See the unseen—safely, quickly, and with data you can trust.
SubAerica’s GPR systems use ultra-wideband (UWB) radar pulses to build 2D sections and 3D volumes of what’s beneath your feet or inside concrete. Map utilities, verify slab thickness, locate voids, rebar, and more—without breaking ground.
Non-Destructive
Zero coring, zero digging. Work faster with minimal disruption and no safety drama.
High-Resolution
Pick the right antenna for the job: 100–400 MHz for depth, 800–2000 MHz for detail.
Actionable Data
Deliver georeferenced maps, CAD/DXF overlays, and 3D slices your team can build on.
How GPR Works
GPR transmits short electromagnetic pulses into the ground or structure. When pulses hit a boundary with different dielectric properties (e.g., soil change, metal, void, concrete rebar), a portion reflects back. The system measures travel time and amplitude to create radargrams (2D profiles). With tight line spacing, these profiles can be stacked into 3D volumes.
Signal Path
- Pulse emitted from antenna into medium.
- Reflections occur at material boundaries.
- Receiver records time–amplitude traces.
- Signal processing enhances targets and layers.
Example radargram showing hyperbolas (discrete objects) and continuous layers.
System Components
Antenna
Choose frequency by task:
200–400 MHz for deeper utilities/voids; 600–1600 MHz for rebar, slab thickness, and high-detail concrete scanning.
Control Unit
Captures traces, manages stacking, sampling rate, time window, filters. Logs GNSS for mapping.
Software
2D/3D processing, migration, background removal, depth conversion, picking, and export to CAD/GIS.
Applications
Concrete Scanning
- Locate rebar, PT tendons, conduits
- Measure slab thickness
- Identify voids and delamination
Utility Mapping
- Detect metallic & non-metallic pipes
- Cross-check with as-builts
- Reduce strike risk before excavation
Geotechnical & Pavements
- Layer interfaces & thickness
- Voids under slabs/roads
- Moisture-related anomalies
Advantages
- Rapid coverage with minimal site disruption
- Non-destructive and safe (low-power RF)
- Works on metallic and non-metallic targets
- Georeferenced deliverables for design teams
Limitations (Be Honest!)
- Wet/clayey soils attenuate signal → lower depth
- Depth estimates depend on correct velocity
- Crowded rebar may mask small conduits
- Requires trained interpretation
Safety & Best Practice
- Use marked scan grids and tight line spacing for 3D volumes.
- Calibrate velocity with known depths or cores where possible.
- Follow local radio regulations and site PPE requirements.
- Combine with EM locator/records for best utility certainty.
Deliverables
2D Radargrams
Annotated PDFs/PNGs with target picks and layer traces.
3D Slices & Volumes
Time/depth slices, iso-surfaces for clear visualization.
CAD/GIS Exports
DXF, SHP, or GeoJSON overlays aligned to site control.
*Turnaround depends on site size, access, and data complexity.
FAQs
How deep can you scan?
In concrete, high-frequency antennas typically image 0–0.4 m with high detail. In dry sands with 200–400 MHz, depths of 2–4 m may be achievable; wet clays can be < 1 m due to attenuation.
Can GPR see through metal?
Metal reflects strongly; GPR can detect it but cannot “see behind” continuous metal sheets. Dense rebar can shadow smaller targets.
What do you need before a survey?
Site plan/limits, access permissions, surface conditions, known utilities/as-builts, and any safety inductions.
Request a Demo or Quote
Tell us your site type, area, expected targets, and any deliverable formats you need (PDF, DXF, GIS).