Infrastructure
Measure
Examine
Evaluate
Observe

Non-destructive mapping

We offer our customers easy, non-destructive and fast mapping of underground installations through motorized systems and high-level automation.
Modern radar systems and highly accurate positioning methods provide a view from below the surface, with unprecedented accuracy and resolution. As in medical tomography, previously invisible structures can thus be made visible.
We select the appropriate measurement methods according to the respective customer requirements.
Ground-penetrating radar is a standard method to non-destructively search for underground installations (pipelines etc.) or to explore geological structures.

Spectroscopy and magnetic resonance

In addition to mapping ground zones, geological formations and faults, electromagnetic resonance is used in locating metallic objects and/or in dam monitoring.
Spectroscopy can help detect the differences of material properties (e.g. contaminations).
Magnetic resonance is used to measure the earth's natural magnetic field and how it is altered by embedded bodies such as ore deposits or iron pipes.
Geoelectrical methods are perfectly suited for exploring the layered subsurface structure as well as for delineating lateral rock changes down to great depths.

The solution

Being able to see and understand exactly what is below the surface opens up a wide range of possibilities in terms of asset and risk management. To date, area-wide mapping and investigation of subsurface buildings and structures have been costly and uneconomical.
Our motorized solution systems collect and analyze large amounts of data in a short time, preparing a solid basis for decision-making.
In addition to cost efficiency, our complete solutions also guarantee accuracy and reliability in the acquisition of this important subsurface information.

The application

The applications of our systems range from pipeline detection to mapping of geological structures. Since the measurement setup is crucial for the success of a measurement project, each measurement system is configured and selected according to customer requirements.
The application of geophysical methods in this field is very widespread.

The following list gives a rough overview of possible applications.

Mapping of underground installations such as pipelines, canals, etc.
Investigation and localization of underground cavities
Monitoring of landslides and mass movements
High-precision visualization of the internal structures of building components
Quantification of asphalt pavement and road substructure
Mapping of contaminated and suspected sites
Geophysical survey

Infrastructure mapping in urban areas

For new construction in urban areas, inventory plans of utility lines are often incomplete. In such cases, the results of ground penetrating radar measurements can be used to provide a solid foundation of data for the planned construction project. Clear and complete infrastructure plans can be drawn up on this basis.

Trans Austria Gas Pipeline

The following illustration shows a ground penetrating radar measurement for the Trans Austria Gas Pipeline. The excavation areas of the route for the construction of the pipeline can be seen very clearly. In addition, the dots clearly mark the first reflection of the radar signal on the pipeline.

Geological mapping

Geological mapping, i.e. the systematic area-wide exploration and description of geological conditions, provides fundamental knowledge about the geological structure and the existing rock deposits of an area under investigation. The results of geological mapping are presented in the form of geological maps, for example.

FAQs

What depths of investigation are possible with ground penetrating radar?
The penetration depth of the electromagnetic wave depends strongly on the local ground properties. The values were calculated based on the assumption of a normal geological environment.
The maximum penetration depth is based on perfect radar conditions, such as fresh water/ice, limestone, dry sand, concrete, etc. Depths vary greatly with the water content of the medium. 
How large can the objects to be detected be?
The smallest possible object size depends on the measurement frequency used. The choice of frequency range is a compromise between possible penetration depth and resolving capacity. Objects as small as 1 cm can be detected with the ground penetrating radar systems used by Geoprospectors.
Is corridor damage to be expected?
No. Since the ground penetrating radar is pulled over the ground and the antenna is mounted on a special plastic plate, there is no need to worry about asphalt roads being damaged, for example.
Due to the low weight of our ground penetrating radar antenna, the vegetation is only compressed for a short time and then recovers quickly.
Does the road have to be closed for the measurement work?
No, measurement can take place in flowing traffic. The measurement system used for road surveys can be mounted on a passenger car and the measurement be performed at speeds of up to 80 km/h.
What is the advantage of a Step Frequency Radar system?
The advantage of a Step Frequency Radar system compared to conventional Pulsed Radar systems is that not only one center frequency is used, but the whole frequency spectrum from 3 Ghz to about 50 Mhz is scanned during one measurement. This ensures that strata boundaries or objects in the   near-surface area as well as in the deeper layers are detected.
In which format can the data be delivered?
Depending on customer requirements, the data can be provided starting from raw data up to a GIS-compatible data exchange format.
How long does the data evaluation take?
The duration of the data evaluation depends primarily on the customer's requirements. The more extensive the end product, the longer the evaluation. Roughly speaking, one day of data collection requires one to three days of data evaluation.
The following graphic is a representation of the signal penetration depth for different materials.
The equipment used must be individually adjusted, depending on the nature of the substrate (single channel - multi-channel - radar) to achieve an optimal result.
What are the costs for the different mapping methods?

Since the surveying requirements are usually different, this also applies to the costs. The following parameters must be taken into consideration when preparing an offer.

  • Size and nature of the area to be surveyed
  • Equipment used (single-channel/multi-channel radar)

We will be happy to advise you and prepare a tailor-made offer taking into account your individual needs. We look forward to receiving your inquiry at office@geoprospectors.com.

Sample calculation based on mapping 200 m of road in a populated area:

Equipment costs € 713,06
Preparation costs € 877,29
Data analysis € 2.129,81
Total costs € 3.720,16

YouTube

By loading the video, you agree to YouTube's privacy policy.
Learn more

Load video

References (excerpt)

Are you interested in our infrastructure solutions?
Send us your request!

Further applications:

Agriculture
Hydraulic engineering
Turf sports
Development
Fruit growingand viniculture
© 2022 Geoprospectors GmbH. All rights reserved
bookmarkchevron-down
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram