UXO Surveyors London and UXO Surveys Surrey and Sussex.

A UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) survey is a systematic process of detecting, identifying, and assessing unexploded ordnance and other explosive remnants of war. These surveys are typically conducted in areas suspected of contamination by military activities, such as former battlefields, military training grounds, or areas subjected to aerial bombing. The purpose of a UXO survey is to ensure the safety of land for redevelopment, construction, agriculture, or other civilian uses.

Types of UXO Surveys

1. Desk-Based Study (DBS):

   • Objective: To gather historical and archival information about past military activities, bombing campaigns, and areas known to be affected by UXO.
   • Methods: Reviewing military records, historical maps, and aerial photographs.

2. Non-Technical Survey (NTS):

   • Objective: To gather information from local populations and stakeholders about the presence and impact of UXO.
   • Methods: Conducting interviews, community meetings, and surveys.

3. Technical Survey (TS):

   • Objective: To physically investigate areas identified as potentially contaminated by UXO.
   • Methods: Using specialized equipment like metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and magnetometers to locate UXO.

4. Detailed Survey:

   • Objective: To conduct a thorough investigation of a specific area to locate and identify all UXO.
   • Methods: Extensive use of geophysical survey equipment, possibly involving excavation and controlled detonation of found ordnance.

Survey Methods and Tools

• Geophysical Methods:

  • Magnetometry: Measures magnetic anomalies caused by metal objects in the ground.
  • Electromagnetic Induction (EMI): Detects metallic objects by inducing and measuring electromagnetic fields.
  • Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR): Uses radar pulses to image the subsurface and detect anomalies.

• Visual Inspection:

  • Conducted by trained UXO technicians to identify surface ordnance or disturbances indicating buried UXO.

Stages of a UXO Survey

1. Pre-Survey Planning:

   • Defining the scope and objectives of the survey.
   • Identifying available historical data and resources.

2. Data Collection:

   • Gathering historical records, conducting field surveys, and collecting geophysical data.

3. Data Analysis:

   • Interpreting survey data to identify potential UXO locations and types.
   • Assessing the risk and prioritizing areas for clearance.

4. Reporting:

   • Documenting findings, providing maps of identified UXO locations, and recommending actions for clearance and risk mitigation.

Importance of UXO Surveys

• Safety: Ensures that land is safe for human activities and reduces the risk of accidental detonations.
• Environmental Protection: Prevents environmental damage caused by unexploded ordnance.
• Legal Compliance: Meets regulatory requirements for land redevelopment and construction.
• Economic Development: Facilitates safe land use for agriculture, construction, and other economic activities.

Conducting a thorough UXO survey is essential for the safe and effective use of land that may be contaminated by explosive remnants of war.

Contact - info@cadmap.co.uk - if you require a quote.