Real-Time Interpretation Of Em-31 And Gpr Data For Expedited Site Investigation

Smaller and faster computers with enhanced graphic software, now available,<br>allow real-time data processing and infield interpretation of results. The availability of these<br>resources and digitally collected electromagnetic (EM) and ground penetrating radar (GPR)<br>data allow for computer processing and final display with many off-the-shelf programs.<br>Furthermore, based upon the processed results, quick decisions are possible for<br>setting up subsequent work plans involving, as examples, tank removal, screening tests such<br>as soil sampling, soil gas testing, and installation of monitoring wells. Real-time<br>interpretation of data is especially beneficial in remote areas where mobilization costs can<br>become extreme.<br>Providing ease of use in the field was a special goal of this project and<br>numerous signal processing routines were written in such a fashion to allow field personnel<br>the ability to collect, process, and display data without large training expenses. Especially<br>with the GPR data sets, a number of sequential processing steps are necessary to extract the<br>maximum information from the raw data. Batch routines were written that allowed a<br>complete process sequence to run in the order selected without intervention from the analyst.<br>The resultant displays in a Microsoft Windows format allowed viewing of the<br>data at each processing step and, through color printer output, the reports were produced in<br>the field for sponsor review. The graphic representations of the processed data at this point<br>are used as inputs to commercial display software packages.