Typical applications include: Utility and cable detection Underground infrastructure mapping Archaeological surveys Geotechnical investigations Geological surveys Sinkhole and void investigation Snow and ice thickness profiling UAV-based subsurface surveys

The system produces 32-bit digital raw data and supports the standard geophysical SEG-Y (.sgy) format, including geotagged traces.

The system supports scan rates of up to 2,500 scans per second, depending on the hardware stacking configuration.

The Zond Aero 500 NG uses Real-Time Sampling (RTS) with high hardware stacking. It supports selectable samples per scan from 256 to 8,192, with sample rates of up to 1,280,000 samples per second, depending on the selected configuration.

Yes. The Zond Aero 500 NG can be used for geological stratigraphy and other subsurface investigations where GPR is appropriate. It is also listed for glaciology and snow/ice thickness profiling.

Yes. The 500 MHz frequency provides a useful combination of depth and resolution for many archaeological investigations, including locating buried structures and other subsurface features.

Yes. Utility detection and underground infrastructure mapping are key applications for the Zond Aero 500 NG. It can help identify buried pipes, cables and other subsurface features, subject to ground conditions and target characteristics.

Yes. This is one of its key advantages. The system can be used on a survey cart or dragged using a tow rope, as well as mounted to a UAV.

The airborne GPR weighs approximately 2.1 kg without the drone mounting kit. JBUAS lists an indicative 2.5 kg payload weight for its Zond Aero 500 NG configuration.

The system is designed for integration with DJI Matrice 300 RTK and Matrice 350 RTK platforms. Other UAV mounting options can be provided depending on the aircraft and payload requirements.

Yes. The Zond Aero 500 NG is specifically designed for both terrestrial and airborne applications.

A 500 MHz system provides a useful balance between penetration and resolution. It is suitable for soil and utility investigations where targets may be deeper than those typically surveyed using higher-frequency GPR.

The manufacturer specifies penetration of up to approximately 4 metres in average soil, although actual depth depends heavily on ground conditions, moisture, conductivity, target size and the survey configuration. With the antenna elevated for airborne surveys, the effective depth will generally be less.

The Zond Aero 500 NG has a 500 MHz centre frequency with an operating bandwidth of approximately 200–900 MHz.

The Zond Aero 500 NG is a single-channel GPR featuring a shielded 500 MHz antenna and Real-Time Sampling (RTS) technology.

The Zond Aero 500 NG comes with Prism 2 Data Acquisition/Processing software, which can be used for data collection and processing.

Yes. The Zond Aero 500 NG can be integrated with UgCS SkyHub as part of a complete UAV GPR system. SkyHub provides the onboard computing and data-logging interface for integrated drone survey operations.

Yes. When integrated into a UAV GPR configuration, terrain-following technology can help maintain a consistent antenna-to-ground distance. This is particularly useful when surveying uneven terrain.

For ground operation, the manufacturer specifies that the antenna can be used on the surface or elevated to no more than approximately 1 metre. For airborne surveying, maintaining the antenna as close to the ground as safely practical generally helps maximise GPR performance.

Yes. The 500 MHz frequency, relatively lightweight airborne configuration and ability to integrate with DJI enterprise UAVs make it well suited to drone-based subsurface surveys, particularly where larger areas need to be surveyed efficiently.

The main difference is frequency. The 500 MHz system generally offers greater penetration, while the 1000 MHz system provides higher resolution for shallower targets. For deeper soil and utility investigations, 500 MHz can be a strong choice. For smaller, shallower features where resolution is more important, the 1000 MHz system may be preferable.

Yes. JBUAS works with SPH Engineering to supply complete UAV geophysical sensor solutions, including GPR, UAV integration, SkyHub and supporting software. JBUAS lists the Zond Aero 500 NG at an indicative 2.5 kg payload weight before additional SkyHub/TTF equipment.

Yes. JBUAS offers demonstrations of its UAV geophysical sensor systems and can advise on the most appropriate GPR frequency and configuration for your survey requirements.

The Zond Aero 500 NG is available from JBUAS, which specialises in UAV-mounted geophysical sensors and complete drone survey systems. Need advice on drone-based GPR?
Contact JBUAS to discuss whether the Zond Aero 500 NG, Zond Aero 1000 NG or another GPR system is best suited to your survey.