Radar surveys work by launching pulses of energy into the soil or ground from the antenna. These pulses are reflected by any subsurface objects that may be present. The radar system is then able to measure the position and depth of any objects found and thus enables a thorough picture to develop of the underground infrastructure. The benefits of using Ground Penetrating Radar (G.P.R.) is the ability to detect non-metallic utilities such as PVC Water and Gas pipes, Asbestos pipe work and Fibre-optic cables.

These utilities are not normally detectable using other survey methods. GPR can also be used to great effect when combined with a full survey by electromagnetic principles, thus providing the most complete and thorough survey of underground services and infrastructure possible.