New England Geophysical
Glacial erratic, Rt. 16, Holliston MA
Frequently Asked Questions
| How accurate is Ground Penetrating Radar? |
| Ground Penetrating Radar or GPR has the highest resolution of any geophysical subsurface imaging method. Depending upon the antenna used, accuracy can range from less than a centimeter (1.5 GHz antenna) to an inch or two (400 MHz antenna). |
| To what depth can usable data be obtained? |
| Depth is antenna/frequency dependent. A 400 MHz antenna can collect data to about 12 feet, while a 100 MHz antenna can image to about an 80 foot depth. |
| How is the collected data recorded and presented? |
| Up until only a few years ago it was necessary to go off-site to process the collected data. With the advanced equipment available to us now, the data is collected and presented in real-time, on-site. Signal processing off-site is still done to refine the data but actual information is available on-site at the time of the survey. |
Modified GSSI 200MHz antenna
| Is the use of GPR and other geophysical measuring methods safe? |
| Yes. Ground Penetrating Radar, Magnetic Anomaly Detection, EMF and Radiological measurements are all completely non-invasive geophysical methods used for acquiring subsurface data. They are benign to the environment and present no hazards to humans. Prior to GPR, x-ray equipment was all that was available. This was hazardous to all. |
| What equipment do you use? |
| Geophysical measurements are usually the summation of, or difference between, very weak electromagnetic signals. To obtain the most accurate data only the finest geophysical equipment is used by us. GSSI, Schonstadt, and Dosimeter are all industry leaders. It is this equipment that we bring to your site. |
| How are costs determined? |
| It depends upon what you're looking for and is always dependent upon the work scope. A simple confirmation of a pipe or tank location is inexpensive. Surveys that involve more unknowns such as a suspected hazardous waste site are more costly and estimated for you prior to work. Special quotes are available for independent geologists, geophysicists, and university researchers. |
Pegmatite in bedrock outcropping.
| Does weather affect or limit operations? |
| With over thirty years of remote sensing experience, New England Geophysical is generally "all weather capable". Of course there are some limitations such as a heavy snow cover, etc., but surveys can usually be done as long as we have ground contact. |
| Do you rent out the equipment? |
| Quite simply, no. A GPR or geophysical survey is a complex geophysical process. A background in geology, electrical engineering, and remote sensing is essential in accurate data interpretations. |
Call us, we'll find what you're looking for.
| How does one proceed with a project? |
| Contact us. There is no charge to discuss your project. We'll visit your site and prepare an estimate for you. |
| New England Geophysical P.O. Box 440, Mendon, MA 01756 |
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Tel. 508-478-4020 FAX 508-478-5104 |
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| Contact us: Email |