Risks and problems this service helps prevent
Excavation based only on assumptions or old records can uncover unexpected services, structures or ground conditions. This may create safety hazards, cause damage and force work to stop while the site is reassessed.
Buried tanks, foundations, voids, pipes and disturbed ground may not be visible from the surface. Missing these features can affect excavation plans, engineering decisions, construction sequencing and the reliability of project costs.
GPR provides non-destructive information that helps narrow investigation areas and guide verification work. Results depend heavily on soil type, moisture, target size, material and depth, so findings must be interpreted by an experienced operator and considered alongside plans, visual inspection and other locating methods.
What can be detected or assessed?
- Possible underground utilities
- Buried tanks, pits and structural features
- Voids and changes in subsurface conditions
- Historic trenches or disturbed ground
- Foundations, slabs and buried concrete
- Non-metallic targets where radar contrast is sufficient
Typical projects and industries
- Civil and infrastructure investigations
- Mining and industrial sites
- Construction planning and excavation
- Environmental and property investigations
- Locating buried tanks, soak wells and structures
- Regional projects where records are limited
How the process works
- The investigation objective, site access, target size and expected depth are discussed before attendance.
- The scan area is reviewed for surface conditions and possible interference.
- GPR data is collected systematically across the area, often in parallel passes or a defined grid.
- Reflections and patterns are interpreted in context with visible site information and other locating results.
- Potential targets and anomalies are marked or documented, with limitations clearly explained.
What the customer receives
- Onsite markings of relevant anomalies or target alignments
- A practical interpretation of the GPR findings
- Approximate depths where conditions support them
- Site photographs and scan-area records where requested
- A written report or marked-up findings where included
Why West Coast Scanning is well positioned to help
GPR is powerful equipment, but the value comes from experienced interpretation. Chris brings more than 12 years of scanning experience and provides direct, personal attention from scope review through to the onsite findings. That continuity is particularly useful on unusual or technically complex sites.
West Coast Scanning uses quality GSSI scanning technology, offers free quotes and works throughout Perth and regional Western Australia. As a small family business, we can be flexible, respond quickly and often provide same-day results and invoicing, while keeping rates competitive and communication clear.
Frequently asked questions
How deep can GPR detect?
There is no single depth guarantee. Penetration depends on antenna frequency, soil conductivity, moisture, target size and material. Clay-rich or wet ground can reduce depth significantly.
Can GPR identify exactly what an object is?
GPR detects contrasts and reflections. The response may suggest a pipe, void or structure, but identification often requires plans, site context or physical verification.
Can GPR locate plastic pipes?
Sometimes. Detection depends on pipe size, depth, contents, surrounding soil and the contrast between the pipe or trench and the surrounding material.
Does GPR work through concrete?
Yes, specialised GPR is widely used for concrete investigation. Ground scanning and concrete scanning use related technology but different equipment, frequencies and interpretation methods.
Will I receive a report?
Reporting can be included when requested. The quote should confirm whether the deliverable is onsite markings, photographs, a written report or a combination.