Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Chapter
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Part of the Natural Science in Archaeology book series (ARCHAEOLOGY)

Abstract

Since the 1970s ground-penetrating radar (GPR) has shown successful cases in non-invasive imaging of archaeological sites. Yet, standard methodology was based either on 2D data acquisition and real-time interpretation or low-resolution pseudo-3D surveying which has significantly limited the use of the technology to small projects and research purposes. Hardware, software, data processing and data acquisition methodologies have improved dramatically during the last decade. These improvements have made possible the generation of higher-resolution images of the subsurface. Therefore, three-dimensional GPR images have evolved to more intuitive maps to be interpreted by archaeologists. Recently developed multichannel array systems represent a new revolution for large-scale archaeological prospection. These systems are composed by multiple closely spaced antennas providing massive data acquisition and thus fast speed of areal coverage. Accurate data positioning is accomplished through GPS-RTK systems or robotic total stations which ensure precise images of the subsurface structures. The present article briefly summarizes the use of GPR in archaeological prospection from basics to the cutting-edge instruments.

Keywords

Ground Penetrating Radar Multichannel System Depth Slice Robotic Total Station Archaeological Prospection 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of GeoRadar DivisionGeoSystems Business Unit, IDS North America Ltd.MontrealCanada

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