If you have any occasion to work with geophysical survey tools, you probably already have access to the basics. Survey tools tend to be hardy and functional for a very long time, which makes legacy tools a fairly common institution at many different places of work. However, you may be surprised to learn what benefits you could be afforded by replacing your old tools with an updated set. A modern resistivity meter can do a lot of things you may not be aware of.
The first and most important new common feature is software integration. Hand-tabulation of resistivity data is no longer a necessity with the ability to transcribe all results automatically. Software integration will also allow you to process data on the spot in the field, considerably cutting down on the time required for a given survey task. Further, the use of software calculation greatly increases the accuracy by removing opportunities for human error. It’s an advantage that simply isn’t afforded by older models. If anything can change the way you work in the field, it’s this.
Accuracy and resolution have also been greatly improved. Modern systems can discern a much greater level of detail. This makes them more useful for their intended purpose as well as making them more versatile, giving them a limited ability to serve as depthfinders for items of differing density, like metals. This simple increase in quality makes some surveys possible in a single pass that would otherwise have taken multiple collections of data, as well as enabling survey with a much finer level of detail. Sometimes, picking up the smallest details becomes the most important aspect of a given project, making this an invaluable quality as well.
Modern units will also come with a warranty and current support. For instance, a resistivity meter at AIG will come with all the benefits of being an AIG product. AIG has a reputation for being a reliable company with excellent customer service, and they understand what the job takes day-to-day. Acquiring one of their current products will allow them to assist you with the technical aspects of your instruments.
All in all, modern instrumentation just makes sense. If the overhead for the investment can be surmounted, updating your resistivity meters to a modern standard is likely to save you time and money in the long run, to say nothing of the improvement in the quality of your work a better tool can afford you.
