Geotechnical/Archeological Subsurface Survey Services

Serving Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Calgary, Regina and All of Western Canada

Archaeological Surveys

Located in Vancouver and serving all of Western Canada, Terraprobe harnesses the power of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for unrivaled advantages in archaeological surveys. With its non-invasive capability to penetrate the ground, GPR delivers detailed subsurface imaging, making it an indispensable tool for archaeological investigations

  • Large Area Subsurface Surveys

  • Possible ancient burial site survey in Northern B.C.

    Possible ancient burial site survey done with no visual indicators. The only evidence was oral history. The site was in northern BC.

  • Radargram Crypt line 500p.jpg

    GPR depth section (profile) showing a single line of data from the survey of the historic crypt shown above. The domed roof of the crypt can be seen between 1 and 2.5 meters below surface.

Subsurface Investigations for a Variety of Applications

  • Archaeological Investigations - Ground penetrating radar survey is one method used in archaeological geophysics. GPR can be used to detect and map subsurface archaeological artifacts, features, and patterning. The concept of radar is familiar to most people. With ground penetrating radar, the radar signal – an electromagnetic pulse – is directed into the ground. Subsurface objects and stratigraphy (layering) will cause reflections that are picked up by a receiver. Data may be plotted as profiles, as planview maps isolating specific depths, or as three-dimensional models. GPR can be a powerful tool in favorable conditions (uniform sandy soils are ideal). Like other geophysical methods used in archaeology (and unlike excavation) it can locate artifacts and map features without any risk of damaging them. Among methods used in archaeological geophysics, it is unique both in its ability to detect some small objects at relatively great depths, and in its ability to distinguish the depth of anomaly sources. The principal disadvantage of GPR is that it is severely limited by less-than-ideal environmental conditions. Fine-grained sediments (clays and silts) are often problematic because their high electrical conductivity causes loss of signal strength; rocky or heterogeneous sediments scatter the GPR signal, weakening the useful signal while increasing extraneous noise.
  • Void Detection - detecting cracks and voids under concrete structures, pavements, roadways, behind walls, in tunnels, etc.
  • Mapping Underground Structures - locating underground utilities, pipes, storage tanks and drums for repairs, upgrades, or removals
  • Graveyard Investigation - detecting unmarked graves, clandestine burials, soil disturbances ancient burial sites.
  • Geophysical Survey - bedrock and water table profiling, soil and aggregate surveys, geotechnical mapping, sedimentological studies, river and lake bottom profiling, mineral exploration
  • Environmental Assessment - define landfills, contaminant plumes, and other remediation sites, detecting buried USTs and drums, hazardous waste site assessment, pollution assessments

If you are unsure of GPR capabilities, contact us for a consultation on whether GPR can provide valuable data for your next project.

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