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What is 2D/3D ERT Surveys? 

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is a geophysical method that maps subsurface resistivity variations caused by differences in rock/soil conductivity. By injecting electrical currents and measuring potential gradients, ERT reconstructs 2D/3D resistivity models with breakthrough advantages:

  • ​2D ERT: Deploys linear electrode arrays to generate vertical cross-sections, ideal for rapid linear infrastructure surveys (tunnels/pipelines) at 2,000−5,000/km.
  • ​3D ERT: Utilizes grid-based electrode networks (e.g., 5m×5m spacing) to resolve complex 3D structures (karst caves/faults) with budgets ranging 10k−30k per project.

Technological Leap: Modern ​High-Density Resistivity Systems achieve 10x higher data density than conventional methods, delivering 0.5m-scale resolution through multi-channel synchronous acquisition.

2D vs 3D ERT: Technical & Economic Comparison

Parameter2D ERT3D ERT
​ResolutionVertical 1-3m, Horizontal 5-10mOmnidirectional 0.5-2m
​Deployment2-5 km/day (4-person crew)0.5-1 km²/day (6-person team)
​EquipmentPortable 32-64 electrode system128+ electrodes + auto-deployment
​Typical Cost3k−8k/project15k−50k/project

Cost Optimization Strategy:

  • Use 2D ERT for preliminary surveys to identify anomalies
  • Deploy 3D ERT + seismic integration for complex sites (mines/geothermal fields)

Multi-Method Integration: ERT-GPR-Seismic Synergy

GeoTech’s ​ERT-GPR-Seismic Trio System enables:

  1. ​ERT & Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Fusion:
    • ERT maps deep structures (50-300m)
    • GPR details shallow layers (0-30m)
    • Case study: 40% accuracy improvement in copper ore targeting 14
  2. ​Resistivity-Seismic Data Fusion:
    • Seismic velocity models constrain ERT inversion
    • Joint inversion achieves 92% fault detection confidence

GIM-10 Multi-channel Intelligent Resistivity & IP Meter

GIM ERT
GIM ERT
​1. High-Precision Technical Performance
  • ​24-bit A/D Conversion: Measurement accuracy of 0.3% ±1μA/μV with full-waveform recording.
  • ​Wide Dynamic Range: ±48V voltage measurement range and ​common-mode rejection ≥120dB.
  • ​High-Power Transmission: 3200W output (1200V/6A), achieving ​1,500-meter penetration depth for deep mineral exploration.
​2. Multi-Functional Integration
  • ​Dual-Mode Detection: Combines resistivity and induced polarization (IP) measurements for 1D/2D/3D/4D surveys.
  • ​12 Electrode Arrays: Preconfigured Wenner, Schlumberger, Dipole-Dipole, and ​customizable arrays for complex geology.
  • ​Self-Potential Compensation: Auto-tracking (±10V) for noise-free data acquisition.
​3. Scalability & Efficiency
  • ​Unlimited Line Expansion: Bi-directional cascade controllers enable large-scale 3D surveys.
  • ​Roll-Along Measurement: Boosts 2D/3D data collection efficiency by ​50%+.
  • ​12-Channel Synchronization: Simultaneous multi-electrode data acquisition for parallel array operations.
​4. All-Terrain Adaptability
  • ​Extreme Environment Resilience: IP67 waterproof rating, operable at ​**-20°C to +60°C**, with titanium electrodes for ​100m underwater surveys.
  • ​Patented Cabling System: Compatible with ground, cross-hole, borehole-surface, and marine surveys; customizable cable spacing (5m/10m).
  • ​Modular Accessories: Includes smart batteries (850Wh), borehole junction boxes, and anti-interference cables for landfill contamination or submarine sediment mapping.
​5. Intelligent Software Ecosystem
  • ​Real-Time Monitoring: Waveform display, 20-time-window IP analysis, and script programming.
  • ​Multi-Format Export: TXT/Excel/DAT/URF outputs compatible with Res2Dinv, EarthImager, and other inversion tools.
  • ​Preprocessing Tools: One-click noise removal and data stitching for streamlined analysis.
​6. Lightweight & Portable Design
  • ​Compact Main Unit: 6kg weight with built-in lithium battery for extended fieldwork.
  • ​Industrial Durability: Shockproof PC shell with overvoltage/overcurrent/short-circuit protection.
​7. Broad Applications
  • ​Resource Exploration: Metal/non-metal deposits, groundwater, and geothermal energy.
  • ​Engineering & Environment: Dam/tunnel defect detection, landfill contamination monitoring.
  • ​Urban Infrastructure: Railway, bridge, and underground pipeline surveys.

Summary: The GIM-10 combines high precision, multi-functionality, and rugged portability, setting the benchmark for deep and complex geological exploration.

Geopro T-Series 2D Ground Penetrating Radar

Geological Radar
1. High Compatibility & Intelligence
  • ​Full Antenna Series Support: Compatible with all Geopro T-series antennas (35MHz–2500MHz) for diverse subsurface imaging scenarios.
  • ​Auto-Recognition: Host unit automatically detects antenna type and configures parameters, minimizing manual setup.
​2. User-Centric Design
  • ​Bilingual Interface: Supports English OS for global users and Chinese data acquisition for localized workflows.
  • ​Portability: Lightweight host unit with ​5-hour battery life, ideal for extended field operations.
​3. Advanced Data Management
  • ​Project Integration: Merge single/multiple survey datasets into unified projects for longitudinal analysis (e.g., archaeological site monitoring).
  • ​Raw Data Preservation: Retains original data integrity for post-processing and advanced interpretation.
​4. Multi-Dimensional Visualization & Processing
  • ​Display Modes: False-color maps, grayscale imaging, and waveform overlays (including color-stacked views) for enhanced low-frequency data analysis.
  • ​Real-Time Processing: Zero-offset correction, FIR/IIR filtering, and background removal to boost signal-to-noise ratio.
​5. Versatile Applications
  • ​Engineering: Tunnel lining inspection, road layer thickness analysis, bridge rebar detection, ice layer profiling.
  • ​Specialized Use Cases: UXO (unexploded ordnance) detection, archaeological imaging, geological fault mapping.
​6. Precision Technical Specifications
  • ​High-Speed Acquisition: Up to ​512 scans/second in time/distance/point measurement modes.
  • ​Broad Dynamic Range: Adjustable gain (-10dB–160dB) with 9-stage tuning for complex environments.
  • ​Large Storage Capacity: 128GB internal memory for uninterrupted data logging.
​7. Anti-Interference & Expandability
  • ​Digital Signal Transmission: Ensures noise-resistant communication between host and antenna.
  • ​GPS Integration: External GPS compatibility for georeferenced data tagging.

Summary: The Geopro T-Series excels in ​smart operation, cross-industry adaptability, and high-resolution imaging, balancing portability with professional-grade performance for engineering, military, and archaeological applications.

Further reading | Technical solutions related to this article

In the field of resource exploration and engineering testing, accurate data is the key to success. As an innovator of resource and environmental instruments, Geotech has always taken high-precision electrical exploration technology as its core to provide reliable solutions for global users.

If you want to learn more about how the [Electrical Exploration System (ERT)] can help mineral exploration and geological research, please click on the electrical instrument product page to explore details, or visit Geotech’s official website to view the full range of exploration equipment (covering more than ten categories of products such as magnetometers, seismic nodes, and geological radars). Our technical team is on call at any time to customize scientific solutions for your project – making unknown strata a controllable data map.

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