Integrating GPR with ArcGIS Pro to map the Central Arkansas Water pipelines beneath the old Broadway Bridge, Little Rock

Abstract

Central Arkansas Water (CAW) supplies fresh water to nearly 500,000 people in Arkansas. To prevent service interruptions and costly damages, the pipes and other potential utilities must be precisely located and mapped in three areas designated by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) prior to any excavation work. This research aimed to integrate Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) with ArcGIS Pro to assist with locating, mapping, and analyzing the utility lines. The results of this study indicate that integrating GPR with ArcGIS Pro can be an efficient tool to locate, map, and analyze utility lines with great precision. The GPR technique was effective in locating the CAW pipelines and other subsurface utility lines at depths ranging from a few centimeters to less than two meters at the selected sites. ArcGIS Pro was highly effective in accurately mapping and analyzing both the detected and existing utilities in 2D and 3D spaces, providing comprehensive visualizations and analysis tools for the CAW service area. The findings of this study suggest that GPR, with ArcGIS Pro, could help protect utility infrastructure, reduce the cost of maintenance, and help with implementing mitigation strategies.