Ground‐penetrating radar: a modern three‐dimensional prospection method

This article gives an overview of the various aspects of ground‐penetrating radar as used in archaeology. After a short overview of the historical development of the technique, the most important physical parameters and principles are explained. This includes relative dielectric constant, conductivity, attenuation, horizontal and vertical resolution, wavelength and footprint. The focus is on data processing and some of the pitfalls involved. Several algorithms from seismic data processing are described, including migration. Stress is laid on the generation of time‐ or depth‐slices as the basis for displaying the data. Using three‐dimensional visualization techniques can enhance this, but interpretation in combination with other data, preferably within a geographical information system, remains the important last step. The advantages of modelling are explained and presented with the range of possible applications. Many the techniques and methods described are subsequently used in four case histories, ranging from a survey on a lake to a three‐dimensional model of a part of a roman town. Finally some thoughts about the future development of the method are presented. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.