Abstract: A locating and control arrangement forms part of a drilling apparatus which also includes a boring tool that emits a locating signal. The locating and control arrangement is used for locating and controlling underground movement of a boring tool which is operated from a drill rig. The locating and control arrangement includes a portable device for generating certain information about the position of the boring tool in response to the locating signal. The portable device includes a command arrangement forming one portion of the locating and control arrangement for generating at least one movement command such that maintaining the movement command requires a continuous interaction between the portable device and a user, and for transmitting the movement command to the drill rig. A receiving arrangement forms another portion of the locating and control arrangement, located at the drill rig, for receiving the movement command for use in controlling the boring tool responsive to the movement command.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which a boring tool is moved through the ground in a region which includes at least one electrically conductive in-ground line. The system includes an arrangement for tracking a specific positional relationship between the boring tool and one or more in-ground lines. The arrangement generates a magnetic field from one of either the boring tool or the line. A particular characteristic of the generated field is detected at the boring tool if the field is generated from the line or is detected at the line if the field is generated from the boring tool. The characteristic varies as a function of the specific positional relationship between the boring tool and the line as the boring tool moves through the ground within the region.