Due to the number of variables that can impact energy penetration and resolution (see VARIABLES AFFECTING A GPR SURVEY), researchers are often not guaranteed a successful survey. Simple factors such as soil mineralogy or moisture content can often generate sometimes confusing and difficult to interpret data.

The purpose of this project was to address such consistency problems with GPR surveys. To do this, the project sought to identify specific factors that will either benefit or complicate a GPR survey. Along with isolating the impacts of these factors, the project sought to develop a series of procedures to predict ahead of time what tools will be needed for a survey, and if that survey has a chance of success.

In general, the questions this study sought to answer included:

-Which variables are most affecting energy transmission and reflection? Which are most affecting data resolution? Depth of penetration?

-What parameters (geological, climatic, etc.) are most crucial to GPR survey success?

We also developed software programs to help in the interpretation of GPR data which are available as downloads.