Ground Penetrating Radar Market Size, Share, Growth & Russia Ukraine War Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Handheld Systems, Cart-based Systems, Vehicle-mounted System), By Offering (Equipment, Services), By Application (Utility Detection, Concrete Investigation, Transportation Infrastructure, Archaeology, Geology and Environment, Law Enforcement and Military), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global ground penetrating radar market size was valued at USD 336.2 million in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 367.3 million in 2022 to USD 612.6 million by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.58% during the forecast period. The Russia-Ukraine War impact has been unprecedented and staggering, with ground-penetrating radar experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-war levels. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a growth of 8.4% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical device that records underground structures without excavation activity. GPR is a non-destructive method in which a technologically advanced radar emits electromagnetic pulses at multiple frequencies (up to 1000MHz). Such frequencies are reflected from underground structures. When applied to multiple materials, the transmitted pulse recedes due to the rapid change in velocity. Increase procurement of GPR systems on a rental basis to drive the market.

In addition, underground utilities' safety and security concerns are expected to drive the market. In addition, government support for implementing GPR is driving market growth. The high demand for real-time GPR services associated with aging infrastructure development is a future opportunity for the market. However, lack of expertise and skills to operate GPR devices is a future challenge for the market.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR IMPACT

Russia-Ukraine War Stoked the Demand for Ground-Penetrating Radar Systems

As the Russian-Ukraine war changes, the world is under the influence of a new wave of accelerating defense spending. However, these conflicts can have a greater impact than the military budget. It can also catalyze changes in procurement priorities.

• For example, the successful deployment of new Russian electronic warfare equipment in Syria since 2014 has spurred research & development of communications solutions and the deployment of (possibly incomplete) communications solutions that work in GPS environments.

The Russian-Ukraine war has also changed the balance of defense procurement, and the defense sector needs to prepare for that change. Several countries, such as India and China, are prioritizing their defense expenditure to the radar industry to build the required infrastructure facilities to tackle the growing threats to their country. This factor may moderately impact the growth of the market. However, developed and developing countries such as the U.S., the U.K., India, and China have witnessed an increase in military expenditure in 2021.

• According to an analysis by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global military spending has increased by 2.6% and reached the value of USD 1,981 million in 2021.

LATEST TRENDS

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Advancement in Ground Penetrating Radar Technology for Mineral Exploration to Boost Market Growth

GPR penetration is a function of equipment design, antenna frequency, and, most critically, the subsurface electrical properties.

The increase in penetration of GPR is likely to increase its application for mineral extraction and exploration. Recent developments in increasing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of deep radar systems with real-time sampling receivers have more than doubled the penetration of GPR in electrically resistive environments.

Furthermore, in most mineral exploration, deeper penetration is required as compared to other radar environments 100 MHz antenna may achieve 15m penetration and, in typical situations, less than 5m. Most modern low-frequency (< 100 MHz) GPR systems pulse approximately 400 V into the antennas, suggesting that 12,800 V would be required to double penetration.

Additionally, a more effective approach to gaining range with GPR is increasing the radar system's SNR. Recent developments in increasing the SNR of deep radar systems with real-time sampling receivers have more than doubled the penetration of GPR in electrically resistive environments.

Moreover, owing to limitations of the existing conventional methods for mapping subsurface sedimentary layers, geophysical methods, especially GPR techniques, are widely being used and adopted.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increased Demand for GPR Equipment in Safety and Damage Protection Applications to Boost Market Growth

Ground penetrating radar is a utility locator that can locate metallic and non-metallic utilities. Underground utilities include water and sewage transport pipes, gas pipes, water boxes, conduits, polyethylene, and even fiber optic cables that are otherwise difficult or impossible to detect.

GPR can also detect leaks in pipes and voids along with accurate depth information for these damages. In addition, GPR equipment helps minimize or prevent potential damage to buried utilities such as water, gas, utility lines, and communications lines during the drilling and drilling process. Damage to these lines can result in delays, increased repair or maintenance costs, and service interruptions.

GPR systems are a great choice for inspecting concrete. They can locate rebar, conduits, post-tension cables, and voids; they can also be used to determine concrete slab thickness in real time. Their compact design makes it easy to inspect concrete in confined spaces or overhead, while a durable plastic body and wheels ensure long-lasting performance.

They are equipped with a versatile concrete inspection tool with an antenna, positioning system, and control box combined into one easy-to-operate package.

Increased Demand for GPR Over Traditional Techniques to Drive Market Growth

Growth in the global market is expected to be driven by factors such as the benefits of GPR systems over other traditional technologies, such as radiography, and growing concerns about the safety and protection of underground utilities.

In addition, increasing demand for GPR for various applications such as concrete surveys, transportation infrastructure, municipal inspections, disaster inspections, geology and environment, archeology, and others is driving the market growth.

However, the shortage of skilled workers operating GPR equipment is a major constraint on the market. On the contrary, the modernization of existing infrastructure is expected to create favorable opportunities for the ground-penetrating radar market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Adverse Impact of Various Aspects of Ground Penetrating Radar Performance to Limit Market Growth

GPR can help pinpoint the horizontal location of targets in their precise positions. However, several other factors, such as soil type and moisture content, can affect the speed and accuracy of depth measurement and analysis.

The rate of the radar signal is affected by the composition of the material being scanned and the depth of the target. For instance, the signal will travel slower through soil types more difficult to penetrate such as clay and sand surfaces. Likewise, in materials containing moisture, the signal's speed is affected.

Therefore, it is often impossible to determine the exact rate at which the GPR signal travels through the material; thus, it is usually estimated to be 90% accurate.

Furthermore, due to natural differences in the composition of geological layers, the exact velocity of the signal can vary over time during subsurface surveys. Therefore, soil type and moisture are important factors in plant growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Product Type Analysis

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Vehicle-Mounted Systems to Dominated Market Owing to Increased Usage of GPR in Road Scanning

The market by product type is categorized into handheld systems, cart-based systems, and vehicle-mounted systems. Vehicle-mounted systems are anticipated to dominate the market during the forecast period due to their increasing adoption for a survey of roads, and infrastructure. It allows users to spend less time in roadway environments and negates the need for long-term traffic management measures being put in place. Vehicle-mounted systems can also cover large areas in a much shorter period of time, making it more economical and thus propelling the market growth.

The cart-based segment is still growing as cart-based GPR systems provide an effective tool for quickly determining the condition of dilapidated bridge decks, parking lots, balconies, and other concrete structures. This system is also used to obtain the exact concrete cover depth for new structures.

By Offering Analysis

Services Segment to Lead Backed by Increasing in Construction Activities 

By offering, the market is bifurcated into equipment and services. The services segment is going to be the largest growing. With the increasing adoption of ground-penetrating radar services for concrete inspection systems, transportation infrastructure is likely to aid the market growth. Moreover, the growth of the segment is attributed to the increasing demand for services from defense, law enforcement, and ground-based units. GPR services are used for the detailed land survey information exchange between tactical command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems.

The equipment segment is anticipated to witness significant growth due to its robust demand between military units in the Russia-Ukraine war. The structure of the GPR system layer permits transmission of any kind and length of data with automated routing and relaying mechanisms.

By Application Analysis

Concrete Investigation Projected to Be the Fastest-Growing Segment Supported by Increasing Adoption as a Non-Destructive Testing Method

Based on application, the market is segmented into utility detection, concrete investigation, transportation infrastructure, archaeology, geology and environment, and law enforcement and military. The concrete investigation segment is projected to witness a higher growth rate due to the growing demand for GPR used as a non-destructive testing method for reinforced concrete investigation. In addition, GPR is increasingly used in civil engineering and geotechnical construction in China, especially in Shanghai. This will be a significant market for GPR manufacturers.

The utility detection segment is expected to witness significant growth owing to an increase in the number of GPR procurement for utility detection such as main lines for telecommunication, electricity distribution, natural gas, cable television, fiber optics, traffic lights, street lights, storm drains, water mains, and wastewater pipes aircraft procurement for military and commercial applications.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world. North America dominated the market in 2021 and was valued at USD 130.8 million in 2021. This growth is due to the high defense spending of the U.S. and the procurement of advanced military radar. Programs and initiatives such as 3D expedition long-range radar and aerial missile defense radar are designed to drive market growth.

Europe held the second-largest ground penetrating radar market share in the base year. The growth is attributed to the growing adoption of GPR in geology and environment, utility detection, concrete investigation, and others. Furthermore, the presence of key players, such as Chemring Group, Geoscanners, Pipehawk plc, and others, propels the region's market growth.

The market in Asia Pacific is one of the major emerging markets in the aviation industry. This growth is attributed to the expansion of road infrastructure and subway construction to combat problems related to pollution and travel time by providing economical and safe transportation. Furthermore, in Japan, the increase in the automotive industry and military spending is projected to boost the market growth in the region.

In other parts of the world, increased mineral exploration activity in the Middle East and Africa is expected to lead to moderate growth during the forecast period. In addition, according to IOGP's 2019 Global Production Report, oil and gas demand has peaked, is greater than ever, and is experiencing dramatic growth in the Middle East & Africa. This factor is expected to increase investment in mineral exploration and oil production and boost market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Adoption and Development of New Ground Penetrating Radar Technologies by Key Players to Motivate Development

The global market is highly fragmented, with the presence of various key players such as Chemring Group, IDS Georadar, Guideline Geo, Pipehawk plc, and Geophysical Survey Systems Inc., among others. These players focus on providing a wide range of GPR solutions and services. In addition, increased investment in R&D activities and increased focus on strategic acquisitions and collaboration strategies will support the expansion of their product and brand portfolio. These strategies allow large market players to maintain a large market share. For instance, in March 2020, IDS GeoRadar and World Sensing partnered and launched the most advanced and efficient mine safety monitoring system. This integrated system offers surface, sub-surface, and geospatial monitoring in a single package. With this joint solution, it is projected that it will simplify data management using HxGN GeoMonitoring Hub integrated visualization and analysis platform, delivered through IDS GeoRadar.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED: 

• 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)


• Thales Group (France)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• April 2022 - IDS GeoRadar, part of Hexagon, announced a new solution for geotechnical professionals who pioneer the introduction of AI in slope stability monitoring - Ai.DA, the AI-based software monitoring tool for Guardian. Ai.DA is an artificial intelligence-based software tool that provides an additional layer of intelligent processing for radar data. Using AI algorithms, Ai.DA simplifies the identification of movements of possible residual noise by evaluating the consistency of the movement trend detected with typical behaviors and slope instability models, allowing professionals to optimize processes and make better decisions.


• October 2021 - Thales unveiled a new ground-based multi-mission radar for force protection with the unique simultaneous ground and low-level air surveillance, providing exceptional early UAV detection, in particular of micro-drones.


• September 2021 - IDS GeoRadar, part of Hexagon, launched a new product called Stream T, an innovative ground penetrating radar solution for tunnel inspection. The Stream T GPR system measures tunnel anomalies such as coating thickness, reinforced structures, cavities and wetlands. Stream T's modular design allows this innovative GPR array to overcome obstacles and increase productivity five times over traditional systems, collecting data up to 60 km/h (37.3 mph).


• June 2021 - Radiodetection announced the transition of its ground-penetrating radar products from RD1100 and RD1500 to LMX100 and LMX200. The scope of LMX is a product of Sensors & Software, a company of Radiodetection.


• July 2020 - U.K. countermeasures, materials, and ammunition specialist Chemring Group PLC’s U.S. unit signed a contract with the Canadian military worth up to USD 34 million. Under this contract, Chemring Group will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with its Husky Mounted Detection System Ground Penetrating Radar GPR kits (HMDS GPR).

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global market report provides a detailed ground penetrating radar market analysis. It comprises all major aspects, such as R&D capabilities, and manufacturing process optimization. Moreover, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the above-mentioned factors, it mainly focuses on several factors that have contributed to the market growth in recent years.

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