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SPH Engineering is offering two new ground-penetrating radar systems optimized for UAV integration: MALÅ GeoDrone 600 and Zond Aero 600 NG.
Both 600 MHz antennas significantly enhance high-resolution subsurface investigations with drones, supporting applications in engineering surveys, utility mapping, archaeology, environmental studies and geophysical research. They enable surveyors to capture consistent, high-quality subsurface data in areas difficult, slow, or unsafe to access with traditional ground instruments.
Operating at 600 MHz, the antennas offer a balance between penetration depth and fine near-surface resolution. Typical penetration from the drone is up to 2 meters, depending on the surface conditions, while SPH Engineering’s True Terrain Following ensures stable antenna height to maintain data quality and repeatability.
Compared to ground-based carts or vehicle systems, the UAV-borne configuration enables operators to:
- Survey rocky, uneven, vegetated, or steep terrain
- Achieve consistent grid spacing and uniform antenna coupling
- Cover large areas significantly faster than manual GPR methods
- Improve safety by reducing personnel exposure in risky field conditions
The MALÅ GeoDrone 600 combines the reliability of MALÅ instrumentation with SPH Engineering’s fully integrated drone workflow. Designed for precision engineering, utility detection, and geophysical mapping, the antenna produces clear, high-quality radargrams suitable for detailed structural assessment and shallow subsurface characterization.
Key Specifications
- Central frequency: 600 MHz
- Operating Bandwidth: 250-900 MHz
- Typical penetration: up to 2 m (soil-dependent)
- Sampling: MALÅ HDR technology
- Antenna design: Shielded
- Weight: 2.7 kg
The Zond Aero 600 NG is a next-generation shielded antenna designed specifically for airborne GPR operations. It offers a strong signal-to-noise ratio, improved ground coupling at low altitudes, and robust performance over natural terrain, making it particularly suitable for geophysical research, archaeology and environmental geoscience.
Key Specifications
- Central frequency: 600 MHz
- Operating Bandwidth: 300-950 MHz (-12 dB)
- Typical penetration: up to 2 m (soil-dependent)
- Sampling: Real-Time Sampling (RTS) with high hardware stacking
- Antenna type: Shielded
- Weight: 1.7 kg
Both antennas are fully compatible with SPH Engineering’s UgCS flight planning software and the SkyHub drone onboard computer, enabling:
- Automated terrain-following flights over complex topography
- Precise altitude control for optimal GPR signal geometry
- Synchronized GNSS + radar trace logging (for Zond Aero 600, MALÅ GeoDrone 600 has built-in data recorder).
