Welcome to TerraDat Geophysics

3D Geophysics Data Plot

3D Geophysics Data Plot

TerraDat is a European leader in state-of-the-art non-invasive Geophysical Site Investigations, Geological Mapping and 3D Geodetic Laser Scanning.

We have extensive experience in all areas of subsurface mapping in relation to the Geotechnical, Civil Engineering, Environmental Waste Management, Groundwater and Mineral Industries

Our services are used by public sector and commercial organisations to gain an in-depth understanding of the subsurface to reduce the risk of exposure to buried hazards and optimise budgets.

In addition to our geophysical survey capabilities, we have a specialist survey division for creation of 3-dimensional models using photogrammetry. Applications include heritage building models, forensic crime and accident scene reconstructions and geotechnical mapping.

Friday, October 3rd, 2008 Uncategorized No Comments

Laser scanning

Laser scanning Jurassic cliffs

Laser scanning Jurassic cliffs

TerraDat has taken delivery of the latest geodetic laser scanner that is capable of producing point clouds of 3D data at ranges of up to 300m away.

Accurate to 4mm, the scanner can provide rapid photo-realistic 3D measurments of cliffs, quarry faces and terrain for geological studies and also detailed elevations of buildings and structures.

Full details, plus a growing number of case studies may be found at our dedicated scanning website (see below). › Continue reading

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 Uncategorized No Comments

3-Dimensional Monitoring of Ground and Structural Movement in Real Time

TerraDat is now offering an exciting new service involving the installation and management of a novel ground displacement and structural monitoring. This has applications in slope stability monitoring, civil structure (roads, railways, tunnels etc.) monitoring and in pre-empting geohazards. The system uses a flexible array of multiple gravity sensors that are able to output their absolute 3D position in real time.

Read more

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 Uncategorized No Comments

“Alps Face Disaster as Permafrost Melts”

Permafrost that holds Europe’s highest mountain ranges together is slowly melting, threatening widespread devastation within the next few decades. Foundations of cable car stations face collapse; mountain slopes, held together by frozen soil are likely to be swept down valleys; and rock faces will disintegrate.
Already, several recent Alpine disasters, including the avalanches that killed more than 50 people at the Austrian resort of Galtur in 1999, are being blamed on the melting of permafrost.

TerraDat is part of a team of scientists who have been monitoring the melting of permafrost in Europe’s alpine regions for the E.U. and Swiss Government in a research project called PACE, Permafrost and Climate in Europe. The experience and innovations developed in this project are available commercially through TERRADAT and its associates.

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Devastation caused by debri
Flowat Wallis, Switzerland

Based on calculations made from 100 metre-deep boreholes near Mürren and Zermatt in Switzerland, it has been calculated that the temperatures in rock and mud has increased by 1 to 2 deg. C over the past century.

Given that temperatures in the permafrost layer is only -2 or -3 deg. C, it will not take much warming to cause a melt. The combination of ground temperatures only slightly below zero, high ice contents and steep slopes, makes mountain permafrost particularly vulnerable to changes.

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Geo-electical imaging to map permafrost degradation. St. Morritz, Switzerland

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GPR profiling in the Alps to map permafrost interface
The likely consequences of degrading permafrost would be an increase of slope failures, mudslides and rock falls. There are some frozen rock slopes that are so unstable they can fail even before a thaw.

The effects are likely to be most disastrous in the Alps where steep slopes mean villages, roads and railways are built directly below altitude permafrost zones, however this can be a global problem - especially where manmade activities such as pipelines or building services artificially degrade permafrost.

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Schilthorn Summit (3000m) - small glacier has disappeared in the last 5 years and TERRADAT has found evidence of permafrost degradation

Services we offer:

  • Full historical desk study and risk analyis of mountain areas
  • Integrated Geophysics Surveys (e.g. seismics, geo-electrical, GPR, BTS etc.)
  • Monitoring installations (boreholes, weather stations, slope movement detectors)
  • Engineering geology recommendations

Further Reading:

TerraDat Case Study 1: Geo-electrical imaging to map permafrost degradation

TerraDat Case Study 2: Integrated study of a field area in Sierra Nevada, Spain

International Permafrost Association

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Monday, May 5th, 2008 Uncategorized No Comments

ISO:9001 accreditation

TerraDat Geophysics ISO9001

TerraDat Geophysics has been independently audited and certified to be in conformance with ISO 9001:2008. This marks the latest step in our efforts to lead the field of specialist high resolution ground mapping and runs alongside our commitment to investment in the latest instrumentation, processing facilities and staff training.

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Thursday, April 24th, 2008 News No Comments

TerraDat wins Innovation Award

A project assessing landslide risks in South Wales has picked up a prize at the Cardiff University Innovation Awards. Innovation Award for Long Term Collaboration was awarded to the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences and TerraDat (UK) Ltd, a local company founded by two Cardiff University graduates Nick Russill and Rob McDonald.

The South Wales valleys have one of the highest risks of active landsliding in the UK due to a number of complex geological, landscape and historical coal mining factors.

This joint initiative explores new and innovative ways to quickly assess areas in South Wales that are most at risk from landslides.

The team are using novel techniques, such as small hand-controlled helium balloons with digital cameras and GPS controlled high resolution geophysical surveying.

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Saturday, March 1st, 2008 News No Comments

TerraNews

click to download geophysical newsletter TerraDat News

Download our newsletter giving news, developments and insight into our activities as specialist geophysical surveyors. Case studies include locating an historical Nazi escape tunnel, mapping a former gasworks beneath a Tesco car park and the latest news about our new Geomatics and Imaging capability.

There is also a special offer to readers of our newsletter where they can get a special price on a Topcon GPT-7000i Imaging Total Station. Download Newsletter (PDF)

Sunday, December 24th, 2006 News No Comments

TerraDat Geophysics: The Movie


watch out for the hilarious ending

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Saturday, September 24th, 2005 News No Comments