GROUND PENETRATING RADAR MELBOURNE
CERTLOC Certified GPR Locating – Call 1300 859 027
Seeing What Electromagnetic Locating Can’t
Not everything buried on a site carries a signal. Non-conductive pipes and conduit (PVC, HDPE, vitrified clay), concrete-encased services and voids don’t respond to electromagnetic (EM) locating, so a scan that relies on EM alone can miss them. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) works differently: it sends radar pulses into the ground and reads the reflections bouncing back off buried objects and changes in material, so it doesn’t need a signal to find something.
How HCS Runs a GPR Scan
HCS’s locators sweep the site in a systematic grid, calibrating the equipment to the ground conditions on site – clay content, fill and moisture all affect how deep radar can penetrate and how clearly it reads back. Results are cross-checked against existing service records and, wherever a live signal is present, against electromagnetic locating for the same asset. Running both methods together rather than relying on one is standard practice under AS 5488.1:2022.
Melbourne Coverage
HCS runs GPR scans across metro Melbourne, CBD, Docklands, Southbank, Fitzroy, Carlton, Richmond, South Yarra, and growth-corridor suburbs including Tarneit, Truganina, Point Cook, Craigieburn, Epping, Pakenham and Cranbourne. If your site isn’t listed, get in touch – coverage extends across the wider metro area.
Why HCS
11+ years in business, 2,500+ sites investigated across Australia. HCS is a CERTLOC Certified Locating Organisation and NULCA member, working to ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certified management systems. GPR is typically run alongside HCS’s broader underground service locating service, which layers in electromagnetic locating for anything carrying a live signal. If your project needs the full picture rather than radar specifically, that’s the page to start from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can GPR detect that electromagnetic locating can’t?
Non-conductive assets: PVC, HDPE and vitrified clay pipe, concrete-encased conduit, and voids or subsurface anomalies. Anything that doesn’t carry or disturb an electromagnetic field falls outside what EM locating alone can find.
Does GPR work in all Melbourne ground conditions?
It works in most, but performance varies with soil type – dense clay and high moisture reduce penetration depth compared with sandy or dry ground. HCS calibrates equipment to each site and cross-checks results rather than assuming a single depth or read applies everywhere.
Is GPR used on its own or with other methods?
Normally paired with electromagnetic locating for anything carrying a live signal – running both methods together, not relying on one, is standard practice under AS 5488.1:2022.
What do I receive after a GPR scan?
Field marking on site plus an electronic data file. The level of detail (simple 2D overlay through to full 3D mapping) depends on what your project needs.
How do I book a GPR scan or get a quote?
Call 1300 859 027 or submit an enquiry through the form below, and the team will confirm scope and scheduling for your site.
