At Mobile GPR Surveys, we specialise in the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems mounted on vehicles, trolleys, or portable carts to rapidly collect subsurface data across large or complex areas.

As mobile GPR units are capable of continuous scanning while in motion, they offer a highly efficient way to investigate underground features, utilities, voids, and structures without the need for excavation.

Since this method allows for wide coverage in a short period, it is particularly useful for roads, pavements, airports, industrial sites, railways, and urban environments where time and access are critical factors.

Contact Mobile GPR Surveys today to get georeferenced data to inform planning, design, and maintenance solutions.

What Is a Mobile GPR Survey?

A mobile GPR survey is a method of ground investigation where radar equipment is mounted on a mobile platform, such as a push-cart, vehicle, or trailer, to scan below the surface while in motion.

The equipment emits radar pulses into the ground and records the reflected signals from buried objects or material changes.

Since the unit collects data continuously along the route, this approach allows for the fast mapping of subsurface features with high positional accuracy.

How Much Does a Mobile GPR Survey Cost in the UK?

The cost of a mobile GPR survey ranges from £850 to £3,500+.

The cost depends on the size of the area, data resolution, site access, and reporting requirements.

A single-day survey covering a small industrial site or roadway may cost between £850 and £1,500, while larger or multi-lane carriageways can exceed £2,500 to £3,500.

As each project requires a tailored approach, most providers offer bespoke quotes following a site briefing or project specification.

What Are the Benefits of Mobile GPR Surveys?

Mobile GPR surveys provide a powerful combination of speed, accuracy, and non-invasiveness, making them an ideal solution for time-sensitive or large-area investigations.

The key benefits include:

• Rapid data collection – Surveys can cover several kilometres per day, reducing time on site and minimising disruption
• Non-destructive methodology – No digging or intrusive access is required, preserving surface integrity and safety
• Versatile deployment – Systems can be used on roads, airports, warehouses, railways, and public spaces
• High-resolution outputs – Produces detailed images and 3D models of subsurface structures and anomalies
• Detection of non-metallic features – Suitable for locating plastic, clay, or concrete-based utilities and structures
• Improved asset management – Helps identify unknown infrastructure or deterioration in existing services
• Integration with GIS and CAD – Outputs are fully compatible with planning and design tools
• Cost-effective over large areas – Economies of scale make mobile GPR ideal for large linear or grid-based surveys

Since mobile GPR provides real-world insights without disruption, it has become a trusted tool for infrastructure diagnostics and spatial planning.

What Can Mobile GPR Detect?

Mobile GPR systems can detect a wide variety of subsurface features including buried utilities, non-metallic services, voids, historical foundations, reinforced concrete elements, road defects, and changes in ground composition.

As GPR is sensitive to differences in material density and moisture content, it is suitable for locating both metallic and non-metallic objects, even when other detection methods fail.

This makes mobile GPR an essential tool for asset owners, infrastructure managers, engineers, and surveyors who need reliable, non-intrusive data for site investigations.

Where Is Mobile GPR Commonly Used?

Mobile GPR surveys are commonly used in highways, airports, city streets, ports, railway corridors, and large industrial or commercial sites.

As these environments require minimal disruption and fast turnaround, mobile GPR allows technicians to scan long distances efficiently, even in live operational areas.

In addition to surface routes, mobile GPR can also be deployed indoors for warehouses, factories, or large structures requiring subsurface investigation across concrete slabs or flooring systems.

How Accurate Are Mobile GPR Inspections?

When deployed in suitable conditions and operated by experienced professionals, mobile GPR can achieve depth accuracy within ±10 cm and positional accuracy of ±2–5 cm when paired with GNSS or total station tracking.

Since the equipment is in constant motion, high-resolution data is collected at regular intervals, and software post-processing helps refine the signal output into precise visualisations.

The final accuracy depends on surface conditions, antenna frequency, and GPS signal strength, but modern systems are well-suited for both technical mapping and risk analysis.

What Equipment Is Used in Mobile GPR Surveys?

Mobile GPR surveys use radar arrays mounted on wheeled or vehicle-based platforms, combined with real-time GNSS tracking, distance measurement instruments, and control software.

As multi-channel GPR arrays can cover wide surface areas in a single pass, these systems can gather detailed data across multiple depths simultaneously.

Advanced processing tools then compile this data into 2D slices, 3D models, or utility maps depending on the project requirements.

How Deep Can Mobile GPR Surveys Detect?

The depth of penetration for mobile GPR surveys depends on the ground conditions and antenna frequency used.

High-frequency antennas (e.g. 900 MHz) are used for shallow scans up to 0.5 metres, which is ideal for detecting pavement layers or concrete features.

Lower-frequency antennas (e.g. 200–400 MHz) can reach depths of up to 2–4 metres, making them suitable for utility mapping or void detection beneath road surfaces.

Since moisture content and soil type affect signal behaviour, experienced surveyors select the right configuration for each environment.

Are Mobile GPR Surveys Disruptive to Traffic or Operations?

Mobile GPR surveys are designed to be minimally disruptive, particularly when deployed on roads, runways, or operational sites.

Since surveys can be conducted from moving vehicles or pushed carts, they can often be performed during off-peak hours, overnight, or within traffic management schemes.

As no excavation or surface penetration is required, there is no need to close lanes or interrupt operations in most cases, provided a suitable risk assessment is in place.

Can Mobile GPR Be Combined with Other Survey Techniques?

Mobile GPR is frequently used alongside other methods such as electromagnetic locators (EML), topographic surveys, 3D laser scanning, CCTV drain surveys, or total station measurements.

As each technique has strengths and limitations, combining them allows surveyors to build a complete, cross-validated picture of underground conditions.

For example, mobile GPR can detect non-metallic features missed by EML, while laser scanning provides surface-level context for subsurface data.

Is Mobile GPR Suitable for PAS 128 Utility Surveys?

Mobile GPR is a recognised detection method under PAS 128, the British standard for underground utility surveys.

Although PAS 128 compliance requires multiple detection methods, mobile GPR forms a key part of Type B surveys, especially when high coverage and rapid delivery are required.

Surveyors can integrate mobile GPR results into georeferenced CAD drawings and deliverables that meet PAS 128 Level QL-B1 to QL-B4 quality standards.

Request a Free Quote for Mobile GPR Surveys

Mobile GPR surveys offer a modern, efficient, and highly accurate solution for mapping subsurface conditions across large and complex sites.

As they reduce risk, save time, and eliminate the need for intrusive excavation, mobile GPR surveys are now a core component of utility detection, infrastructure assessment, and construction planning in the UK.

Whether you’re managing a road network, planning utility installations, or conducting due diligence on a brownfield site, mobile GPR delivers the data you need, safely, quickly, and with confidence.

Get a free quote for mobile GPR surveys today and let our team help you.

Find More Info

Make sure you contact us today for a number of great mobile GPR survey services.

For more information on Mobile GPR Surveys, fill in the contact form below to receive a free quote today.