UK UXO CONSULTANCY & SPECIALIST SUPPORTCLARITY BELOW THE SURFACE
RISK REDUCTIONSYSTEMS

SURVEY & INVESTIGATION

UXO surveys & target investigation

Scope physical investigation around the question your project needs answered. Survey support and target investigation should have clear objectives, coverage and limitations.

Collect evidence with a defined purpose.

A survey can help identify anomalies that may need further investigation. An anomaly is a response in the data; it is not, by itself, confirmation that an explosive item is present. Background conditions, obstructions and the chosen sensing method influence what can be interpreted.

Survey proposals should state the area, required investigation depth, equipment, access assumptions and reporting approach. Drone imagery and LiDAR may help map terrain and surface features, but must not be presented as a general method for detecting buried explosives. Target investigation and any subsequent clearance require separately agreed specialist scopes.

What the scope can include

  • An agreed survey objective and coverage plan
  • Documented acquisition and interpretation limitations
  • Mapped findings or targets within the contracted scope
  • Recommendations for further investigation where justified

What we need from you

  • UXO assessment and survey objectives
  • Site layout, access and surface conditions
  • Relevant depths and planned development works
  • Existing geophysical or investigation data
Does a survey identify every buried explosive item?

No. Detection and interpretation depend on the method, target characteristics and ground conditions. A report should explain its coverage and limitations, including what the work cannot demonstrate.

Related terminology

YOUR NEXT STEP

Start with your site.
We’ll help define the scope.

Bring the boundary, the proposed works and your programme together in one clear project brief.

A useful first conversation

Site location. Works and depths. Existing reports. Timescales.

Prepare your project brief ↗