MALA Geoscience (Guideline Geo) · gpr

MALA Easy Locator Pro WideRange HDR

The MALA Easy Locator Pro WideRange HDR is a trolley-mounted ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system used for utility detection, void mapping and shallow sub-surface investigation. The WideRange HDR antenna provides an effective bandwidth of approximately 80 to 950 MHz, so one pass captures both high-resolution shallow targets and deeper reflections without swapping antennas. Industry references to dual-band 160 MHz and 670 MHz centre frequencies describe the same WideRange concept: the lower band drives depth performance in soil, while the higher band resolves shallow services and voids. TRSC deploys the Easy Locator on driveway, slab-on-grade, podium-deck and external pavement scans where the Hilti PS 1000 (optimised for vertical-element concrete scanning) is not the right form factor.

Manufacturer Product Page
TRSC Application Commentary

The Easy Locator WideRange is the right instrument for slab-on-grade and pavement-style investigations where the survey area extends over square metres rather than across a single structural element. On the Mainmark Slab Stabilisation Scanning project (Little Street, Fortitude Valley), TRSC used MALA Easy Locator transects to map void zones beneath the slab in advance of polyurethane resin injection, complementing the Hilti PS 1000 reinforcement survey of the slab itself. Depth performance is soil-dependent. In dry sand or ice, theoretical maximum penetration for the WideRange low-frequency content can approach about 6 to 8 m under ideal conditions; in typical moist clay or saturated fill, practical detection depth for utilities often falls in the 1 to 3 m range, with deeper returns still useful for coarse sub-grade anomalies. Horizontal accuracy is controlled by survey-wheel encoding and optional GPS, and TRSC reports position confidence separately from depth interpretation. Operational notes: the trolley needs reasonably level surfaces; soil moisture dominates penetration; utility results are indicative until confirmed by potholing. On mixed sites, TRSC deploys the Easy Locator alongside the PS 1000 in one mobilisation, exporting to MALA ObjectMapper / Vision and PROFIS for a single project deliverable.

Enabled Investigations
  • Slab-on-grade void detection and pre-injection mapping
  • Sub-grade utility location for excavation planning
  • Podium-deck and pavement reinforcement / void survey
  • External pavement and ground-floor service detection
Frequently Asked Questions

Application questions about MALA Easy Locator Pro WideRange HDR

What is the MALA GPR depth range for 160 MHz and 670 MHz antennas?
On the Easy Locator Pro WideRange HDR, depth is not a fixed catalogue number for each centre frequency. The WideRange antenna spans roughly 80 to 950 MHz, often described as dual-band content around 160 MHz (deeper) and 670 MHz (shallower, higher resolution). In moist soil, utility-scale targets are commonly interpreted in the 1 to 3 m band. In dry sand or ice, theoretical maximum penetration for the low-frequency content can approach about 6 to 8 m. TRSC always states soil type, moisture and confidence with every depth call.
What is MALA Easy Locator WideRange depth performance by frequency?
Lower-frequency content (around the 160 MHz band) trades resolution for penetration and is used for deeper sub-grade anomalies and larger utilities. Higher-frequency content (around the 670 MHz band) resolves shallow services, voids and fine features near the surface. WideRange HDR acquires both in one pass, so the operator can emphasise deep or shallow views in ObjectMapper without a second survey. Actual depth is controlled by soil conductivity and moisture far more than by the nominal centre frequency alone.
What is the theoretical maximum depth of a MALA Easy Locator WideRange?
Manufacturer and industry guidance for WideRange HDR typically cites theoretical maxima around 6 to 8 m in ideal dry sand or ice. That figure is not a guaranteed field depth. In Brisbane clay, wet fill or reinforced slabs, practical detection depth for utilities is often 1 to 3 m. TRSC reports theoretical limits separately from site-specific interpreted depth.
What horizontal accuracy and depth specifications should I expect from MALA GPR?
Horizontal position is driven by the survey-wheel encoder and any DGPS or external GPS used on the cart; TRSC marks plans with transect geometry and states positioning method. Depth is an interpretation from two-way travel time and assumed ground velocity, so absolute depth accuracy is typically tens of centimetres and worsens in heterogeneous or saturated ground. Critical dig or cut decisions are always confirmed by potholing or alternative locate methods.
Why does TRSC use both the MALA Easy Locator and the Hilti PS 1000?
They serve different scan geometries. The Hilti PS 1000 is optimised for vertical-element and slab-soffit scanning with the antenna in direct contact with the structural surface. The MALA Easy Locator WideRange is a trolley-mounted system optimised for top-down scanning of slabs-on-grade, podium decks, pavements and external ground areas.
Does GPR find every utility?
No. GPR detects features where the dielectric contrast is sufficient and where the penetration depth is adequate for the antenna frequency content. Saturated soil, dense reinforced slabs and certain non-metallic small-diameter services can produce ambiguous or absent reflections. TRSC reports GPR utility-location as indicative and confirms via potholing or electromagnetic locators before excavation.
Relevant Services
Structural Investigation
Condition Assessment
Concrete Scanning
Sources & Further Reading