Frequently Asked Questions

What is GPR:

A Ground Penetrating Radar is a device used to scan a surface and show differences in the subsurface structure – these can be buried objects, change of medium or cavities. The GPR produces electromagnetic radiation in the 10-2000MHz band of the radio spectrum and detects the reflected signals from the objects that are in the way of the transmitted waves. This is a nondestructive method, hence there is no damage to the operator or the surface being scanned.

How does GPR work:

A GPR generally consists of three modules – a transmitter and a receiver antenna and an analogue to digital converter unit. The transmitter module produces very fast pulses consisting of ultra-wideband frequencies that penetrate almost any medium and the receiver module listens to the reflected signal from the scanned medium. This in turn is sent to the Analog to Digital converter that quantifies the signal to computer readable values. The varying permittivities of different objects and materials produce reflections in the returning signal allowing the detection of cavities, buried objects and any other changes in the subsurface structure.

Where can I use a GPR:

You can use a GPR in construction sites, excavations sites or in any field where you need to localize objects and differences in the subsurface medium. There are constraints in the types of medium that propagate electromagnetic waves – best results are achieved in media with a dielectric coefficient in the range of 0-15.

What is Dielectric Coefficient:

A dielectric coefficient shows the relative permittivity of a dielectric material. This is the measure of resistance that is encountered when forming an electric field in a medium. The higher the coefficient, the better an insulator the material is and vice versa – low dielectric values yield higher conducting properties.

Material Dielectric coefficient:

Air 1
Water 81
Snow 1.4 – 3
Pure ice 3.2
Coastal sand (dry) 10
Sand (dry) 3 – 6
Sand (wet) 25 – 30
Silt (wet) 10
Clay (wet) 8 – 15
Clay soil (dry) 3
Marsh 12
Agricultural land 15
Pastoral land 13
“Average soil” 16
Granite 5 – 8
Limestone 7 – 9
Dolomite 6.8 – 8
Basalt (wet) 8
Shale (wet) 7
Sandstone (wet) 6
Coal 4 – 5
Quartz 4.3
Concrete 6 – 8
Asphalt 3 – 5
PVC 3

Do your products have a warranty?

Yes, our GPR units have a year warranty that includes parts and labor

Will you ship outside of the United States?

Yes, we can ship to other countries, but additional shipping may be required depending on the destination.

Has this GPR unit received FCC approval?

Yes, we have successfully received the stringent requirements and testing required for FCC Approved. Click Here to view the FCC Approval