From the magazine, News, Utility location

Stream UP utility detection with new IDS GeoRadar tool

IDS GeoRadar’s latest ground penetrating radar system in its Stream product line is Stream UP, a multi-channel, multi-frequency, double polarised and lightweight tool dedicated to utility mapping.

With its brand new ground penetrating radar (GPR) system, IDS GeoRadar isn’t just promoting innovative new hardware – it is creating a new approach to the utility detection world with its ‘Fastest Workflow’ model, a simple workflow and solution that will revolutionise the utility mapping industry. 

IDS GeoRadar’s entire Stream product line offers multi-frequency and double polarisation, resulting in a mapping capability not achievable by a single polarised GPR array system. While the new Stream UP system’s dimensions and weight is dramatically reduced compared to the rest of the range, this dual technology has been improved. 

Now, Stream UP offers the industry the easiest and fastest way to capture underground utility assets, starting all the way from its mounting procedure until the exportation of CAD files. 

With an easier-than-ever assembly, the system is stackable and can be moved to the survey location while attached to the rear of the vehicle at road traffic speeds, greatly increasing its transportability. Its innovative modular frame and protective shell structure, complete with an embedded anti-collision system, means Stream UP is fully compliant with traffic regulations, negating the need for an escort vehicle. 

IDS GeoRadar says the total absence of antenna contact with the ground dramatically reduces stress on the system, resulting in less system maintenance. The connection between the system and the vehicle is also fully wireless and is managed by uMap, a new software that allows georeferencing to take place thanks to real-time GNSS and cartographic mapping. 

Stream UP is unique in that it has innovative dynamic stacking that improves the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) at any speed without modifying systems settings.

“These characteristics make Stream UP unique and allows the system to better detect both longitudinal and transversal targets within the entire depth range,” says IDS GeoRadar. 

“With an antenna footprint of 158 cm and a recommended acquisition speed of 60 km/h (up to 150 km/h is possible), Stream UP is able to collect the largest and most accurate data with the least amount of effort.” 

The post-processing and interpretation time of data has also been dramatically reduced, thanks to the introduction of real-time processing and 3D visualisation. IDS GeoRadar says the tools simplicity and customisable process makes it easy to use by both experienced and non-experienced users. 

An innovative, simplified workflow 

The Stream UP system follows a simplified workflow, allowing accessibility and ease for the global utility mapping industry. With its easy to follow steps, IDS GeoRadar says Stream UP is being used successfully all over the world, as well as in the Australasian region. 

Setup phase 

With its modularity and low weight concept, weighing less than 100 kg, Stream UP is designed to facilitate ease in both transport and shipment time. The design allows the user to mount the system on any kind of vehicle in less than 15 minutes, requiring only two people to do so. Once mounted, the system can be transported to the survey location at traffic speed by a single operator. 

Acquisition phase 

The second phase uses the enhanced eDAD-S technology resulting in high data quality acquisition at speeds of up to 150 km/h without the antennas being in contact with the ground. IDS GeoRadar says this is possible thanks to the high scan rate of 15 scans/second and the dynamic stacking that automatically improves the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) at any speed. 

“The resulting output is an incredible clear and crisp tomography showing the entire 3D volume of the surveyed underground. The system can cover large area rapidly with 760 m2 able to be surveyed in a single working day.” says IDS GeoRadar. 

By using uMap, the user can remotely control the system with real-time diagnostics and without any physical connection between the vehicle and Stream UP required.

Data processing phase 

The final phase is data processing, which is completed using IQMaps. The program allows the user to experience an immersive reality that demonstrates data visualisation speed, useability and a comprehensive data analysis. 

The data is then exported to CAD or ESRI shapefiles, signalling the finish of the workflow. 

Built for the industry, by the industry 

Across the utility mapping and underground locating industry, surveyors, utility companies and contractors all need accurate, reliable and up-to-date information to be available for immediate use. IDS GeoRadar says by using its latest Stream UP technology, detecting underground features becomes a simple and efficient task. 

“Our detection and mapping solutions provide a truly streamlined process from the field to the office, and back again, able to cover the entire utility detection, avoidance and mapping workflow with integrated solutions.”

IDS GeoRadar currently has a system at the Brisbane office and says it would welcome the opportunity to showcase its capabilities.

This article was featured in the December 2020 edition of Trenchless Australasia. To view the magazine on your PC, Mac, tablet or mobile device, click here.

For more information visit the IDS GeoRadar website.

If you have news you would like featured in Trenchless Australasia contact Journalist Sophie Venz at svenz@gs-press.com.au

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