Why Use Ground Penetrating Radar?

Ground penetrating radar (also known as GPR, because it is easier to say 5 times fast) is a useful tool for surveying and analyzing underground items.

GPR is often used for archeological projects because of its ability to accurately identify soil types and underground objects– including shape and depth– of any material without disturbing the soil.

Ground penetrating radar systems are also frequently relied on for engineering or construction purposes because of the ability to “see” through concrete, including the ability to identify objects contained within concrete.

But there are many different projects that would call for the need to survey land and create an accurate idea of what lies beneath. Whether you are looking for something in particular, or you need to create a map of pipelines and other utility systems, ground penetrating radar is not the only way to go—it’s the smartest way to go.

“Other” Methods of Surveying Sub-Terrain Just Don’t Compare to GPR…

If you rely on existing utility maps and surveys, you are taking a gamble. Especially for older maps, these resources can often be found inaccurate and the only way to confirm the accuracy of an existing map is to break ground. You might as well be digging blindly!!!

This method of analyzing what lies underground is both expensive and very, very dangerous. On the other hand, ground penetrating radar will provide you with an accurate view of what lies beneath the surface, in an easy to understand map that includes the shapes, depth, sizes, and material of al obstacles or items. GPR is a safe, accurate, and smart alternative to digging blindly—or relying on existing surveys.

Of course, if you are a DIY type you could always use a metal detector to save money, right?

Wrong!!!

Metal detectors are expensive, even for the cheap “hobbyist” type used to locate pennies and bottle caps. The bigger problem, which should be fairly obvious, is that a metal detector is limited to locating metal objects.

Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to save money, but relying on a metal detector to survey land is more expensive than ground penetrating radar because, in the long run… only GPR ensures that you get the job done right the first time, without making any mistakes.

Ground Penetrating Radar Services Ensure Accuracy

There should be no mistaking the fact that ground penetrating radar does not make mistakes. A technician who is trained in GPR will make multiple measured passes over the land to be surveyed, using the GPR equipment to analyze the sub-terrain situation.

Ground penetrating radar equipment sends high frequency sound waves several feet into the ground; and these microwaves bounce back to the GPR receiver—displaying information that no other system can provide.

The GPR technician is able to use this information to create a detailed map of what lies beneath… including the depth, size, and shape of each object.

In summary, ground penetrating radar is safer, smarter, and more accurate than any other underground mapping system.