Ground Penetrating Radar FAQ's

We are regularly asked the same questions about Ground Penetrating Radar. Here are the answers!

What is the difference between Ground Penetrating Radar and Impulse Radar?
Ground Penetrating Radar can also be referred to as GPR, Ground Radar, Impulse Radar, Ground Probing Radar, Sub-surface Radar and Surface Penetrating Radar. They are all the same.

Does Sandberg provide GPR equipment hire?
No. Sandberg provides a site survey, analysis, interpretation and reporting service only.

Is GPR only suitable for use on the ground?
GPR can be used on a wide variety of materials, most commonly soil, concrete and asphalt. It is most commonly referred to as Ground Penetrating radar because it was originally developed for use on the ground for geological surveys.

How portable is the equipment?
The equipment is mostly compact and can be operated by one person. The very low frequency antennas (200MHz and below) are bulky and require two man operation. The equipment is battery powered.

How deep can GPR penetrate?
Depth of penetration is dependant on antenna frequency and media type. A high frequency antenna offers best resolution but limited depth penetration; conversely a low frequency antenna offers better depth penetration but limited resolution. For high resolution surveys depths of 500mm can typically be achieved; for low resolution surveys depths of several metres are possible. The depth of penetration is frequently limited by ground/sub-surface conditions. Dry sandy gravels offer best conditions. It does not work well in heavy clay (e.g. London clay). Likewise dry concrete is generally good, wet concrete with a high chloride content is not.

What can GPR detect?
GPR detects changes in the electrical properties of materials in the sub-surface. It can therefore detect metallic and non-metallic objects, which makes it useful for such a wide range of surveys.