GPR utility surveys
Ground Penetrating Radar, or GPR, has been used by utility tracing surveyors for years. However, it is still relatively misunderstood by many potential clients.
What Are GPR Surveys Used For?
Primarily, GPR is used to locate non-metallic or non-conductive services such as modern water and gas pipes. Still, it has many other uses, including the location of underground voids, cellars, abandoned storage tanks and even buried walls and foundations.
GPR Surveys for Heritage and Buried Structures
In addition to their traditional utility workload, in recent years, our surveyors have located numerous ancient foundations and historic dock walls around the UK. This includes sections of Liverpool’s first dock and the remains of the world’s first steam-powered mill in Manchester. Both were subsequently featured on Channel Fours’ ‘Time Team’.
Supporting Services for GPR Survey Projects
GPR surveys are often used to locate underground features that may not be visible from the surface, including utilities, voids, buried structures, foundations and other below-ground obstructions. Depending on the site and the level of information required, ground penetrating radar may be used alongside other survey methods to provide a more complete understanding of underground conditions.
For projects where buried services need to be identified before excavation, design or construction work begins, our utility surveys can help locate and map underground assets. Where a recognised standard of utility information is required, our PAS 128 utility mapping service can provide structured survey data to support safer planning and site work.
Where drainage infrastructure is part of the project, our drainage CCTV surveys can provide visual inspection of pipes, sewers and drainage routes. For sites involving tunnels, culverts, chambers or restricted-access areas, our confined space surveys can support accurate data capture in more challenging environments.
These related services can work alongside GPR surveys to help clients reduce uncertainty, identify potential risks and make better-informed decisions before work begins on site.
Need to understand what is below the surface?
If your project requires GPR surveys, utility detection, PAS 128 mapping or drainage investigation, our team can advise on the most suitable survey approach. Contact Survey Operations to discuss your requirements.
