Infrasense has been utilizing its advanced 3D ground penetrating radar (3DGPR) scanning vehicle for a variety of subsurface mapping projects across Massachusetts and the broader New England area. The company’s technology provides precise and comprehensive mapping of utilities and other subsurface obstructions, fulfilling the requirements for Quality Level B (QL-B) mapping.
The vehicle-based 3DGPR system is designed for exceptional spatial precision, which is critical for mapping complex utility networks. A key advantage of the system is its ability to collect data at driving speeds, eliminating the need for lane closures and ensuring traffic remains uninterrupted. This approach is not only efficient but also enhances safety by minimizing on-site personnel exposure to traffic. The raw 3DGPR data is then combined with as-built records, surveyed locations of utility features, and EMI-based utility mark-outs to produce accurate and comprehensive maps.
Infrasense’s engineers and clients have consistently found that combining 3DGPR with electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques delivers higher confidence results than using either method alone. The clarity and continuity of the GPR data are particularly valuable, as the technology can detect the interface between different materials, such as buried utility lines (metal, plastic, or other) and the surrounding subgrade. When this contrast appears in successive adjacent scans, it can be confidently identified as a utility line.
The comprehensive nature of the 3DGPR collection and analysis techniques often leads to significant, and sometimes unexpected, discoveries. The technology can uncover additional subsurface elements beyond the initial scope, such as the location of former trolley lines during a review of near-surface depth slices. This ability to reveal a complete picture of the subsurface landscape provides clients with invaluable insights for planning and executing projects safely and efficiently.
