Technics invests in the latest utility mapping technology

Technics was the first professional geospatial company to employ the prototype Stream EM system back in 2006 and we are now pleased to announce the purchase of the new Stream EM system, from IDS, as part of our continued commitment to providing our clients with the very best results using the latest technology.

The Stream EM is a vehicle towed, multi-channel, ground penetrating radar solution for mapping utilities and features underground in 3D.

Benefits

With multiple configurations of eight antenna arrays with 40 channels, the Stream EM system captures a high volume of accurate 3D data in a very short space of time. For example, to survey an open area of 100m x 100m using a conventional hand-pushed single antenna GPR system would take ten days. However, the new Stream EM would take only one day, significantly reducing the survey time and providing high density data capture with greater resolution when post processing. This enhances the information that can be derived from the data, increasing the detection of buried utilities, structures and improving the quality of the survey output.

With the range of antennas installed on the Stream EM frame, Technics can detect utilities and features running in any orientation beneath its 2m swathe, with one sweep at a speed of 12.5mph. With this higher speed mapping solution, static traffic management is not required for carriageway work minimising costs, logistics and reducing the risk to all the operatives involved on site

Banner Stream London

 

How does the Stream EM comply with PAS 128?

With PAS 128 it’s very important for the geospatial surveyor to quantify the accuracy of the data captured and fulfil the quality level to be achieved, that is agreed with the client at tender stage. The level of accuracy and the quality of the data captured by the utility surveyor in line with PAS 128 specification provides the confidence for each of the consultants using this data.

Using Technics’ Stream EM system along with Electro-magnetic locators (EML), data capture will achieve the highest detection method M4P in order to attain the highest quality level for detection surveys QL – B1P for located services, as detailed in the PAS128:2014 Specification.

How does the Stream EM survey areas with limited access?

The Stream EM system can be reconfigured quickly within optional frames. To capture data within restricted areas and pavements, you can extract a RIS MF Hi-Mod multi frequency array system. This Hi-Mod GPR can utilise any number of the four antennas with a specific trolley to capture data within restricted areas of access or pavements areas.

Hi-Mod-3-trolley-350x233

Technical elements

The Stream EM system is made up of four horizontal dual frequency 200MHz and 600MHz RIS Hi Mod antennas for shallow and deep feature/services detection. Also, within the frame are four vertical 200 MHz detection arrays for detecting main pipes along the carriageway.

stream config

The large quantity of data collected can be processed in various software suites including IDS GRED HD, GPR-slice and GPR CAD. Using such software maximises processing productivity, reducing project programme durations and increases the detection of buried utilities and structures, significantly enhancing the survey output.

Heathrow data

 

Along with Technics’ 16 years’ experience of post processing GPR data, each software suite provides a simplified process in managing the large data sets, that can provide our clients with various outputs including; 3D visualisations; CAD/GIS exportation of GPR data and 3D targets.

If you would like more information on the Stream EM system or to find out how it can benefit your project, please contact our Guildford office on +44 (0)1483 230 080 or email enquiries@technicsgroup.com