How to Select the Best Drone-Based Ground Penetrating Radar

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) operates by sending radar pulses into the ground to detect and image underground objects and structures. The GPR transmitter emits electromagnetic energy, which travels through the soil. When this energy encounters an object or a boundary between materials with differing dielectric permittivity (a property that affects the speed of electromagnetic waves), part of the signal is reflected back to the GPR's receiving antenna. The system’s electronics then capture and record these variations, creating a detailed image of the subsurface.

The center frequency of the GPR antenna determines how deep the radar waves will penetrate and the resolution of the data. Lower frequencies penetrate deeper but offer lower resolution, while higher frequencies provide more detailed images but are limited to shallower depths.

Depending on your fieldwork conditions, the weight of the GPR system may be critical. If you're using a drone for aerial surveys, you'll want to ensure that the GPR is lightweight and can be mounted securely on the drone. Alternatively, for ground surveys, portability and ease of transportation are important.

GPR systems are often deployed in challenging environmental conditions. Ensuring that the system is durable and resistant to factors like extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust can extend the life of the equipment and ensure reliable performance in harsh environments.

As drone technology advances, many GPR systems are now designed to be mounted on various drones, enabling faster and more efficient data collection over large areas. Compatibility with drones such as the DJI M350 RTK or M300 RTK is essential for those considering aerial surveys.

• Frequency: 1000 MHz, with an operating bandwidth of 600-1300 MHz.

• Depth: Up to 2 meters, depending on ground properties.

• Weight: 1.7 kg in airborne configuration.

• Compatibility: DJI M300 RTK, M600 Pro drones.

• Data Output: 16-bit digital raw data in SEGY format.

• Operating Conditions: -20°C to 60°C, IP68 ingress protection (in a protective box).

• The Zond Aero 1000 is an excellent choice for high-detail surveys in areas where shallow penetration is acceptable, such as archeological sites, utility detection, or shallow environmental studies.

The Zond Aero 1000 GPR system flying at an altitude of 0.6 meters over a sandy soil range. Known test targets were successfully detected, and in several profiles, the interface between the sand and the original underlying soil was clearly visible at a depth of 0.5 to 0.7 meters.

A versatile mid-frequency system, the Zond Aero 500 is suited for both aerial and ground surveys. With a 500 MHz antenna, it strikes a balance between penetration depth and resolution, making it a go-to option for a wide variety of survey types.

• Frequency: 500 MHz, with an operating bandwidth of 200-900 MHz.

• Depth: Up to 4 meters in average normal soil.

• Weight: 2.1 kg in airborne configuration.

• Data Output: 16-bit digital raw data in SEGY format.

• Operating Conditions: -20°C to 60°C, IP68 ingress protection (in a protective box).

The Zond Aero 500 is a versatile choice for users needing more penetration depth while maintaining resolution, ideal for construction, environmental surveys, and utility mapping.

Zond Aero 500 data with gas pipelines. Drone: DJI M300 RTK. Drone equipped with UgCS SkyHub onboard computer and terrain following system. Flight altitude: 2m AGL. Flight speed: 1m/s

• Frequencies: 100 MHz, 150 MHz, and 300 MHz.

• Depth: Up to 12 meters in soil, depending on conditions.

• Weight: 0.8 kg (controller), 0.1 kg (300 MHz antenna), 0.2 kg (150 MHz antenna), 0.4 kg (100 MHz antenna).

• Compatibility: DJI M300 RTK, M600 Pro drones.

• Data Output: 32-bit digital raw data in SEGY format.

• Operating Conditions: -20°C to 60°C, IP68 ingress protection (in a protective box).

This system is perfect for applications requiring deeper penetration, such as geological surveys, environmental monitoring, or detecting large underground objects like pipes and voids.

Flight speed: 1m/s