Meeting the needs of geologic field reconnaissance work on challenging and extensive alignments has meant an innovative approach utilizing 21st century tools to efficiently capture and interpret data. Ruggedized, technology-driven equipment, paired with dependable geologic field tools, benefit the geologist’s assignment to characterize ground conditions and geologic hazards. This paper presents advantages to utilizing several pieces of field and office gear that engineers and geologists may be unaware of incorporating into their toolkits. The purpose of field reconnaissance is to provide the opportunity to ground truth desk research, collect data through observation of existing conditions, and provide feedback on constructability issues. The right equipment selected for the reconnaissance will improve productivity of the field personnel and minimize expended effort for data entry and storage back in the office. The technologies presented within help with evaluating slope stability for portals, ground characterization for tunnels, and identification of obstructions, faults, utilities and hazardous conditions. Saving budget, and time, benefits projects both large and small when the right pieces of equipment are paired together. Having new ways to present project pictures and illustrate data to clients offer project managers and marketers a competitive advantage.
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