Various embodiments manage the operation of a substrate penetrating device. In one embodiment, a set of location information associated with a substrate penetrating device is received. At least one database including information associated with obstructed objects is queried based on the set of location information. A determination is made, based on the querying, that the area where the substrate penetrating device is operating includes at least one obstructed object. A probability is calculated with respect to the substrate penetrating device encountering the at least one obstructed object while operating in the area.