GSSI UtilityScan, Quick Start Manual

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UtilityScan Quick Start Guide Page 27
Other Functions in ScanMax: Understanding Gain, Focus, and Save Image
The ScanMax application contains some additional functionality to improve image quality, help you interpret data, and
output usable information. Many of these functions are available while collecting data and while playing back data.
Gain
As the GPR signal moves through the ground it will get progressively weaker. This is called attenuation and happens
because some energy is reflected from targets, some energy is absorbed by the soil, and some energy is lost through the
spreading of the signal (dispersion). The deeper you go, the less
energy is left. Gain is a mathematical process which works on
the received signal to amplify it and counteract the effects of
attenuation so you can see deeper targets more easily.
There are two types of gain available on UtilityScan. The first is
Automatic Gain Control. It is available in ScanMax setup screen
in the secondary level of the Menu Carousel. Gain Control
works horizontally, along your survey line. Gain Control has
three settings: Slow, Normal, and Fast. Use Normal for most
conditions, Fast for conditions which are highly variable, and
Slow for situations when you do not want the gain to change
dramatically, such as looking for contamination or changes in
ground conditions. Automatic Gain Control is available only
while collecting data.
Gain Control