Why the Quality of Your GPR Provider Matters
While many companies advertise GPR as a simple scanning method, the reality is that the accuracy and usefulness of the results depend heavily on the skill, equipment and processes of the surveying company behind the scan.
A poor-quality GPR survey can lead to misidentified utilities, costly delays, safety incidents and even project shutdowns. A high-quality survey, on the other hand, gives you confidence in your ground conditions, reduces excavation risk and helps keep your project on time and within budget.
Understanding what a good surveying company should provide during a GPR survey will help you spot the difference between a basic service and a professional, reliable one that genuinely supports your project.
Thorough Pre-Survey Planning and Site Assessment
A good GPR survey begins long before the scanner touches the ground. Professional surveyors will take time to understand your project, review any existing utility records or drawings, and carry out a site walkover to evaluate risks, obstructions, surface materials and access limitations.
This pre-survey stage ensures the team knows exactly what needs to be surveyed, the level of accuracy required and the environmental conditions that could affect signal penetration. A reputable company will also discuss the realistic capabilities of GPR for your particular site, especially in relation to factors such as soil conductivity, reinforcement within slabs or expected depth ranges.
This level of preparation avoids miscommunication, prevents unrealistic expectations and ensures the survey is tailored to your project’s specific needs. When planning is taken seriously, the results are far more accurate and far more useful to your design or construction team.
Use of Professional-Grade GPR Equipment
Not all GPR equipment is created equal, and one of the most important indicators of a reliable surveying company is the technology they use. Professional-grade systems provide clearer imaging, better depth penetration and greater precision, giving surveyors the data they need to interpret underground features correctly.
These units are regularly calibrated and maintained to ensure the readings are dependable, especially when scanning challenging or complex ground conditions. The difference between consumer-level equipment and high-quality commercial systems can be dramatic; where one may detect vague anomalies, the other can distinguish individual utilities and structural layers with confidence.
A dependable surveying company, such as Intersect Surveys, invests heavily in its equipment because it understands that accurate data underpins the success of every project.
Skilled, Experienced Surveyors Who Know How to Interpret Data
Even the best GPR equipment is only as effective as the person operating it. GPR interpretation is a specialist skill that requires extensive training, technical knowledge and real-world experience.
A skilled surveyor understands how underground utilities behave, how construction techniques influence subsurface features and how soil conditions can alter signal responses. An expert surveyor will also combine GPR findings with electromagnetic location techniques and existing records to validate results, improving accuracy and reducing the likelihood of missed services.
When you choose a company with qualified, experienced surveyors, you benefit from reliable insights rather than guesswork. Intersect Surveys has 10 years experience in the surveying business!
Accurate Utility Mark-Up on the Ground
A good surveying company will ensure that the position of detected services is marked directly on the ground in a way that is easy for site teams to understand. This includes using colour coding for different utility types, marking approximate depths where possible and indicating areas of uncertainty so contractors can proceed with caution.
The best teams also verify findings by cross-checking GPR data with electromagnetic locators and available utility plans to provide a comprehensive overview. Accurate mark-up reduces excavation risks, supports safe digging practices and enables site teams to work efficiently without second-guessing what lies beneath the surface.
A Commitment to Safety, Compliance and Best Practice
Safety underpins every part of a GPR survey. A reputable surveying company follows recognised industry standards such as PAS 128 where applicable and adheres to strict health and safety protocols.
This includes maintaining proper insurance, ensuring trained personnel are present for high-risk environments, and managing hazards such as traffic, confined spaces or live utility corridors. When you choose a company committed to best practice, you’re choosing accuracy, safety and long-term reliability.
Choose a GPR Provider Who Does More Than “Scan and Go”
A professional GPR survey offers far more than a quick scan.
It is a carefully planned, expertly executed process that combines high-quality equipment, skilled interpretation, transparent communication and meaningful deliverables.
If you want dependable GPR surveys backed by experience, precision and professional reporting, Intersect Surveys is ready to support your next project with confidence and clarity.
Reach out today to discuss your requirements and ensure your site is properly understood before work begins.
