Standoff geophysical anomaly detection system and method

A system for measuring the complex resistivity and providing a representational image of a portion of the ground comprising:

• a current generator for generating alternating current at a frequency within the frequency range of about 1 kHz to about 1 MHz;
• at least one source member operatively connected to the current generator for inducing the generated electric current into the ground;
• at least one sensor for sensing the electrical potential of the electric field in the ground created by the electric current;
• a receiver for receiving the measurements of the electrical potential of the ground;
• a processor for calculating the complex resistivity and creating a representative display of ground content based upon the complex resistivity;
• and
• a display operatively connected to the processor for mapping the portion of the ground in which current was induced.

A method of determining the location of underground materials and/or objects comprising:

• delivering an alternating current to the ground through a source element configured to induce current into the ground in a non-contacting manner;
• measuring an electrical potential associated with the current with at least one sensor in a non-contacting manner;
• recording the electrical potential with a resistivity meter coupled to the at least one sensor electrode to thereby determine the complex resistivity;
• and
• rendering a map of the ground from the electrical potential recorded by the resistivity meter.