Ground Penetrating Radar for everyone with Leica DSX

Author: Renata Barradas Gutiérrez

The use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology is limited to highly skilled and experienced professionals trained on interpreting difficult radargrams. The newly-announced Leica DSX utility detection solution is changing this by democratising GPR technology, bringing it to less experienced users.

To learn how this disrupting GPR technology is bringing efficiency and digitalising workflows for mapping and utility location, Reporter caught up with Agata Fischer, business director detection and services at Leica Geosystems. Here’s what she had to say.

What is the DSX utility detection solution?

The DSX utility detection solution is a portable GPR designed to bring users the latest developments in utility detection with simplified workflow, automated data processing and the highest accuracy. Users can now easily locate underground utilities that are clearly visualised in DXplore software. DXplore is an intuitive software that gives users the flexibility to interface with various positioning systems in an easy way and perform utility verification on site. This solution combines the utmost GPR technology with the best-in-class positioning accuracy from Leica Geosystems devices.

How is the DSX simplifying utility detection?

Today, one day of data collection with a GPR sensor results in one to two days of data post-processing in the office. The DSX utility detection solution simplifies this process with the most reliable, simple and automatic procedure detecting every type of utility and generating a 3D utility map on the field.

Users no longer have to interpret raw radar data and interpret hyperbolas as the DSX displays results clearly and directly in the field with automated GPR post processing and data analysis. A digital utility map is generated in the field within minutes and can be exported to the DX cloud and Hexagon software for further integration with additional data. With this utility detection solution, Geosystems brings to the market a more efficient, robust and easy-to-use GPR system, allowing users to detect utilities on site and easily check data quality in real time, without the need to wait for office experts to validate the work.

Who should use the DSX utility detection solution?

The DSX was designed for users who need to locate, avoid or map buried utilities in a safe, fast and reliable way. This utility detection solution simplifies the work for companies involved in repair and maintenance of road and infrastructure as well as for surveyors with no GPR experience that need to map underground utilities.

Why should someone invest in the DSX utility detection solution?

Utility strikes occur every day around the world. The cost of damaged utilities starts from 1,000 Euro and can go as high as 100,000 Euro. Contracting an expert to do the utility detection work can also cost in the multiples of thousand Euros. In addition, an expert might not always be available when you need him. Investing in the DSX will save damage costs, cost of utility surveying, and down time of damages and trainings.

How does the DSX utility detection solution differ from the DS2000?

DS2000 is a utility surveying solution for experienced users. Data processing and interpretation requires experience, deep understanding of GPR and training users who will operate the equipment. DSX, on the other hand, is designed for non-experienced and first-time GPR users as DXplore software takes away the complexity of data processing so users can detect buried utilities. Even a user without any previous GPR experience can detect utilities on site.

How does the DSX utility detection solution work?

Once the field to detect buried utilities has been defined, a user can collect the data in a grid method with lines in both longitudinal and transversal directions. After the data acquisition is completed, DXplore software clearly shows the detected utilities with minimum user interaction. After the detected pipes are displayed on the software, users can relocate them by using the DSX or a positioning system. Users can either mark the utilities on the ground or export the utilities map to the machine that will do the excavation work.

Agatha Fischer,
Business director of detection and services at Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon