Ground-penetrating radar

Ground-penetrating radar works much like regular radar, using pulses of electromagnetic radiation in the microwave band of the radio spectrum, and reading the reflected signal to detect subsurface structures and objects without drilling, probing or otherwise breaking the ground surface.

Related Topics:
Radar - Electromagnetic radiation - Microwave - Band - Radio spectrum

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The range of the scan is affected mostly by the conductivity and composition of the ground; the resolution of the scan is affected by the scanning frequency. Higher frequencies do not penetrate as far as lower frequencies, but give better resolution.

Related Topics:
Conductivity - Resolution - Frequency

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Ground-penetrating radar units are generally in contact with the ground for best performance. There are GPR horn antennas that can be used one to two feet above the ground. These antennas can collect data at highway speeds. Also see GSSI - www.gephysical.com

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A similar technology is wall-penetrating radar, which can read through walls and even act as a motion sensor for police.

Related Topics:
Wall-penetrating radar - Wall - Motion sensor - Police

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Both types of radar are considered ultra-wideband. These differ from a metal detector, which uses electromagnetic induction rather than reflection.

Related Topics:
Ultra-wideband - Metal detector - Electromagnetic induction

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see also Georadar

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