PondView: Intuitive and Efficient Visualization of 3D GPR Data

The demand for high resolution 3D GPR imaging of the subsurface results in the acquisition of large datasets in utility mapping, archeological prospection, and concrete structural inspection. Visualization, analysis, and interpretation of such data is plagued by the need of high-end hardware and software, limited survey size for smooth user interaction, and the loss of resolution and low amplitude features contained in the original high-quality data. To overcome these bottlenecks, we use a 2D color matrix to automatically color code by amplitude and depth all features visible in thick horizontal slices. The resulting PondView is a top view of the buried features as if they were submerged in a clear pond illuminated by the sun from above. Prototype test results on a full-resolution 500 MHz 3D GPR survey show how pipes, tree roots and small metal objects can be easily recognized, interpreted, and located with centimeter precision without the need of vertical profiles. PondView bitmaps and animations can be generated on a standard PC and viewed on handheld devices like photographs and movies.