Surveys by GeoModel, Inc. 703-777-9788

GeoModel, Inc. conducts surveys for utility location using various geophysical methods. The most common methods used for utility location are electromagnetic (terrain) conductivity (EM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR).

Ground Penetrating Radar Surveys for Utility Location

GeoModel, Inc. has conducted numerous ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys at many sites for utility location using a GPR digital control unit and various transducers (antennas).

A utility line can be made of metal, PVC, or any other material that has different dielectric or conductive properties than the surrounding subsurface soils or rocks.

The GPR antenna is hand-towed across the site as shown below.

The maps below show an aerial photograph and an example "As-Built" site map produced by GeoModel, Inc. The site map shows the utility lines that were located using the GPR and EM geophysical methods.

Aerial photograph of survey area (on left), and GeoModel, Inc. As-built utility map based on GPR and EM data (on right)

Additional Utility Location Techniques

Utility lines made of metal can also be located using several other types of instruments.

GeoModel, Inc. has conducted numerous electromagnetic conductivity (EM) surveys and metal detector surveys to locate metallic buried utilities and electrical cables. GeoModel, Inc. owns and operates various electromagnetic conductivity (EM) instruments, which detect any type of metal utility; a magnetometer, which detects ferrous metal utilities; and a Utilocator, which measures induced current through metal pipes, cables, or PVC pipes with metal wires installed. Pictures of a geophysicist operating these instruments are shown below:

Above, on the left, is a contour map of EM survey results, showing locations of underground metal utilities, obtained by GeoModel, Inc. The contour map on the above right was produced by Geonics' metal detector and Geosoft's Oasis Montaj.

GeoModel, Inc. uses the new EM metal detector which is twice as accurate as the standard EM metal detector.

Other metallic buried objects, such as buried tanks (UST) and buried drums, can also be easily located with the EM or magnetometer instruments.

Company Background

GeoModel, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a geophysical services and environmental consulting firm. The company principals have over 50 years of combined experience and have conducted numerous utility location surveys worldwide. All projects are conducted by registered professional geologists.

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