Positioning System for data acquisition

The positioning system called PSG (Pad System for Georadar) was developed for “true” 3D acquisitions over small areas. The system allows the easy and fast acquisition of a geo-referred, regular and dense matrix of GPR traces that satisfies the Nyquist theory for both in-line and cross-line directions. The GPR antenna passes over a soft pad (size varies) which can be rolled up for transport purposes, and which is adaptable to the different distances used in surveys. The pad has parallel grooved tracks incorporated in its surface, and there is a matching grooved pad on the bottom of the antenna. The survey is done by dragging the GPR antenna along the grooved tracks of the pad, allowing the rapid acquisition of parallel and regularly spaced profiles. The material of the PSG pad is soft enough to adapt to the irregularity of the soil surface, so the antenna slides smoothly across the pad, while the friction between the bottom of the pad and the soil surface prevents any movement of the PSG device. The PSG can simultaneously ensure position accuracy, constant antenna orientation, and full coverage of a regular point-measurement grid without the same point being investigated twice.