TSD16The term “differentials” is used to denote the differences over a horizontal plane between the magnitudes (as absolute values) of the GPR reflections and the average value across the plane. This procedure is similar to deducting the mean trace from a two-dimensional (2D) GPR profile. The extent of the horizontal planes is defined by two sets of closely spaced GPR profiles at right angles to each other. TSD16 will handle up to 30 rows and 30 columns of GPR profiles; and up to 30 time-series (horizontal planes) for a maximum of 27,000 3D grid points. Values of GPR reflections at the crossing points (i.e., the intersecting points of the rows and columns in a given plane) are averaged. Multiple runs may be made, if desired, to develop more than 30 time series. TSD16 will open the Malå RD3 files, extract the required data, and assemble these data into matrices for further calculation. The Malå RAD (header) files are not needed. The static RAD headings used by TSD16 are placed in an input filed called “INPUT.TXT.” TSD16 can determine the number of traces directly from the RD3 files. The final matrix containing the time-series differentials is placed in a buffer for use by SuperPlot3D-Lite Slicer and SuperPlot3D-Lite Raster. TSD16 has been written in mixed languages (Fortran 77, Fortran 95, and C++) for the Absoft Pro Fortran Windows platform, Version 7.5. The SuperPlot3D-Lite graphics library is part of the Absoft Pro Fortran 7.5 package. The main purpose of TSD16 is to interactively view the GPR data with a 3D slicer subroutine. SuperPlot3D-Lite Slicer will enable the user to see volumetric color mapping of the time-series differentials from infinite perspectives. The volumetric color map of time-series differentials can assist in identifying targets which may be otherwise overlooked by conventional, two-dimensional (2D) viewing of profiles. SuperPlot3D-Lite Raster can be called from SuperPlot3D-Lite Slicer for 2D viewing of selected horizontal or vertical slices. Report-quality exhibits can be developed from both SuperPlot3D-Lite Slicer and SuperPlot3D-Lite Raster. The “lite” versions of SuperPlot3D-Lite Slicer and SuperPlot3D-Lite Raster are restricted by the maximum number of 3D plotting points (27,000) and by the inability to store settings. The images can be saved in the proprietary SuperPlot file formats. Inherent in the concept of time-series differentials is the subtraction of average GPR response (as an absolute value) from the actual GPR responses (also absolute values) across a time-series horizontal plane. This embedded filter has a similar effect to that of subtracting the mean trace. This filter will remove horizontal system noise along with any natural horizontal or slightly dipping features. Normally, it is desirable to view GPR data, without the horizontal system noise, in performing target searches for archaeological, environmental, or other uses where the natural stratification is not of interest. TSD16 may not be useful for geological interpretations of strata interfaces dipping less than 10 degrees and for detection of groundwater levels. Minimum system requirements for TSD16 are as follows: • A 32-bit Windows operating system (Windows 9x, Me, 2000, XP, or NT) • Intel 486 DX, 66MHz or better CPU (certified alternates to Intel are acceptable) • 16 MB RAM • 35 MB of free hard disk space • VGA or higher-resolution monitor • Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device TSD16 is furnished, in the English language only, on a CD-ROM disk which contains an installation program and a 24-page User Manual in PDF format for use with Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or greater (not included with this package). The User Manual contains a detailed case history of a recent sinkhole investigation conducted using TSD16. The program is installed with an application file named Setup.exe, which contains all the program files in compressed format. Setup.exe will create the necessary folders and directories, and copy the program files to their proper locations. The TSD16 package includes an uninstall program (unins000.exe) along with a utility application, SGY_2_RD3.exe (© Gary G. LaFrance, P.E., 2004), which will convert files in the SEG-Y format to the RD3 format and place the files in the correct folder to be used by TSD16. SGY_2_RD3.exe does not create RAD files since they are not needed by TSD16. SGY_2_RD3.exe only works with standard SEG-Y files having a 3,600-byte file header, 240-byte trace headers, and 2-byte, signed integers. It is cautioned that the SEG-Y format has several other variations in the way data are represented. SGY_2_RD3.exe will not work with these variations.
The cost for a single-copy TSD16 license is US$ 115.00 (within US) and US$ 130.00 (outside US). Multiple-copy licenses are each US$ 85.00 (within US) and US$ 100.00 (outside US). Shipping and handling costs are included. The purchaser is responsible for payment of state and/or local sales taxes, if applicable, related to the purchase. Gary G. LaFrance, P.E. 5734 Meadowbrook Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112-3137 U.S.A. Phone/Fax: +1 717 657 2520 E-mail: g.g.lafrance@att.net
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