Ground Penetrating Radar
Detect. Map. Locate.
All Underground uses state-of-the-art Ground Penetrating Radar to safely locate and map underground utilities, voids, reinforcement, and buried assets — without a single dig.
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What is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)?
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a highly specialised geophysical technique of subsurface imaging. It uses electromagnetic radiation waves into the ground to detect discontinuities such as utilities and objects.
GPR is non-destructive and provides invaluable information you need prior to excavating. Did you know it is illegal to drive a star picket, fence post, or even a clothes line into the ground without a Dial Before You Dig plan? This applies to any excavation or drilling on any property — whether private or public. All Underground's GPR service ensures your project is fully compliant and your team is protected.
How Does GPR Work?
Ground penetrating radar technology works by using electromagnetic radiation waves to identify all subsurface factors and lets you see exactly what you are standing on.
High-Frequency Pulse Emission
The device uses an antenna to radiate short pulses of high-frequency radio waves into the ground. When these waves encounter any discontinuities or dielectric singularities, the waves are reflected back towards a receiving antenna.
Signal Reception & Data Capture
The receiving antenna outputs the waves into readable data on a screen so you can locate exactly where any buried faults or objects are underground.
Location Determination
The location of underground discontinuities is determined based on the outputted data and corresponding arrival times — giving you a precise subsurface picture in real time.
Interpretation & Reporting
Our expert operators and analysts accurately interpret the radar signals, distinguish between different subsurface features, and provide a detailed, actionable report for your project team.
Key Benefits of GPR
Ultimate Safety
Locate buried utilities before you dig — eliminating the risk of striking power, gas, water, or fibre optic lines.
Non-Destructive
Uses electromagnetic waves that do not damage the ground, utilities, or surrounding terrain. Zero excavation required.
Real-Time Results
GPR delivers live subsurface imaging on-screen — no waiting for lab results or extended mobilisation periods.
High Accuracy
Under optimal conditions, GPR can detect features from a few centimetres to several metres depth with precision.
Versatile Applications
Works on concrete, asphalt, soil, and rock — suitable for a wide range of civil, construction, and utility projects.
Cost-Effective
Prevents expensive utility strikes, project delays, and costly repairs — saving significant time and money on every job.
How Far Underground Can GPR Go?
The depth range of GPR is limited by the electrical conductivity of the ground and the transmitting frequency. As conductivity increases, the penetration depth will also decrease.
This is due to the electromagnetic energy being more quickly dissipated into heat, causing a loss in signal strength at depth. Higher frequencies do not penetrate as far as lower frequencies but give better resolution. Optimal depth penetration is achieved in dry sandy soils or massive dry materials such as granite, limestone, and concrete — where the depth of penetration could be up to 15m. In moist or clay-laden soils and soils with high electrical conductivity, penetration can be significantly less. Under normal circumstances, a reliable GPR depth indication would be in the region of 3m to 4m.
When & Where is GPR Used?
GPR (ground penetrating radar) is primarily used to locate non-conductive pipes such as PVC water mains and poly pressure sewer lines, as well as a broad range of subsurface features across many industries. Some things GPR can do include:
Frequently Asked Questions
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"All Underground helped us locate critical utilities before excavation — saved us over $40k in potential damages."
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