GPR (ground probing radar) / WPR (wall probing radar) radar imaging systems
Surface-penetrating radar imaging systems using ultra-wideband GPR/WPR technology emit signals that can penetrate walls or other obstacles and provide high accuracy for the locating and characterisation of the physical properties of materials.
These systems, based on "non-destructive" reconnaissance methods, are used by professionals such as construction companies, mining companies, scientific research institutions and search and rescue organisations.
The regulatory framework governing the use of GPR/WPR systems
The GPR / WPR system frequency use conditions are set out in ARCEP Decision No. 2011-1487 of 20 December 2011.
These conditions are established to allow the use of GPR / WPR, while not creating interference detrimental to the proper operation of other radio equipment. Indeed, GPR / WPR systems operate on the same frequencies as several other types of equipment that could be vulnerable to GPR / WPR emissions, in particular radar stations operating in the 1,215-1,400 MHz, 2,700-3,400 MHz or 5,250-5,850 MHz frequency bands, as well as radio-astronomy observatories.
ARCEP Decision 2011-1487 therefore includes provisions for the protection of those radar stations. Thus, it defines emission power limits and two separate authorisation schemes depending on the geographical areas in which GPR / WPR are used:
- either an obligation to apply for authorisation to use frequencies by GPR/WPR systems in the vicinity of the radar stations shown in the figure below (i.e. in the zones within 4 km radius circles centred on those stations);
- or an obligation to notify when outside those zones.
Authorisation application and notification procedures
Application for authorisation in radar station protection zones
The radar station protection zones are listed in Annex I to ARCEP Decision 2011-1487.
In those zones, the use of frequencies by GPR / WPR systems is subject to prior authorisation granted by decision of ARCEP to the user personally, following their application.
The holder of such an authorisation is subject to the payment of a state fee for the availability of the frequencies and a management fee, the amounts of which are determined in accordance with the provisions of decree no. 2007-1532 of 24 October 2007 , as amended, and its implementing order of 24 October 2007, as amended.
Notification outside radar station protection zones
Outside the areas mentioned in Annex I of Decision No. 2011-1487 above, the use of frequencies by GPR / WPR systems is not subject to prior individual authorisation, subject to compliance with the technical conditions laid down by that Decision.
Users of GPR / WPR systems must, however, notify the ANFR of any use of these systems at least two months in advance.
Based on those notifications, the ANFR keeps an up-to-date register of uses, which it communicates to the parties to which the frequencies have been assigned such as the civil aviation administration, the ministry of defence, the meteorological department and the ministry of research.