GPR for Archaeology

Archaeology

High-definition 3D sub-surface imagery based on step-frequency GPR technology and ultra-wideband multi-channel antenna arrays, as pioneered by 3d-Radar for the last 10 years, have paved the way for new achievements in the area of archaeological prospection.  3 GHz signal bandwidth,  improved dynamic range and sampling schemes as offered by the GeoScope MkIV ™ and air-coupled VX Series ™ antennas arrays allow quick site investigation with full resolution mapping of the buried artifacts and improved depth of penetration.

High density sampling grids, precise positioning and uniform response of the antenna elements across the array are standard features offered by the 3d-Radar 3D GPR system.  Archaeologists can exploit these attributes by getting never-before seen imagery that is both high resolution and at deeper depths than previously possible.

With high resolution, dense sampling at even deeper depths, the resulting large survey data  put new demands on the data processing tools which could not be achieved by the existing post processing software packages available so far on the market.  To address this need,  3dr Examiner, 3d-Radar’s post-processing and visualization tool,  is designed to easily handle extremely large amounts of GPR data, which easily reach several gigabytes in size.  3dr Examiner post-processing functions utilize the full capabilities of the latest multi core CPU architectures, and are able to process data much faster than it can be collected, allowing the user to process and examine the data while  in the field..  Having the ability to analyze the subsurface in detail minimizes return trips to survey sites and can focus additional data collection on true areas of interest.

The unique “overview” display of 3dr Examiner geo references the data in real time, and allows the user easily navigate processed data. Pan, zoom and navigation in depth is easily done in real time even for huge data sets.  Other views allow the user to drill down in detail on features found in the overview. Data, annotations etc. can be exported in several formats, including video, AutoCad (DXF) and Google Earth.

 

 

 

Features & Benefits:

GeoScope Mark IV and VX Series antenna arrays

  • Step-frequency GPR combined with ultra-wideband antenna design

Optimal combination between depth penetration and resolution

  • Multi-channel antenna arrays with 7.5cm channel spacing

Precise channel positioning, very dense sampling grid, giving high quality sub-surface imagery

  • Air coupled antennas

Ideal for use on rough terrain and high speed surveys

  • Simultaneous recording of GPR and positioning data

Enables position correction during post-processing

  • Real-time 3D Processing and Display

Instant feedback on sub-surface structures, quick control of system setup

  • Full 3d Visualization Capabilities

Quickly and easily view and note anomalies in three dimensions

  • User selectable  combination of transmitter/receiver pairs

Built-in support for peer to peer or multi-offset/CMP scanning patterns, which enables accurate depth calculations without taking core samples and disturbing the site

  • Battery powered, Easy wiring scheme, Vehicle-mounted and trailer kit options

Efficient on-site deployment

3dr Examiner ™ post-processing software

  • Supports multiple swaths / multiple profiles datasets with geo-referenced data
  • Optimized multicore usage dramatically slashes processing time
  • Designed to handle huge data sets
  • Intuitive GUI optimized to navigate quickly in large geo referenced data sets
  • Improved positioning accuracy with correlation-based correction of errors and outliers
  • Support for import and export of maps and geo-referenced images
  • Export of video, CAD and Google earth data

Survey facts:

  • Location:                Silchester,  UK
  • Size:                      200mx300m (6ha)
  • Equipment:              V1821 antenna (1.8m wide, 21 channels), 3GHz GeoScope
  • Sampling grid:          7.5 x7.5cm
  • Waveform details:    Bandwidth: 50-1250MHz,Freq. step: 2MHz, Dwell time: 2.5µs
  • Survey time:            2 days,including system configuration and packing
  • Dataset size:           50 GBytes
  • Processing time:       40 minutes(Quad core Desktop PC)

Related 3d-Radar Products:

GeoScope Mk IV Radar
VX Series Multi-Channel Antennas
3dr-Examiner Post Processing and Visualization Software