Background

Earthwork inspections are a safety-critical element of Network Rail’s (NR) long-term asset management strategy, ensuring the reliability and stability of cuttings and embankments across the UK rail network. GeoAccess plays a key role in this process by delivering accurate, high-resolution data that supports effective decision-making at both local and regional scales.

To maintain consistently high standards, we invest heavily in developing our team of Earthwork Examiners through a structured in-house training programme, ensuring they are equipped with the latest technical skills. Working closely with GeoZephyr, we utilise advanced aerial and ground-based camera systems to collect high-quality imagery using modern inspection methodologies.

In addition to planned examinations, GeoAccess provides 24/7 incident response, enabling rapid mobilisation and expert assessment following earthwork failures. Our work strengthens the resilience of the rail network and supports safe, efficient railway operations.

Method

At GeoAccess, our Earthwork Examiners and Earthwork Examining Engineers are at the core of our service delivery. Their expertise underpins the safety of the railway, and our training ensures they meet the highest standards. Developed to comply with NR standard CIV1000/04 (Competence Management for Earthworks), our bespoke two-week programme creates highly capable specialists who deliver accurate and consistent earthwork inspection data. This information is essential for Network Rail when shaping long-term earthwork asset management strategies.

Our Examiners also support our 24/7 incident response capability. Often first on site during an earthwork emergency, they provide immediate, actionable intelligence to help stakeholders manage risk, restore safety, and make informed decisions quickly.

With the introduction of high-resolution data (HRD) for remote inspections, we are expanding the use of drones to capture detailed imagery of earthworks. Several of our Earthwork Examiners and Engineers are qualified drone pilots, enabling us to capture HRD that meets the requirements of NR standard CIV065. Remote inspections improve safety, reduce the need for access to challenging terrain, and lower the number of non-compliant inspections across the network.

Innovations & Solutions

Following the September 2025 release of NR Standard CIV065 – Examination of Earthworks – the use of high-resolution data (HRD) for remote inspections has become a key part of the UK’s rail earthwork strategy. GeoAccess has invested in advanced drone-mounted and ground-based camera systems to meet the new specification. Our team has developed robust methodologies and protocols that ensure all captured data conforms to CIV065 while maintaining full compliance with aviation legislation and safety regulations.

Remote inspections now allow us to examine difficult-access sites without requiring line blocks or possessions, significantly reducing the number of non-compliant inspections.

Results & Conclusion

Earthwork examination is a safety-critical component of Network Rail’s asset management and risk-mitigation strategy. The data collected by GeoAccess directly informs earthwork management decisions at local, regional, and national levels. However, our work extends far beyond the examinations themselves. We invest in training, mentoring, and supporting our Earthwork Examiners through a specialist in-house development programme, preparing them to join a select group of fewer than 100 qualified professionals nationwide.

With our sister company GeoZephyr, we deploy high-specification camera systems to capture high-resolution data from both aerial and terrestrial platforms, supporting the new inspection methodology introduced under CIV065. GeoAccess also provides 24/7 incident response, delivering rapid assessments following slope failures. Our work is challenging, essential, and central to ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the UK rail network – and we are proud to play our part.