Skip to content
Scope Mapping
Talk to a locator
A Scope Mapping locator running a ground penetrating radar cart along a shared path beside marked services

Ground Penetrating Radar

Detect what electromagnetic methods may miss.

Many modern networks are plastic water pipe, polyethylene gas main and PVC conduit, none of which respond to standard EM locating. Where ground conditions allow, GPR can detect non-metallic services, unknown utilities, voids and subsurface anomalies.

What is included

  • Non-metallic pipe detection
  • Unknown utility identification
  • Congested corridor assessments
  • Enhanced underground risk detection

Detect what electromagnetic methods may miss

Ground penetrating radar is a non-invasive detection technology that uses radar pulses to identify underground features and services without disturbing the ground. We use it alongside electromagnetic locating to give a more complete picture of what lies beneath a project area, particularly for non-metallic services, conduits, voids, buried structures and unknown features that produce no electromagnetic signal. How much it picks up depends on the ground, which is why it is one method of several rather than the answer on its own.

When GPR is used

  • Detecting non-metallic pipes and conduits, where ground conditions allow
  • Investigating unknown or abandoned services
  • Scanning congested service corridors
  • Identifying potential voids and buried structures
  • Providing additional information where electromagnetic locating is limited

Combining technology for better results

No single locating method detects every underground asset in every ground condition. Scope Mapping combines GPR, electromagnetic locating, survey and, where required, vacuum excavation to improve confidence in underground service information. GPR performance varies with soil type, moisture, depth and site conditions, so our locators select the combination of technologies that suits the site.

See what is below before you dig

Identifying underground risk before excavation begins reduces the risk of utility strikes, costly damage, project delays and unnecessary excavation.

How it works

  1. 01Send through the extent of works and the site address.
  2. 02We order the Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) plans for the area and read them against what you have told us.
  3. 03On site, services are located, marked and recorded to suit the job.
  4. 04You get the marks the crew needs, and a record for whoever comes next.
Request a quoteTalk to a locator