Have you ever wondered how drilling companies determine where to dig without disturbing the soil? They achieve this through a process that uses a device called ground-penetrating radar. This new technology has been developed over the years to alleviate some of the unnecessary digging that takes place in this industry, and it simplifies many of the tasks these companies undertake. Below is a brief description of what ground-penetrating radar is and how it works.

What Is Ground-Penetrating Radar?

There are three main components that make up ground-penetrating radar. The first is a control unit that is positioned on the handle of the device. This dictates when the radar is turned on and at what level it should penetrate into the ground. The second is an antenna located near the base of the equipment. This receives the signal from the control unit and pulses the energy directly into the ground.

The third is a power supply that is also found at the base of the unit. This provides the electricity necessary for producing a signal and maintains a consistent level of power so the device can continue probing beneath the surface.

How Does It Work?

Ground-penetrating radar reveals the various substances that may be buried under the soil. As the signal is sent down into the ground, it will begin relaying back information about the obstructions it comes across. For instance, if there’s an old pipe or a large patch of debris that’s located in the construction area, the radar will sense it and send a reading to the control unit. This will clearly indicate how far down the object is so the drilling company can determine whether or not they should dig there.

For all your drilling needs, rely on the experts at GeoTek Alaska. Recognized throughout Anchorage as the area’s leading geo-technical drilling contractors, these professionals work to supply their clients with the finest well monitoring solutions the industry has to offer. They specialize in groundwater sampling and auger drilling and will be ready to answer any questions you may have about an upcoming project. Call (907) 569-5900 to talk directly with a representative, or visit them online for more information.