What is Ground-Penetrating Radar?
Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) transmits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses into the ground and records the reflected signals from sub-surface objects and layer interfaces. By analysing travel times and signal strength, a trained GPR operator can identify, locate, and map buried features without any excavation.
For project managers and engineers, GPR means you can confidently plan excavations knowing the exact position of buried services – eliminating the risk of costly strikes, project shutdowns, utility damage, and the personal danger to workers from hitting live electrical cables or gas mains.
What GPR Can Detect
High and low voltage cables, fibre optic conduits, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Water supply pipes, stormwater culverts, and sewer reticulation – both metallic and non-metallic.
Natural gas and LPG distribution pipelines including plastic and steel variants.
Sub-surface cavities, abandoned mine workings, and dolomite void mapping.
Project Case Study
CASE STUDY · TSHWANE CBD, GAUTENG
Underground Utility Mapping Before CBD Excavation
A civil contractor was about to excavate a 3-metre-deep trench in a congested CBD block for new stormwater infrastructure. Municipal as-built records were incomplete and over 30 years old.
Mathibe's GPR team surveyed the 800m² area over two days, identifying 23 buried services absent from municipal records – including two 11kV power cables and a high-pressure water main. The updated utility plan was integrated into the contractor's BIM model before any excavation began.
Result: Zero utility strikes. Zero project delays. Estimated savings: R2.3M in damage liability.
Why Choose Mathibe Geomatics for GPR?
- MALA and GSSI GPR systems – multi-frequency antennas (50MHz–1GHz) for optimal results in all soil types.
- Certified GPR operators with geophysical interpretation training – not just equipment operators.
- Results delivered as CAD overlays, GIS shapefiles, and marked-up site plans – ready for your design team.
- Same-day or next-day reporting for urgent excavation clearance requests.