Using GPR to detect underground utilities has many benefits over traditional utility locating practices

Ground penetrating radars can be used to detect most underground utilities – the utility does not need to be metallic for it to be identified. A specialised antenna emits radio waves into the earth, which are then reflected back to the machine. The biggest benefit GPR offers is that radar can detect most utilities with a higher density than the earth materials around that utility.

Ground Penetrating Radar is great for identifying the location of underground water, sewer, storm, and gas pipes, as well as electric, cable TV, and communication wires and conduits.

When provided a work area, a qualified utility locator locate and mark out all utilities using traditional locating methods, they will then sweep the area in a grid pattern with the GPR.  This allows the locator to confirm our mark-out locations, and also to identify additional commodities that traditional utility locating practices didn’t detect.

Like most technologies, ground radar has limitations as well. Dense or saturated soils, heavy tree roots, and metallic concentrations in the earth can all limit the results produced by GPR. Ground Radar can also be limited by the size, material, and depth of the target utility we are searching for.

Professional locators need to have the equipment plus the necessary training to overcome obstacles and limitations that may arise in the field, with the use of this equipment. A professional locator be knowledgeable in all locating methods and be prepared to use a variety of techniques to ensure that all buried utilities are located.

This is where Locating Unlimited can help – we provide the most up-to-date training methods, blended with new technologies and presented with the emphasis on practical hands on training. Book an upcoming course now, for details email your request on our contact form, Ground penetrating radars here. (link to contact form)