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Use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for geologic applications grew considerably in the 1970s. In recent years, use of GPR has increased in hydrogeological investigations, since the presence or absence of water dominates GPR responses.

Use of radiowaves for groundwater was first reported by El Said (1953). The same fundamental concepts used for subsurface lunar investigations (Annan, 1973) underpin modern GPR concepts. Annan (2002) provides a brief history of GPR over the past 50 years; the GPR conference proceedings (see the special reference list at the end of this chapter) also provide insight into the evolution of GPR.