survtechsolutions Driving 3D Innovation Underground: SurvTech's Stream UP & Stream DP Mobile Ground Penetrating Radar System
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Driving 3D Innovation Underground: SurvTech's Stream UP & Stream DP Mobile Ground Penetrating Radar System



New and innovative technology is a huge part of the geospatial industry today, from cutting edge tools and devices to platforms and software that help transform data as we know it.


SurvTech Solutions is enthusiastic about what the future has to offer as we begin to adapt to these useful new opportunities. As we continue to integrate new solutions into our services, we'd like to highlight some of the latest additions to our technology portfolio: the Stream UP and Stream DP Mobile Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).


Stream UP: Surveying from a New Perspective


The Leica IDS Stream UP is engineered for rapid, large-scale underground utility mapping, providing an efficient solution for collecting high-density Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data over extensive project areas.This multi-channel GPR system is vehicle-mounted, allowing utility investigations to be performed at roadway speeds while significantly reducing and in most cases eliminating the need for personnel to work in or near traffic.  In many applications, this approach also minimizes or eliminates the need for lane closures, traffic control, escort vehicles and associated permitting requirements.

 

Overview of Stream UP attached to the back of vehicle.
Overview of Stream UP attached to the back of vehicle.

The lightweight, multi-channel, multi-frequency, dual-polarized antenna array can collect high-resolution subsurface data at operating speeds of up to 92 mph, with an optimal survey speed of approximately 37 mph.  Equipped with dual antenna frequencies ranging from 200 MHz for greater depth penetration and a 600 MHz for higher-resolutions imagining. The system acquires data from both frequencies simultaneously, providing both deep penetration and high-resolution imaging in a single survey. With a dense-array sensor technology, dynamic stacking, and direct integration with AutoCAD workflows, the Stream UP delivers accurate and reliable utility mapping with exceptional productivity.  The result is faster project delivery, enhanced field safety, and comprehensive subsurface data for transportation corridors, utility corridors, airports, and other large-scale infrastructure projects.


Overview of Stream DP
Overview of Stream DP

Stream DP: Mapping Beneath the Surface


The Leica IDS Stream DP is designed for projects requiring detailed three-dimensional mapping of underground utility networks.  Equipped with a 30-channel, dual-polarized antenna array (19VV and 11HH), the system collects an exceptional amount of subsurface data in a single pass, allowing our team to efficiently identify and map buried utilities with a high level of confidence.


At the core of the Stream DP is Equalized Scrambled Technology (EsT), which enhances signal control to improve depth penetration and image resolution. Combined with its dense antenna array, the system produces detailed three-dimensional subsurface data that is particularly valuable in areas with congested or complex utility infrastructure.

The Stream DP is also designed with field efficiency in mind.  A single operator can assemble the system in less than five minutes, and it can be transported in a standard survey vehicle.  Low power consumption and hot-swappable batteries support continuous data collection throughout the workday with minimal downtime, while multiple operating configurations allow the system to adapt to both paved roadways and off-road terrain.The result is a highly productive solution for collecting detailed subsurface information on projects where accuracy and data density are critical.


SurvTech Vehicle with Stream UP attached behind.
SurvTech Vehicle with Stream UP attached behind.

The Technology Behind Stream Processing

Beyond data collection, Stream Software utilizes advanced 3D post-processing software that transforms GPR data into clear visualizations of underground infrastructure. These detailed models improve interpretation of buried utilities, allowing engineers, designers, and project teams to better understand complex utility networks and make informed decisions during planning and construction.

Once collected, the data is processed using advanced 3D visualization software that transforms complex radar information into detailed underground utility models. The streamlined workflow makes radar interpretation faster and more intuitive while allowing seamless integration into multiple platforms including AutoCAD, GIS and Google Earth and other for planning, design, and construction.


One of the greatest benefits of the multi-channel GPR is the ability to permanently archive raw subsurface data for future analysis.  Unlike traditional utility locating methods that rely solely on the field technician’s interpretation, field markings or interpreted linework, archived GPR data provides a verifiable record of the existing site conditions, at the time of the survey.  A few site conditions include areas examined, observed underground utilities and anomalies, soil conditions and the observable depth.  Archived GPR data allows data to be reprocessed as software advances, reviewed to answer future project questions, or reinterpreted if additional information becomes available.  

Maintaining a permanent GPR record also provides an added layer of documentation that can help support project decisions, demonstrate the scope of the investigation performed, and reduce potential liability by preserving objective evidence of the subsurface conditions encountered during the survey.


Post-processing software application for the advanced analysis of Stream DP GPR data, enabling fast interfacing between the user and GPR data itself.
Post-processing software application for the advanced analysis of Stream DP GPR data, enabling fast interfacing between the user and GPR data itself.

By incorporating both the Stream UP and Stream DP into our utility mapping services, SurvTech Solutions can select the right technology for each project's specific needs. Stream UP provides fast, efficient mapping across extensive corridors with minimal traffic disruption, while Stream DP delivers unmatched depth, resolution, and advanced imaging for the most challenging subsurface conditions. Together, these technologies enable our team to deliver comprehensive, accurate underground utility information that supports safer designs, reduces

Example of 3D Utility Mapping with the Stream DP
Example of 3D Utility Mapping with the Stream DP

uncertainty during construction, and provides greater confidence for our clients.


As geospatial technology continues to evolve, SurvTech remains committed to investing in industry-leading solutions that deliver measurable value. The Stream Up and Stream DP are a prime example of how advanced technology, paired with our experienced professionals, enables us to provide faster, more accurate, and more reliable subsurface utility mapping than ever before.


View of Stream UP from inside a vehicle.
View of Stream UP from inside a vehicle.

If you found these tools interesting and exciting be sure to Tune into Episode 2 of Solutions with SurvTech as our President and host David O'Brien and UAV Department manager Mark Bickel reflect and dive into some of the cool and innovative technology SurvTech's UAV department also utilizes.


Solutions with SurvTech can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify and Youtube:





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