Where to find GPR scanning services in the UK

If you intend to rent or even buy your own GPR equipment, here are some guidelines on what qualities to look for.

1. Rugged exterior

Because GPR systems tend to be used outdoors much of the time, you are looking for one with a rugged design. This means it will stand the test of time, as well as withstanding challenges such as extreme weather conditions, rough terrain, and general wear and tear. If you can afford to, aim to purchase a GPR system with military-grade hardware.

2. Versatility

What you look for in terms of versatility will depend on the way you will use your GPR system. If you only intend to use it for a single purpose, do not pay more than you need to for extra capabilities. For example, if your only use for the equipment will be locating utility pipework, you need equipment that is capable of penetrating to a depth of up to 2m. If you are carrying out geophysical research, however, you may need a kit that offers a lower frequency antenna for deeper scanning. Naturally, the more your GPR system does, the higher the price.

Please note that GPR system gives its best in the hands of experienced surveyor- both for taking measurement and for interpreting the data.

If you are looking for a company with a great deal of expertise in providing GPR scanning services within the UK, you have come to the right place. Here at KB Surveys, we are the leading GPR survey provider in the UK and beyond, with a great track record of offering first-class services to many clients over a range of industries.

Our team consists of professional GPR surveyors, engineers, and archaeologists, whose expertise and experience guarantee the quality and accuracy of our GPR survey results. Combined with our state-of-the-art GPR systems, we are able to tailor our services to your needs and deliver invaluable results every time, regardless of the purpose of your GPR survey.

There are three major advantages of using GPR scanning:

1. Cost-effective. GPR is a non-intrusive way to find things underneath the ground without digging. This makes it highly cost-effective.

2. Real-time data collection. It can cover large areas quickly and efficiently, transmitting the data in real time.

3. Non-destructive. It does not damage the surface or anything below it.

Most GPR systems are priced between £18,000 and £36,000, depending on the specifications required. If you search online for “GPR scanning near me”, you can typically hire a reliable service for between £900 and £1,800 per day, depending on the amount of data interpretation needed and the reports required. This is significantly cheaper than digging up a site.

A GPR system is composed of three main parts: an antenna, a transmitter, and a radargram. Each has its own function, and the results are measured to determine the depth and location of any object or void underneath the ground surface.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is the process of identifying and mapping existing underground infrastructure, which is often used to make as-built drawings for future projects.

The information collected from subsurface utilities, such as their nature, location, depth, material, and dimensions, are logged and precisely georeferenced using survey-grade GPS.

The main advantage of GPR is to allow operators to collect data about the subsurface quickly and more accurately than other methods without having to dig and disturb the ground’s surface. The collected data can be interpreted in real time, reducing the time spent on site and the overall costs.

• Target characteristics. From the start of the project, you should consider the characteristics of the target and the surrounding material. For instance, the laser pulses in a GPR inspection travel fastest in air and the slowest in water. Therefore, when surveying materials, you must assess whether there is a difference between the target and the surrounding materials.
• Correct antenna selection. The antenna frequency used will depend on the size and depth of the target. It is advisable to use a lower-frequency antenna for deeper penetration, but the downside of this is that the target must be larger to be imaged accurately. It’s better to use a high-frequency antenna when scanning for items that lie just a few feet beneath the surface, as this will provide more detailed results.
• Setting up the system. The ideal number of scans varies depending on the target’s size and the material being scanned. For smaller targets, more scans are required.
• Test in several areas. Ensure that there are not any changes in the signal or that the soil or concrete doesn’t change drastically across the site.
• Document everything. Documenting all relevant information is crucial. You need to take note of the system settings and prepare a site sketch to ensure all relevant data is recorded.

If you are looking for an efficient, cost-effective, and accurate GPR survey, get in touch with KB Surveys. We have years of experience in the GPR industry, delivering high-quality GPR surveying services.