September 2011, Vol. 66 No. 9
Equipment Spotlight
Ground Penetrating Radar: Equipment Spotlight
GPR from Ditch Witch, Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI), Underground Imaging Technologies (UIT), MALÅ Geoscience, Sensors & Software, US RADAR,
Ditch Witch
The 2450GR Ground Penetrating Radar system uses radar pulses to image the subsurface and detect both metallic and non-metallic pipes and cables to depths of up to 19 feet. An invaluable tool in utility mapping efforts, the 2450GR is effective in a variety of ground conditions, including rock, soil, pavements and other materials. With 5.6 mph survey speed and digitally controlled radar, the 2450GR provides fast, clear images and accurate surveys whether the operator is pushing or pulling it across any surface. When the surface is uneven, the 2450GR’s dual-frequency, earth-engaged antenna helps maintain signal strength. The advantage of the dual-frequency antenna is that it simultaneously sweeps in two frequencies at depths of up to 19 feet, allowing for one-pass locates. 800.654.6481, ditchwitch.com
Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (GSSI)
The UtilityScan LT is a lower cost ground penetrating radar solution based on GSSI’s standard UtilityScan. The UtilityScan LT is the perfect entry-level utility locating system. The system allows users to quickly identify the location and depth of underground utilities – gas, communications, sewer lines – and other metallic and non-metallic targets including underground storage tanks and PVC pipes in real-time. 603.893.1109, geophysical.com
Underground Imaging Technologies (UIT)
UIT’s 14-channel GPR system is capable of imaging a 5.12-foot wide data swath in a single pass. Multiple survey passes are performed by the GPR Terravision system to create a three-dimensional data set covering the entire project area. Terravision consists of two banks of seven antennas each with a fixed spacing of 0.4 feet between each antenna module. Data acquired by each of the 14 channels is spaced at 0.08 feet in the direction of travel. The central frequency and approximate bandwidth of each GPR antenna element is 400 MHz, a combination that provides both good penetration and high resolution. Terravision accurately positions data along arbitrary curvi-linear traverses and generates a GPR data set that is sampled in a spatially uniform manner in all directions along the surveyed surface. 518.783.9848, uit-systems.com
Vermeer
The INTERRAGATOR EZ GPR System offers the latest advancements in ground penetrating radar electronics with a simple-to-use operator interface. Data is displayed in real-time during a survey and the reverse cursor allows for immediate and accurate utility marking. The depth calibration feature allows the operator to calibrate the system for specific worksites. By simply entering the known depth to a detected target, the control unit adjusts the system parameters to provide accurate depths to all utilities detected in the survey area. The INTERRAGATOR EZ can identify underground metallic and non-metallic pipes and cables at depths up to 20 feet depending on soil conditions. 888.837.6337, vermeer.com
MALÅ Geoscience
The Easy Locator detects and locates utilities such as PVC water and gas lines, ductile iron, concrete, terracotta or other conflicts. The system boasts an easy user interface with almost complete automation of settings whereby the user needs to provide minimal input to begin measurements. Interchangeable antennas are available for shallow or medium depth situations where most utilities are installed. Similar to traditional lasers, the Easy Locator can scan rapidly and mark an area without data storage. Additional upgrades include jpeg screen shots of a scanned utility radargram as well seamless integration with GPS. MALA’s Rough Terrain Cart is available for off-road applications as well. The latest feature is the depth calibration tool that readily computes the depth to targets on-screen. 843.852.5021, malags.com
Sensors & Software
SmartChariot provides vehicle-towed operation of Noggin GPR systems. Widely used for accurate location and mapping of metallic and non-metallic utilities, Noggins are now optimized for rapid, systematic surveys of large areas. The SmartChariot features integrated equi-spaced odometer triggering and GPS positioning for seamless field operation. High resolution Noggins (500 and/or 1,000 MHz) can be combined and deployed on the SmartChariot to collect concurrent data for pavement forensics and buried utilities. The SmartChariot is ideal for surveys over extensive, smooth, open areas accessible to vehicles. 800.267.6013, sensoft.ca
US RADAR
The Seeker SPR is an easy-to-operate, sub-surface penetrating radar system that is able to infiltrate numerous surfaces such as soil, clay, concrete and brick. The Seeker integrates a complete imaging system into one portable, user-friendly unit. SPR features a touch screen operating system and a variety of antenna frequency options. Parameters including soil settings, algorithms and color palette may be set quickly and easily via the touch screen. The system also can be set to focus on a particular depth range, useful if the approximate depth of an object is known. To accommodate a broad range of detection needs, five antenna frequency options are available and are easily interchangeable for those with multiple antenna needs. 732.566.2035, usradar.com
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