Jakarta, INTI - Efforts to maintain the health and stability of tree collections in botanical gardens continue to be supported by the use of technology. The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through its Directorate of Scientific Collection Management (DPKI), conducted training on the introduction and utilization of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for managers of plant scientific collections at the Scientific Collection Area (KKI) of Purwodadi Botanical Garden on August 19–20, 2026.
The training equipped participants with an understanding of GPR's basic principles, device operation, and data processing, as well as its application in field surveys. This technology is expected to support plant biodiversity conservation and research activities through a more quantifiable and non-destructive approach.
GPR technology employs a non-destructive geophysical approach, utilizing electromagnetic waves to detect objects or material changes beneath the surface without the need for excavation. This facilitates the monitoring of root and tree health and stability.
GPR Technology to Detect Changes Underground
DPKI Associate Researcher Ita Yustina explained that GPR operates by emitting electromagnetic waves into the ground. These waves bounce off subsurface objects or material changes, and a portion of the signal is reflected and recorded by a sensor.
"These reflections can provide information regarding the position, estimated depth, and characteristics of subsurface targets," Ita explained.
During the training, participants were also introduced to the LMX200 device. Ita clarified that while GPR refers to the measurement method or principle, the LMX200 is the specific instrument used to conduct field surveys.
The device is equipped with an ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna, a touchscreen, integrated GPS, and options for both line scan and grid scan modes. Scan results can subsequently be visualized via MapView or depth slices. “For research activities at the botanical garden, this capability opens up exciting opportunities. With the GPR approach, it is possible to study root distribution, estimated root depth, zones of high root concentration, and soil conditions around the root zone without the need for excavation,” added Ita.
The use of GPR is not limited to root studies. In general, this technology can detect various subsurface objects, including pipes, cables, concrete structures, voids, soil layers, and buried items. In the fields of forestry and arboriculture, GPR also has the potential to support root system mapping and the investigation of soil conditions around trees.
Transforming Field Data into Information
In addition to device operation, the training provided an understanding of data processing and analysis. Kuatman, Analyst for Science and Technology Utilization at DPKI BRIN, presented material on data processing using EKKO Project software.
“EKKO Project is used to manage, analyze, visualize, and compile GPR data reports. Within a single project, data can encompass line scans, grid scans, GPS data, field interpretations, markers, depth slices, and even screenshots,” explained Kuatman.
According to him, this management ensures that survey data does not remain merely a field record but can be developed into information that is easier to analyze and document.
For the Purwodadi Botanical Garden, mastering GPR technology holds strategic value. Botanical gardens serve not only as spaces for plant conservation but also as integral parts of the research and scientific development ecosystem.
Information regarding subsurface conditions obtained through non-destructive means can enrich data on trees and their growing environments. Thus, this technology can contribute to efforts to establish more comprehensive management of scientific collections.
Conclusion
BRIN, through its Directorate of Scientific Collection Management (DPKI), introduced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to the managers of the plant-based scientific collection at Purwodadi Botanical Garden to support non-destructive conservation and research. GPR technology utilizes electromagnetic waves to detect subsurface objects and material changes, enabling the assessment of root distribution, depth, and concentration, as well as soil conditions, without the need for excavation.
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