Digging or excavating on a piece of property should always be approached with caution. Unless you are disturbing what you are certain is a previously undeveloped lot, there is always a chance that there is something buried where you want to dig. It could be utility lines, a septic system, a private water well, or a number of other things. Hitting a hazard while digging could cause expensive damage and also delay your project. Even if you have a detailed map of the site, there could be items that are not included, or not exactly in the places the map indicates they should be. Locating buried hazards can be done by having an underground scan completed using ground penetrating radar (GPR).
Underground scanning companies can be found in just about all areas of the country, and they aren’t just for utility locating projects. Underground scanning using GPR is also great for more sensitive projects—where disturbing what’s below the surface can have major consequences. Here are a few examples:
Underground Scanning for Archaeological Digs
Uncovering buried artifacts involves careful digging by experts who are trained in archaeological digs. But today, some archaeologists are taking advantage of the latest GPR equipment to aid them in their search for buried “treasures.” GPR can guide archaeologists to dig in places where there is a good chance of finding something of significance, saving them a good amount of time. For example, GPR can locate rocks that are arranged in patterns that might indicate the presence of a buried structure like a wall or a building. Bones can also be identified by GPR.
Other underground scanning tools, such as magnetometers, can be used on archaeological dig sites to identify metallic items or areas where items have been burned, indicating the presence of a hearth or cooking site.
Underground Scanning in Forensic Investigations
In cases where important evidence from a crime might be buried, underground scanning using GPR can be very valuable. GPR can identify unmarked graves, as well as all types of stolen or illegal items that may have been buried. Scanning an area for evidence using GPR can be a great time-saver for law enforcement officers. It can also help officers avoid damaging sensitive evidence by giving them a good idea of how deeply the items are buried. In addition to locating items underground, GPR can also locate items hidden inside of walls, without having to disturb the structure itself unless necessary.
Using GPR to Locate UXO and Landmines
Locating unexploded ordinances (UXO) and landmines is dangerous, but necessary, work. While metal detectors can find a majority of these items, GPR is much more effective at safely locating them—especially non-metallic objects. Once these items are located, they can be carefully cleared out to make the area safe to use or inhabit once again.
Conclusion
GPR has many uses—both common and uncommon. However, it is especially useful for sensitive and delicate projects like the ones mentioned above, where damaging what’s below the surface of the ground could be very problematic.
