Next year, Minnesota excavators will be able to provide electronic white lining in place of physical markings, provided they deliver the same level of detail as traditional physical marking.
To support this change, GSOC is introducing new tools and processes designed to make providing clear, effective marking instructions easier than ever.
Whether you’re submitting tickets, locating facilities, or planning digs, understanding these changes will help you stay compliant and improve coordination.
Automated Marking Instructions:
On Monday, November 17, GSOC launched automated marking instructions for the circle, route, feature, and parcel tools. This change will help to provide consistent language in the field to identify the area of excavation and help prepare Minnesotans for electronic white lining, which is allowed starting January 1, 2026.
Electronic White Lining:
Minnesota law requires white markings on all excavation sites, with no exceptions. Beginning January 1, 2026, excavators will have the option to provide electronic white markings instead, as long as they offer the same level of detail as physical marks. This flexibility will make it easier to share precise excavation boundaries and reduce confusion on site.
How Does Electronic White Lining Work?
Starting January 1, ITIC users can provide an electronic white mark in two ways:
- Use the Circle (Radius), Route, Parcel (Property) or Feature (Street) Tools in ITIC that will auto-generate marking instructions. In many cases, this will provide enough information for operators and locators.
- Manually draw the polygon with the “Other” tool and provide additional information. More information may be needed by Facility Operators and Locators. Excavators are encouraged to provide additional information up front, which may include a detailed map showing:
- References to visible field features (such as trees, signs, etc.); and
- Precise area of excavation with a closed boundary that matches the mapped area in ITIC matches the submitted ticket to ensure the right facility operators are notified.
While electronic white lining is an option, Minnesota law allows facility operators to require physical markings in the field. Even if you submit electronic markings, be prepared to physically mark the area if requested.
For more information on electronic white lining, please visit www.mncga.com for a series of suggested practices in the field.
How Does This Work in ITIC?
Starting November 17, ITIC users will be able to utilize four tools to auto-generate marking instructions, which will support electronic white lining.
Here’s what to expect:
- Select Your Tool: Choose from circle (radius), feature (street), parcel (property), or route tools in ITIC.
- Define the Area of Excavation that will auto generate marking instructions based on the information provided.
- Circle: Identify radius around a reference point (e.g., mailbox, tree stump, sign).
- Route: Define a specific width on either side of a path, curb, or sidewalk.
- Feature/Parcel: Mark specific property features or parcel sections with precision.
- Review and Confirm: Review the generated instructions carefully.
- If the instructions are correct, submit the ticket—it will release automatically to operators.
- If you need changes, edit the instructions before submission. GSOC will review tickets with manual edits prior to release.
What Happens on January 1, 2026?
When the new law takes effect, excavators may choose between physical or electronic white lining when submitting a ticket.
Here’s how that will look:
- If you use electronic marks:
- Use circle (radius), feature (street), parcel (property), or route tools to auto-generate instructions; or
- Use the “other” polygon tool and provide additional information such as a detailed, closed-boundary map with clear field references.
- Physical Marks:
- Mark the excavation area on site, as required now.
Regardless of the method, excavators must define the precise area of excavation: no more, no less. Accurate marking instructions help operators locate their facilities quickly and safely.
These changes aim to:
- Provide clearer, more consistent information for facility operators and locators;
- Improve locator efficiency;
- Reduce damages to underground utilities; and
- Increase safety for excavation crews and the surrounding community.
By using these new tools and following best practices, excavators can streamline the locate request process while meeting Minnesota’s legal requirements.