How is GPR data delivered?

A GPR survey produces several deliverables. Here’s what to expect, in order.

On the day

On-slab markings. Every reflector identified during the survey is marked directly on the slab in chalk or paint. Rebar layout, post-tension cables, conduits, and any anomalies are clearly distinguished by colour or symbol. The contractor has actionable guidance before the surveyor leaves site.

Photographs. The marked-up slab is photographed before departure. The photographs go into the formal report and serve as the auditable record of the markup.

Site debrief. The surveyor walks you through the findings before leaving. Areas of certainty, areas of caution, and any recommendations for additional verification are discussed face-to-face.

The next morning

Written report. A PDF document containing:

• Site, element, and surveyor details.
• Statement of brief.
• Method, including equipment, frequency, and scanning pattern.
• Calibration record from the day.
• Findings — annotated plans, depth-accurate layout, photographs.
• Limitations and assumptions.
• Recommendations.
• Signed off by the surveyor who did the work.

CAD-ready plan. A DXF or DWG plan in the project coordinate system, drawn at a scale that overlays the project drawings. Every reflector shown, depths annotated, layered cleanly.

Calibration record. The calibration of the equipment used on the day, traceable to the manufacturer.

Reporting timescales

• Standard. Next-morning report after a typical job.
• Same-day. Available with notice, sometimes for an additional charge.
• Multi-day. For larger jobs, integrated multi-method campaigns, or PAS 128 deliverables.

The reporting timescale is agreed in the quote.

Formats

• PDF for the report.
• DXF / DWG for the CAD plan, in your specified coordinate system.
• JPG for the photographs.
• Source data files on request, in formats compatible with downstream analysis tools.

For BIM-coordinated projects, additional formats — such as RCP/RCS for Autodesk environments — are available on request.

Delivery method

• Email for routine deliverables, with files attached or linked.
• Cloud-based platforms for larger datasets, secure environments, or projects with information-governance requirements.
• Secure transfer for sensitive or restricted projects.

The delivery method is agreed in the quote.

What you should check on receipt

When the deliverable arrives:

• Open the CAD output and check it overlays your drawings cleanly.
• Read the report end-to-end. Particular attention to limitations and recommendations.
• Verify the surveyor sign-off.
• Save the deliverable to the project record system.

If anything is wrong or unclear, raise it before downstream work depends on it. Reputable surveyors fix issues without argument.

Long-term archive

A GPR deliverable is part of the project’s quality record. Save it in the project’s archival system with appropriate metadata (date, surveyor, scope). It may be relied upon for future works, dispute resolution, or asset-management purposes years later.

For more on what to expect from any scanning survey deliverable, see What deliverables should you expect from a scanning survey.