ROI of up to $21 per $1 invested
The use of GPR feeds important data into subsurface utility engineering processes to improve the reliability of subsurface information and geolocation accuracy of buried utilities. There is growing evidence that the use of SUE in infrastructure projects has a positive return on investment.

U.S. Department Of Transportation
ROI of $4.62 per $1.00 invested ‘Cost Savings on Highway Projects Utilizing Subsurface Utility Engineering’ (Purdue University, 1999)

Ontario Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association
ROI of $3.41 per $1.00 invested ‘Subsurface Utility Engineering in Ontario: Challenges and Opportunities’ (University of Toronto, 2005)

Pennsylvania DOT
ROI of $21.00 per $1.00 invested ‘Subsurface Utility Engineering Manual’ (Pennsylvania State University, 2007)

University of Toronto
ROI of $2.05 to $6.59 per $1.00 invested ‘Evaluating the use of Subsurface Utility Engineering in Canada’ (University of Toronto, 2006)

The use of locating technologies such as GPR assist greatly in improving our understanding of what lies beneath the surface of the ground and other structure and increasingly shows quantifiable benefit in improving the positional accuracy of subsurface infrastructure.

Legislation & Standards
Many countries have deemed the use of GPR a mandatory requirement for such work, which is supported through the implementation of robust standards such as: AS 5488-2013 (Australia), S250 (Canada), NTE INEN 2873 (Ecuador), Malaysia Standard Guideline for Underground Utility Mapping, PAS 128 (UK) and ASCE 38-02 (US).

3D Data Capture
The requirement to survey over long distances or larger areas has led to advanced development of GPR systems that comprise multiple GPR antennas. These ‘GPR Arrays’ allow such areas to be surveyed more quickly by collecting several GPR profiles simultaneously and offer full 3D data capture. Routine applications now include utility mapping, archaeological investigations and artefact mapping, road surveys, bridge deck investigations and more.

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)
GPR is a well proven non-destructive geophysical method for the detection and mapping of subsurface infrastructure. Subsurface utility engineering (SUE) professionals routinely use GPR to collect important data concerning the presence and layout of buried utilities and other subsurface assets and infrastructure.

Snow Measurements with GPR for Hydrological Studies - Case Study