Ground penetrating radar (GPR)
Recommended survey spatial resolution: 0.05m x 0.085m
GPR is employed in archaeological prospection for mapping underlying foundations, structural remains and burials.
The technique is used to transmit a continuous electromagnetic pulse or wave of energy into the ground and record reflections of that energy following its interaction with the objects and layers below the surface. The strength of reflections recorded is a function of 2-way travel time (the elapsed time for the energy wave to travel from the GPR to reflector and back to the surface) and is proportional to the conductive and dielectric properties of the layers and objects below the surface.
TARGET uses a state-of-the-art 3D GPR system based on modern real-time sampling (RTS) technology, which comprises of an array of 8 x 450MHz ultra-wide-band antennas, providing exceptional quality 3D information (spatial resolution 0.05m inline x 0.08m crossline) and deep penetration.
The system can be used manually in areas where access is limited, for example at the interior of existing buildings, and in combination with precision GPS or total station and quad bike for investigating larger urban/agricultural sites.
TARGET has used GPR at the interior of existing buildings, on urban sites and agricultural land, successfully locating buried remains of
- Former cemeteries and burials
- Roman villa sites, castles and tower house remains
- Gallo-Roman temples
- Early church foundations and monasteries
- Souterrains
