1. A method for generating a searchable electronic record of a locate operation performed by a locate technician, the locate operation comprising identifying, using at least one physical locate mark, a presence or an absence of at least one underground facility within a dig area, wherein at least a portion of the dig area may be excavated or disturbed during excavation activities, the method comprising: A) displaying, on a display device, a bare grid; B) adding to the displayed bare grid, via a user input device associated with the display device, at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark so as to generate a marked-up grid including the at least one digital representation of the at least one physical locate mark; and C) electronically transmitting and/or electronically storing information relating to the marked-up grid so as to generate the searchable electronic record of the locate operation.