SciTransfer
WIDMO Cities · Project

High-Precision Underground Imaging for Safer and Cheaper Urban Construction

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Imagine having an X-ray machine for the ground beneath a city. Instead of digging holes and hoping for the best, this technology lets you see exactly where pipes and cables are hidden. It also spots dangerous sinkholes or rocky patches before any machinery touches the soil.

By the numbers
2,065,437
EU Contribution in EUR
The business problem

What needed solving

Construction projects in cities are often delayed or become dangerous because underground maps are outdated or incomplete. This leads to accidental utility strikes and unexpected geological hazards.

The solution

What was built

An adapted Spectral Ground Penetrating Radar (SGPR) system and a scalable cloud-based data processing platform for high-resolution subsurface imaging.

Audience

Who needs this

Urban construction companiesMunicipal infrastructure plannersUtility grid operatorsGeotechnical surveying firms
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Civil Engineering
enterprise
Target: Urban Infrastructure Contractor

If you are a contractor dealing with outdated underground maps and accidental pipe bursts — this project developed Spectral Ground Penetrating Radar (SGPR) that provides high-precision location of gas pipes and electric cables. This reduces excavation risks and prevents costly project delays.

Municipal Management
any
Target: City Planning Department

If you are a city official dealing with aging infrastructure and climate-driven ground instability — this project developed a non-invasive imaging system that recognizes landslide and sinkhole hazards. This allows for better urban resilience and safer city development.

Utility Services
mid-size
Target: Water and Energy Grid Operator

If you are a utility provider dealing with inconsistent records of underground assets — this project developed a cloud-based processing workflow that delivers reliable subsurface information. This improves planning accuracy for maintenance and new installations.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much does the system cost to implement?

Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost-per-scan details are not provided.

Can this technology be scaled for use across entire cities?

Yes, the project integrated the technology into a cloud-based processing workflow specifically designed for future scaling in complex urban environments.

Who owns the IP and how is it licensed?

Based on available project data, the technology is developed by WIDMO SPECTRAL TECHNOLOGIES, but specific licensing terms are not listed.

How does this integrate with existing city maps?

The system provides high-resolution subsurface imaging that can be used to update outdated or incomplete underground maps through a digital platform.

What is the timeline for commercial availability?

The project period runs from 2023-07-01 to 2025-09-30, with the technology reaching full operational maturity by the end of the project.

Consortium

Who built it

The project is led by a single Polish SME, WIDMO SPECTRAL TECHNOLOGIES, with a 100% industry ratio. This lean structure suggests a strong focus on commercial application and rapid technology transfer rather than academic research.

How to reach the team

Contact WIDMO SPECTRAL TECHNOLOGIES SP. Z O.O. in Poland

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to explore licensing or partnership opportunities with WIDMO Cities.