Automated Acquisition and Processing of 3D GPR Data for Object Detection and Characterization

To improve image resolution of GPR data, proper data acquisition is the first key part of the whole imaging sequence. Obtainable down and cross range resolutions, insofar as they are related to acquisition, are determined by the frequency bandwidth of the GPR equipment, the temporal and spatial sampling rates and the accurate knowledge of the antenna positions. The key parameters for three-dimensional imaging algorithms are wave velocity distribution in the domain of interest, radiation (polarization and amplitude) characteristics of the antenna system and emitted waveform. To this end we have designed and manufactured a measurement frame with high horizontal position accuracy of the antennas, by using a servomotor that automatically moves the antennas over the whole area of the measurement frame for a fixed vertical position of the antennas. When acquisition is completed, the data needs to be processed such that object detection and characterization is most easily accomplished. In most cases, object detection can be carried out on the preprocessed data itself, but in some cases and certainly for characterization purposes improved image resolution is required. This is realized using imaging algorithms, preferably those that take into account the polarization and amplitude characteristics of the antennas.Now with Shell International Exploration and Production B.V.