Ground Penetrating Radar Equipment

Unlike the Radar systems, that you may be imagining on reading the name 'Ground Penetrating Radar Equipment', these systems are mobile units, which you carry in your hand. The word radar stands for radio detection and ranging. The principle of working, is the same as that of a radar used for detecting enemy aircraft. However, unlike the aircraft detection radar systems, these systems are not loaded with big algorithms.

Working
As already mentioned, ground penetrating radars work similar to the aircraft detection radars. Electromagnetic waves are used for the detection purpose. The electromagnetic waves used are in the ultra-high frequency range. The equipment consists of two important parts; the antennas and control unit. A broad faced antenna, generally of a circular shape is used to transmit the electromagnetic waves into the desired surface. Any irregularity or deformity in the solid body, sends back the waves and it is detected by the radar system. The control unit immediately estimates the type of deformities or irregularities, using its algorithms. It sends an alarming signal to the operator who is handling the device. Since, the transmitters used in these devices use around 400 Volts of power supply, so a battery that meets this requirement is also included in the system. These devices are generally hand-held and give immediate response on detecting any irregularity or deformation. The result that they provide, can be in both three dimensional and two dimensional form. However, for a particular type of detection, the type of radar that is used, may not necessarily work for some other type of surface.

Applications
Ground penetrating radar equipment are widely used in the detection of underground water. They can effectively provide the exact location of water under the ground. But their most important application lies in the field of geology, where such equipment is used to study the soil structure, rocks and the ice bodies. Construction engineers also use such equipment to determine leaks and irregularities in massive construction projects. Archaeologists use these devices to determine buried locations and cemeteries.

Choosing the Right Equipment
A few important points should be kept in mind when you choose ground penetrating radar equipment. The most important point, as already mentioned, is that the system you choose should be compatible to the ground surface, for which you are using it. Among the other things that you should keep in mind is the power regulation, that has been stated by the telecommunication ministry of the respective country. A considerable amount of expertise is also needed to operate the equipment.

There are various manufacturers who manufacture ground penetrating radar equipment. The system sometimes becomes a bit heavy because of the battery that is used in it. However, there are various vendors who manufacture light equipment, in which the power supply is included within the system.

*Photo courtesy of Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (400 MHz antenna / SIR-3000 control unit)