TCEP 254: Ground-Penetrating Radar: Cost-Effective Solutions for Infrastructure Visibility

In this episode, I talk with Matt Aston, GPRS' founder, about the company's various services, including video pipe inspection, leak detection, laser scanning, and ground-penetrating radar. He shares the origin story of GPRS and its growth strategy, and also introduces the SiteMap initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive view of underground infrastructure for facilities.

Engineering Quotes:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Matt:

How does video pipe inspection work, and in which scenarios is it most useful?

What is the technology behind infrastructure leak detection, and how does GPRS enhance traditional methods in this crucial aspect?

How does the use of laser scanning services benefit your clients?

What do ground-penetrating radar services entail, and how do they play a crucial role in construction and utility management?

Could you share a bit about the origin story of GPRS, from its beginnings as a one-person venture to evolving into a company with 800 employees?

How has the company's growth strategy evolved as it has expanded?

Could you provide some information about your new initiative, SiteMap, including its goals and what distinguishes it from other services in the market?

What advice would you offer to someone interested in pursuing a career in GPR services, and how can they best prepare for such a profession?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Ground Penetrating Radar: 

GPRS has introduced video pipe inspection, a method used to examine the interiors of sewers. This technology proves especially valuable in scenarios involving directional boring, as it detects issues like unnoticed pipe damage or cross bores, preventing potential collapses or sinkholes.

GPRS uses an acoustic method that "listens" for water leaks. They specialize in solving water loss issues in aging infrastructure, particularly in critical places like hospitals and manufacturing plants.

TruePoint Laser Scanning, now part of GPRS, uses LiDAR technology for precise laser scanning of spaces like mechanical rooms and refineries. By combining this with GPRS' ground penetrating radar (GPR), they enhance underground mapping, creating a more complete picture for Building Information Modeling (BIM) programs, revealing both visible and hidden aspects of a space.

In concrete, GPR services locate electrical services and precisely map reinforcing steel placement, enabling accurate drilling. Ground-penetrating radar is also used for finding voids below the surface. Underground, the primary focus is on utilities, detecting them before excavation, but GPR is versatile, also identifying voids and underground storage tanks.

GPRS started small in Toledo, Ohio, and quickly grew to nearly 800 employees. They expanded strategically into Detroit and Ann Arbor, gaining national attention through early online marketing. Shifting focus from fieldwork to business growth, GPRS is now in 54 markets across the U.S., with about 450 field employees and close to 800 staff overall.

GPRS started by expanding widely into various cities, focusing more on coverage than depth. Beginning national expansion in 2006,2007, they initially had few representatives per city until around 2013. Now, markets like Southern California, Philadelphia, Northern California, and Seattle have over 30 project managers daily. This strategy aligns with population and construction spending, prioritizing broad coverage first and then increasing presence based on demand.

GPRS launched SiteMap to tackle unreliable underground records. It acts like a Google Maps for facilities, consolidating accurate infrastructure plans for campuses and hospitals. The initiative transparently records GPRS findings, including utility depth and markings.