Patent ID: 6549012
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: G01S,G01V

Abstract:
A method for detecting and characterizing underground man-made structures and facilities, the method comprising the steps of:defining a minimum set of construction features common to all members of a class of underground man-made structures and facilities; cataloging into a database at least one of an electronic signature and a photographic signature for each of said construction features in accessible members of said class of underground man-made structures and facilities; radio illuminating individual ones of said minimum set of construction features included in an inaccessible underground man-made structure or facility; collecting above ground a reradiation of radio signals produced by said individual ones of said minimum set of construction features; comparing at least one of said electronic signature and said photographic signature for each of said construction features obtained in the step of collecting with corresponding ones stored in the step of cataloging; and deducing at least one of a location, depth, orientation, nature of overburden, and type for said inaccessible underground man-made structure or facility.