• For a Highway Authority (the Asset Owner): This survey is fundamental to long-term asset management. The data collected is vital for planning maintenance, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring public safety. It provides a complete inventory and health check of your critical infrastructure.

• For a Civil Engineering Company (the Contractor): This survey is a critical step in project delivery. It provides the essential evidence and documentation to prove that all new or modified drainage systems have been installed correctly, leading to a compliant and successful handover.

What is DDMS?

DDMS stands for the Drainage Data Management System.Think of it as the official “digital language” or rulebook for all highway drainage data in the UK. It is the mandatory standard set by National Highways that dictates precisely how data on every asset is collected, classified, and formatted.

When we perform a highway drainage survey, the DDMS framework is what we use to ensure every piece of information—from a pipe’s precise location and size to the exact classification of a defect—is recorded in a consistent, universally accepted format that can be easily imported into national asset management systems.

Our Role: Your Specialist Partner

At Civil Connect, we understand that different clients have different objectives. We tailor our approach to provide maximum value, whether you are the contractor or the authority.

For Civil Engineering Companies: We act as your specialist delivery partner, providing the precise, compliant DDMS survey data you need to meet your project deadlines and achieve a smooth, successful handover. We focus on getting the data right the first time, preventing costly delays and ensuring your drainage works are documented perfectly.

For Highway Authorities: We work directly with you to build, update, and maintain a comprehensive digital inventory of your drainage network. Our surveys provide the critical data you need for long-term maintenance planning, flood risk analysis, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring the safety and longevity of your infrastructure.