Finding areas of higher soil thickness in areas of thin soil cover prior to development can be accomplished with several geophysical methods. This can save both time and money by providing guidance prior to test pit investigations.

Existing septic systems and tanks can be located and mapped prior to repair or replacement. In areas with high population density, groundwater pollution from septic tanks often exceeds acceptable limits and conversion to public sewer is required. Therefore the use of geophysical methods to locate on-lot systems for proper abandonment has grown significantly in recent years.