Ground Penetrating Radar Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Product Type (Handheld Systems, Cart-based Systems, and Vehicle-mounted Systems), By Offering (Equipment and Services), By Application (Utility Detection, Concrete Investigation, Transportation Infrastructure, Archaeology, Geology, and Environment, Law Enforcement and Military) and Region Forecast 2019-2030

The global ground penetrating radar market size was valued at US$ 321.4 million in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 522.9 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024-2030. Moreover, the U.S. Ground Penetrating Radar market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated value of US$ 194.7 billion by 2032
Ground Penetrating Radar, or GPR, is a geophysical technique that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. Being a non-destructive approach, it foresees structures and features under the ground surface without requiring excavation. The market for GPR is growing at a rapid pace. The growth is due to the rapidly increasing demand for GPR systems in utility detection applications, concrete investigation, transportation infrastructure, archaeology, and environmental studies.

Key Players  

The ground penetrating radar market share is inclusive of several companies such as Chemring Group (U.K.), Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. (U.S.), Geoscanners (U.K.), Guideline Geo (Sweden), IDS Georadar (Italy), Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd (Israel), Pipehawk Plc (U.K.), Raytheon Technologies Corporation (U.K.), Radiodetection Ltd. (U.K.), Saab AB (Sweden) and Thales Group (France)

Key Takeaways

•  The fastest-growing region is Asia-Pacific
•  Based on product type, the handheld systems segment holds a 37.6% market share.
•  Based on Offering, the equipment segment holds the 57.2% market share.
•  Based on Application, the utility detection segment holds the 29.1% market share.

Facts & Figures

•  Ground Penetrating Radar can detect objects at depths of up to 30 meters in ideal conditions, depending on the material and frequency of the radar.
•  GPR operates in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 2.6 GHz, with lower frequencies used for deeper penetration and higher frequencies for better resolution.
•  The average resolution of GPR is 1 to 10 cm depending on the frequency used, making it highly effective for locating small objects or changes in material.
•  GPR has a detection accuracy of over 90% for objects such as buried cables, pipes, and utility lines in non-metallic environments.
•  Military applications of GPR saw a significant increase, with over 5,000 units deployed worldwide for mine detection and underground mapping in 2021.
•  The construction industry accounts for 45% of GPR usage globally, particularly for concrete inspection and rebar detection as of 2022.
•  Archaeological studies using GPR identified over 200 previously unknown burial sites at historical locations worldwide between 2020 and 2022.
•  GPR systems typically scan at a speed of 1 to 5 km per hour, depending on the terrain and depth being surveyed.
•  Ground Penetrating Radar is used in more than 60% of road and highway surveys, primarily for determining pavement thickness and void detection.
•  Over 10,000 utility companies worldwide used GPR in 2022 for underground utility mapping, helping prevent accidental damage during excavation.

Key Developments

• 2023: Geophysical Survey Systems Inc. introduced the Flex NX system, enhancing their offerings with advanced data analysis and 3D imaging capabilities.
• 2022: GSSI launched the SIR 30 system, a powerful GPR system designed for concrete scanning and subsurface investigations.
• 2021: Chemring Group PLC acquired GSSI (Geophysical Survey Systems Inc.), expanding its portfolio in GPR technology and strengthening its position in the market.

Ground Penetrating Radar Market Segmentation

By Product  Type: The handheld systems recorded the largest share in the GPR market. Handheld systems are very portable and affordable along with high user-friendliness. They allow a wide-ranging industry and application set, utility detection, archaeology, environmental studies, and many more. Their simplicity and usability enhance their popularity and usage.

By Offering: The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) market share is greatest within the segment of Equipment. GPR equipment, including handheld, cart-based, and vehicle-mounted systems, constitutes an indispensable element for subsurface investigations in every industry, construction, archaeological, and environmental studies. The requirement for reliable and advanced GPR equipment will lead to its unchallenged market dominance.

By Application: In the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) market, the Utility Detection segment holds the largest share. This is because there is a high demand for locating underground utilities such as water, gas, and electrical lines to prevent damage during construction and excavation projects. Accurate utility detection helps avoid costly repairs and ensures safety, making it a critical application for GPR systems.