GPR surveys can be a valuable resource for environmental professionals and are commonly performed during environmental subsurface investigations. A GPR survey can be utilized as a cost-efficient and non-invasive method in examining the subsurface to detect evidence of underground storage tanks. The GPR method uses high-frequency-pulsed electromagnetic waves to acquire subsurface information.
GPR equipment utilized for the measurement of subsurface conditions typically consists of a transmitter and receiver antenna, a radar control unit, and a data storage and display device. The transmitting antenna sends electromagnetic waves downward into the ground; as the waves encounter subsurface boundaries between media of different electromagnetic properties, the signal is reflected back up into the receiving antenna. These reflected signals are then recorded to produce a scan of the radar data and visual representation of the subsurface conditions. Under favorable conditions, GPR surveys can provide precise information concerning the nature and location of buried targets.