Microwave reflection survey technique for determining depth and orientation of buried objects

摘要

A method and antenna assembly for transmitting into the ground polarizeable radiation whereby buried objects, and particularly long thin objects such as pipes can be located, the position determined, and the pipe direction ascertained, by taking measurements from a signle point, without mechanical movement of the antenna, and thereby allowing for good suppression of spurious signals and a reduction in false indications. The method includes the steps of transmitting into the ground polarizeable radiation, receiving reflected signals, indicative of the objects, incident upon at least two co-located angularly disposed transducers and comparing the signals thus received, wherein the radiation is transmitted from a transducer source which is co-located but angularly disposed with respect to each receiver transducer. An antenna assembly suitable for use in the method of the invention includes a substantially planar arrangement of at least three, co-located, two-terminal antennas wherein the antennas are angularly disposed with respect to each other around a common point and each antenna is adapted to be capable of selectively transmitting polarizeable radiation into the ground and receiving reflected radiation from out of the ground.