Project pathway
The quickest route to the right decision.
Services for explosive ordnance surveys, assessment and disposal
The explosive ordnance services you need depend on the proposed works. We review the site plan, intervention depths and existing records. We then agree with you whether aerial photograph analysis, technical surveying, specialist construction supervision or clearance is required and which results must be documented.
Assess the site and records.
Agree methods and depth.
Document project-specific results.
Understand the specialist service
Which specialist service suits your construction project?
The appropriate service depends on suspected ordnance, the construction phase and proposed ground disturbance. Area-wide investigations, deep borehole locations and ongoing excavation require different methods.
The site plan, intervention depth and existing records help identify which investigation supports the next project step.
Project references
Selected project examples
Explosive ordnance survey — Neuss — renewal of KrBw over route 2534 and EÜ Xantener Straße Neuss / Germany
The scope for “Neuss — renewal of KrBw over route 2534 and EÜ Xantener Straße Neuss / Germany” included downhole magnetometry.
Service period: 2026-10
Service areas:Downhole magnetometry / deep-ground survey
View project details · Deep-ground and downhole surveys · Project location: Neuss
Plattling: track 20
Service period: 2026-10
Service areas:Downhole magnetometry / deep-ground surveySurface surveys: GPR, TDEM and magnetometryMethod used in this project: Ground-penetrating radar
Downhole magnetometry
View project details · Deep-ground and downhole surveys · Region: Lower Bavaria
GPR
View project details · GPR and limitations · Region: Lower Bavaria
Project context and trigger
When to prepare each type of explosive ordnance assessment
The need for explosive ordnance assessment and surveying is not determined by site size alone. The project stage, type of ground intervention, existing indications of suspected ordnance, technical constraints and the decision needed after the work all matter.
Land, development and early planning
Before purchase, a change of use, land-use planning or site development, establish whether historical evidence, previous uses, known finds or existing statements provide grounds to suspect explosive ordnance within the proposed construction site.
At this stage, defining the relevant area is the priority. The result should identify subareas needing further assessment and whether a technical investigation must be prepared for the later ground intervention.
Assess historical evidence of suspected ordnanceDesign, tendering and specifications
Before procurement, the investigation area, intervention depth, service objective, qualification requirements, interfaces and required documentation must be clearly defined. A general item called “explosive ordnance surveying” is usually insufficient for comparable cost estimates.
Where suspicion is confirmed or defined more precisely, a clearance plan, quality requirements and clearance or completion documentation for the area actually worked may also be required.
Prepare tendering and documentationArea-wide and near-surface interventions
Surface surveys may suit development sites, paved areas, route sections and near-surface earthworks. Selection of magnetometry, TDEM, GPR or a combination depends on the target and survey environment.
Hard surfacing, utilities, reinforcement, scrap metal, moisture, access and the depth for which conclusions are needed must be assessed before commissioning.
Understand surface survey requirementsDrilling, foundations and deep ground interventions
Ground investigation boreholes, piles, sheet piles, anchors, masts and deep foundations require assessment of the subsequent working envelope. An area-wide surface survey does not automatically answer this depth-related question.
Planning requires coordinates, target depth, diameter, drilling or installation method, safety distances and information on utilities and existing structures.
Assess borehole locations and depthOngoing excavation and restricted surveyability
Where existing buildings, fill, utilities or strong interference limit prior investigation, excavation supervision may be integrated into site operations. It follows the actual ground intervention and requires clear work organisation.
Excavation layers, equipment use, lines of instruction, hold points, briefings, action on finds and documentation are agreed with site management and contractors before work begins.
Agree excavation supervisionConditions, anomalies or finds
Where an authority has already imposed a condition, its spatial scope, required records and unresolved project decision are considered together. The resulting specialist service is tailored to the actual ground intervention.
A survey anomaly, an interfering object and an actually discovered suspicious object must be distinguished. Depending on the findings, further detection, exposure, area clearance, ordnance recovery or involvement of the competent authorities may be required.
The follow-up decision is based on location, condition, working environment, clearance objective and regional responsibilities.
Understand findings and recovery Service groups and results
From assessment of suspicion to explosive ordnance clearance
Explosive ordnance survey and disposal services build on one another technically, but not every project needs every service. Each addresses its own question and provides a clearly defined basis for the next step.
The site plan is used to check whether proposed works affect a suspect area. Ground construction, utilities and other interfering objects may limit surveying. The report identifies the investigated area, depth and unresolved questions. These determine whether more data, another method or investigation of individual anomalies is needed.
Buildings, fill, utilities or strong interference may hinder surveying before excavation. The suitability of excavation supervision for the works is then assessed. Anomalies or findings may require further clearance or recovery. The approach, area worked and results are documented.
Historical aerial photograph analysis and assessment of areas with suspected ordnance
Task: Relate historical aerial photographs, maps, archives, previous uses and existing evidence to the actual project area.
Result: Spatially justified suspect areas, unresolved data gaps and a recommendation on the need for technical investigation or further records assessment.
Surface survey
Task: Investigate defined areas or near-surface intervention envelopes using a geophysical method suited to the target and ground.
Result: Georeferenced survey data, mapped anomalies or interfering objects, identified limitations and a specialist follow-up decision.
Deep-ground and downhole surveys
Task: Investigate the point and depth envelope relevant to boreholes, piles, sheet piles, anchors or comparable deep interventions.
Result: Point-specific survey and assessment records stating geometry, survey depth, interference and further measures required.
Excavation supervision
Task: Provide specialist supervision of earthworks in areas with suspected ordnance or limited preliminary investigation, and integrate the response to anomalies into the construction sequence.
Result: Layer- and section-specific records, documented hold points, communication of findings and traceable assessment of the supervised working area.
Area clearance and explosive ordnance recovery
Task: Expose and assess defined suspect points or affected areas against the clearance objective, and secure or recover identified ordnance within the permitted scope of activity.
Result: Clearance and findings records, spatially referenced evidence, documented handovers and clear boundaries for unresolved areas.
Clearance planning and clearance documentation
Task: Bring together the clearance objective, working limits, methods, quality assurance, responsibilities and documentation for the specific project.
Result: Verifiable project and completion documentation clearly describing the area and depth actually worked, limitations of the conclusions and the way forward.
Select survey methods
Which method can provide meaningful results under the project conditions?
An explosive ordnance survey method is not selected by familiarity or equipment availability. What matters is whether it can detect the suspected target within the proposed working envelope under the existing ground and interference conditions. Selection establishes the survey objective, limitations and any necessary supplementary measures together.
Historical aerial photograph analysis may first be needed before design or tendering. Accessible areas may be investigated geophysically. For boreholes, piles, sheet piles and other deep interventions, the relevant points and depths must be assessed separately. Suspected ordnance and your construction plans are decisive.
Historical aerial photograph analysis establishes the basis for suspicion using available sources; image quality and temporal coverage limit the conclusions. The report documents suspect areas and data gaps. For area clearance, the clearance objective, access and findings determine the work; clearance records identify areas worked, handovers and unresolved issues.
Ground-penetrating radar / GPR
Can reveal structural differences, buried infrastructure and material changes in the ground. Suitability depends particularly on ground construction, moisture, hard surfacing, interference and the depth for which conclusions are required.
Profiles and interpreted structures show the investigated area; investigation limitations and unresolved areas are stated in the result.
Request a technical assessment of GPR
Magnetometry
Particularly relevant for ferromagnetic targets. Utilities, reinforcement, vehicles, scrap metal and other magnetic interference may limit surveying and interpretation.
Survey data and the anomaly plan record locations, assessed signals and interference zones. A magnetic signal alone does not identify explosive ordnance.
Request a technical assessment of magnetometry
TDEM
Records electromagnetic responses from conductive objects and can help distinguish certain anomalies. The target, depth, ground and electromagnetic interference determine the conclusions that can be supported.
The survey and interpretation report locates the responses and identifies limitations. An anomalous response is initially a survey finding requiring assessment.
Request a technical assessment of TDEM
Deep-ground and downhole surveys
Investigates defined point and depth envelopes for boreholes, piles or other deep interventions. Survey geometry, borehole spacing, target depth, casing and subsequent working methods must be coordinated.
Utilities, casing and nearby metal objects may affect survey data. The record states point location, investigation geometry, depth and limitations together.
Request a technical assessment of deep-ground surveying
Supervision during construction
A technically suitable explosive ordnance survey during construction is tailored to the actual excavation envelope. Technical surveying and a specialist decision precede each stage of soil removal; removal in layers then takes place under additional visual supervision. The sequence repeats for subsequent layers and requires clear lines of instruction, hold points and documentation.
Inaccessible working envelopes and changing construction conditions may limit supervision. Section-specific field records show which excavation layers were actually supervised.
Request a technical assessment of excavation supervision
Combining methods and alternative measures
No method is universal. On heterogeneous sites, methods may be combined, subareas assessed separately or unsurveyable zones addressed through deep-ground surveying, exposure or excavation supervision.
Understand the investigation design
Construction tasks and applications
How project setting and construction sequence affect the service
The same suspected hazard may create different requirements for explosive ordnance assessment, surveying and the construction sequence in different sectors. Linear routes, urban excavations, industrial sites and municipal projects differ in access, intervention depth, closure periods, documentation and coordination.
Road construction and civil engineering
Excavations, sewer construction, paved areas and earthworks combine varying depths with tightly coordinated construction. Surveying, excavation supervision and documentation must be planned by section.
Assess road and civil engineering requirements
Rail and track corridors
Linear projects need clear chainage, working widths, possession windows, crossings and documentation that unambiguously identifies every investigated section.
Assess railway and route requirements
Utility construction and energy
Cable and pipeline routes, mast locations, substations and network connections require assessment by installation depth, crossing, borehole location and assembly area.
Assess utility and energy project requirements
Industry and commercial sites
Existing installations, foundations, utility networks, fill and magnetic or metallic interference affect surveyability, working areas and supplementary measures.
Assess industrial site requirements
Local authority projects
Public-sector clients need service specifications suitable for procurement, clearly defined responsibilities and verifiable records for administration, design and site management.
Assess municipal project requirements
Housing and site development
New developments and neighbourhoods combine area assessment, utility provision, ground investigation and subsequent individual construction sites. The work should be structured for delivery in sections.
Assess site development requirements
Critical infrastructure
Energy, water, transport and communications facilities require robust safety, access and documentation processes. Operating conditions, protected areas and reporting arrangements inform work preparation.
View sectors and applications
Environment, contaminated land and geotechnics
Drilling, sampling, surveys and remediation may enter areas with suspected explosive ordnance. Ordnance, contaminated-land and geotechnical questions are treated as separate disciplines with coordinated work sequences.
Assess environmental and geotechnical requirementsInsurers and risk management
For project insurers and those responsible for risk, a traceable basis for suspicion, clearly defined work areas and documented residual uncertainty are essential to assessment and communication.
View sectors and applications
Records for the project file and site management
Documentation provided for design and construction
A specialist service becomes fully usable for construction only when its starting position, scope, methods, findings and limitations are brought together transparently. Documentation must remain understandable to people who were not involved in fieldwork.
Project and spatial reference
The project description, site plan, land parcel, coordinate system, construction site, route, chainage, borehole locations and working limits establish the spatial basis. Changes during execution are updated traceably.
Basis for suspicion and assessment
Historical assessments, authority information, earlier records, known finds and project requirements are documented with source and area references. Contradictions and missing information remain visible as unresolved issues.
Methods and working conditions
The measurement principle, grid, survey direction, investigation depth, borehole geometry, excavation layers, ground, surface, access and interference are described so that the conclusions can be assessed technically.
Survey data, anomalies and findings
Raw and interpreted data, anomaly schedules, site plans, depths, field records and findings documentation must agree. Automated processing does not replace specialist plausibility checks.
Deviations and areas that cannot be investigated
Utilities, reinforcement, large interfering objects, vehicles, structures, vegetation or inadequate access may limit investigation. These areas are identified spatially and assigned an appropriate follow-up measure.
Clearance record and completion documentation
For exposure, clearance or recovery, the work scope, findings, handovers and quality checks are documented spatially. Completion or clearance documentation describes the status achieved without extending conclusions beyond the area actually investigated.
Plan the project sequence
From enquiry to a documented investigation result
The sequence is tailored to the available records, project phase and construction method. Each step answers a specific question and provides a basis for the next.
Define the task
The location, project type, construction phase, intervention, depth, timing and required conclusions are described clearly.
Review records
Site plans, land parcels, routes, borehole locations, earlier records, utilities and conditions are checked for completeness and unambiguous spatial references.
Assess suspected ordnance
Existing historical evidence is compared with the current site plan. If records are insufficient, the research or aerial photograph analysis needed for the project is carried out. Results identify areas relevant to further investigation planning and whether technical surveys are required.
Define services and methods
The target, depth, ground, interference, construction sequence and documentation objective determine the appropriate service or combination of methods.
Prepare the work
Access, exclusion areas, briefings, equipment use, lines of instruction, hold points and communication are agreed before work begins.
Carry out the service
Surveying, specialist construction supervision, exposure or clearance is carried out with spatial references using the agreed methodology.
Assess data and findings
Measurements, anomalies, exposed objects and limitations undergo specialist plausibility assessment against the investigation or clearance objective.
Hand over results
Reports, plans, records, limitations and the follow-up decision are prepared for the project file, tendering or site management.
Distinguish the services
Questions answered by each specialist service
Service stages are not interchangeable. What matters is the project question, the area and depth to which the result applies, and the limitations relevant to the next decision.
01
Historical investigation
Answers: Whether and where historical evidence provides grounds to suspect explosive ordnance.
Scope of application: Assessment is based on the historical sources analysed. Where suspicion is justified, a suitable technical investigation establishes present-day conditions.
02
Magnetometry
Magnetometry detects magnetic anomalies, particularly those associated with ferromagnetic objects. Utilities, reinforcement, vehicles and other magnetic interference may limit interpretation.
Documentation identifies the survey area, data quality, assessed anomalies and zones that cannot be assessed adequately. Conclusions remain tied to the target and survey conditions.
03
Ground-penetrating radar / GPR
GPR records reflections caused by subsurface contrasts. Ground construction, moisture, attenuation, hard surfacing and existing installations determine investigation capabilities.
Profiles and interpreted structures document the investigation. The method is used according to its suitability for the actual target and may supplement other investigations.
04
TDEM
TDEM records electromagnetic responses from conductive objects. The target, depth and electromagnetic interference affect whether an anomaly can be interpreted for the task.
Survey data and spatially referenced anomalies supplement the project file. An electromagnetic response alone does not identify an item of explosive ordnance.
05
Deep-ground survey
Answers: Which relevant signals are detectable within the defined point and depth envelope of a subsequent intervention.
Scope of application: Conclusions remain tied to the defined investigation geometry. Neighbouring subareas need their own investigation reference.
06
Excavation supervision
Answers: How excavation actually carried out was supervised by specialists within defined layers and areas.
Scope of application: Documentation identifies the supervised areas, depths and construction conditions. Changes to the sequence are compared with previous results.
07
Area clearance and recovery
Answers: How defined suspect points or affected areas were exposed, assessed and worked.
Scope of application: Documentation applies to the agreed clearance objective and the area and depth actually worked.
08
Completion and clearance documentation
Answers: The work status achieved within the documented area and the limitations that remain.
Scope of application: Conclusions are assigned to the investigated area, plan revision and conditions present during the work.
Survey conditions and limitations
Checks before technical investigation
A selected service must provide usable conclusions at the actual site. Existing plans are therefore compared with the ground, surface, interference and accessible working areas. Where conditions vary, the site may be divided into sections assessed separately.
Ground construction and moisture
Layers, fill, moisture and electrical conductivity affect geophysical surveys. Conductive ground can limit the usable investigation depth of GPR. Existing geotechnical records are therefore reviewed for the proposed survey areas. A soil description alone does not establish method suitability.
Hard surfacing and reinforcement
State whether the survey area is asphalted, paved or concreted. Metal reinforcement may hinder investigation below it. Planned surface changes also matter. The report records which areas could be investigated under these conditions and where limitations remain.
Utilities and existing installations
Provide existing utility plans and information on foundations and buried installations at their current revision. These may affect access and interpretation. Their protection must also be planned during preparation and coordinated with the explosive ordnance investigation.
Interfering objects and signal quality
Metal components, vehicles, scrap, fences and technical installations may generate anomalous signals or mask target signatures. Interpretation therefore considers the survey image together with known interference. The decisive question is whether relevant anomalies can be distinguished spatially and assessed transparently under these conditions. Areas with limited conclusions are defined on the plan and identified for appropriate supplementary work.
Investigation depth and intervention geometry
The required conclusions relate to the subsequent working envelope: an area, route, borehole location, shoring or foundation may require different investigation geometry. A proposed intervention depth is a requirement for survey design, not proof of achievable survey performance. The investigation area, conditions and usable depth reference are recorded together. Relocated points or larger interventions are checked against these details again.
Access and occupational safety
Vegetation, terrain, traffic, ongoing operations and simultaneous works determine when and how an area can be investigated. Clients, site management and the specialist contractor agree the necessary access and working areas. Protective measures, responsibilities and communication are defined for the activity. Inaccessible subareas are documented by location and extent so the next commission starts from a clear work status.
Data quality and spatial reference
The survey grid, positioning data, equipment settings and interpretation must suit the investigation question. A common coordinate system and clear section or point identifiers link survey data to the site plan. Specialist checks consider whether data gaps, interrupted survey lines or changing conditions affect interpretation. An anomaly can then be assigned to the correct working area and revisited selectively in a further investigation.
Documentation limits and further needs
The report identifies the investigated area, method and conditions supporting its conclusions. Limitations, unresolved anomalies and supplementary investigation needs are assigned to their respective areas or depth envelopes. Designers and site management can then see which results are usable for the next intervention and which question still needs specialist resolution beforehand.
Technical constraints
Information needed before method selection and cost estimates
The more precisely constraints are described, the more reliably methods, scope, duration and documentation objectives can be defined. Missing details often lead to incomparable quotations or later changes.
Explosive ordnance disposal and clearance are often used as umbrella terms. Reliable commissioning nevertheless requires a specific description of the area, depth, target, methods, interfaces and documentation objective. FONTANA-EOD assesses these details to identify the technically suitable next step.
Area and geometry
The construction site, route length, working width, borehole locations, chainage and subareas determine spatial planning and subsequent documentation.
Ground disturbance and depth
Excavation, utility trenches, drilling, piles, sheet piles and demolition impose different requirements on survey geometry and working space.
Ground and surface
Ground construction, moisture, fill, hard surfacing, layer changes and terrain affect the suitability of geophysical methods.
Utilities and interfering objects
Reinforcement, utilities, scrap metal, vehicles, structures and technical installations may mask survey data or restrict working areas.
Access and construction sequence
Vegetation, buildings, traffic, operations, possession windows, simultaneous trades and available time determine practical feasibility.
Documentation and decision objectives
Design, procurement, site management, project files and authority coordination need differently structured records and conclusions.
Go directly by project task
Find the appropriate specialist service
Select the task matching your project’s current stage to reach the relevant technical requirements, records needed and next steps.
Make an initial assessment of suspicion
For land, sites and routes with unclear historical ordnance conditions or early planning questions.
Carry out a technical site survey
For area-wide or near-surface interventions requiring selection of a suitable geophysical method.
Assess borehole locations and depth
For ground investigation boreholes, piles, sheet piles, anchors, masts and other deep ground interventions.
Provide specialist excavation supervision
For ongoing earthworks where suspicion remains or prior surveying is restricted.
Prepare tendering and clearance planning
For clear specifications, clearance objectives, quality requirements and subsequent documentation.
Request an assessment of an unclear requirement
For authority conditions, reports or project records that do not yet identify the specific explosive ordnance service needed.
Qualifications and working methods
Technical responsibility throughout the commission
Quality in explosive ordnance surveys and disposal comes from combining suitable methods, qualified execution, clear lines of instruction and traceable documentation. An individual instrument or isolated report cannot replace this overall responsibility. Published examples of construction tasks, methods and service scopes are available in our project reference overview.
Licensing, competence and technical responsibility
FONTANA-EOD holds a licence under section 7 SprengG for relevant commercial activities. Work requiring a certificate of competence is carried out by, or under the responsibility of, appropriately qualified specialists under section 20 SprengG.
Before work begins, the required conclusions, affected area and conditions under which they are achievable are defined. These include suspected ordnance, the target, intervention depth, ground, interference, access, construction phase and regional interfaces.
During execution, deviations, restricted areas and changes in scope are recorded continuously. Conclusions therefore remain tied to the area actually worked and the method used.
A clear task
The area, depth, target, work objective and required conclusions are defined before work begins.
Reasoned method selection
Methods are applied according to technical suitability, not by a fixed formula.
Responsible execution
Qualifications, appointment, authority to give instructions and the actual task match the service scope.
Spatially precise quality assurance
Working limits, survey data, findings and checks retain their spatial references.
Transparent limitations
Interference zones, inaccessible areas and methodological limitations are identified visibly.
What the investigation means for your construction project
The result answers the project question and identifies further measures where needed.
Roles and responsibilities
Who performs each project task
Construction responsibilities, private specialist services and public-authority hazard response interact but serve different purposes. Defining roles early prevents gaps in procurement, execution and communication of finds.
Client
Developer, local authority or project promoter
Defines the construction task, investigation area, required conclusions and timing. Provides existing records and commissions the necessary specialist services.
Design
Design, engineering and geotechnical consultancies
Translate the project into specific ground interventions, depths, routes and borehole locations, and incorporate explosive ordnance services into design and specifications.
Execution
Construction contractor and site management
Implement working areas, briefings, protective measures, hold points and reporting arrangements, and communicate changes in the construction sequence.
Specialist contractor
FONTANA-EOD
Assesses records, develops the agreed approach, carries out specialist services within the commission and documents results and limitations.
Responsible person
Competent specialist
Directs the relevant work within their appointment and competence and makes the safety-related decisions needed for the work sequence.
Public authorities
KBD, KMBD, KRD and local authorities
Depending on the project location, handle hazard response, finds or decisions on further measures. Their names and responsibilities vary by region.
The local public order authority and building control authority may specify project-related requirements for hazard prevention or construction. Which body makes which decision is clarified at the specific location. Existing letters are passed to those involved with their dates and spatial reference.
Regulatory framework and occupational safety
Technical and organisational foundations to consider
Requirements depend on the activity, project location, findings and responsibilities. Specifications, qualifications, risk assessment, work organisation and documentation must therefore relate to the actual commission.
Explosives legislation, risk assessment and specialist planning
Section 7 SprengG concerns the commercial licence for activities requiring authorisation; section 20 concerns the certificate of competence for responsible persons. Applicable requirements depend on the actual scope of activity. The 1. SprengV and project-specific occupational safety requirements may also apply.
DGUV Information 201-027 supports risk assessment and protective measures for explosive ordnance clearance activities. The BFR KMR construction guidelines apply to federal properties and also provide a technical framework for historical and technical investigation, clearance planning, procurement and documentation.
Planned preliminary investigation and an actual find require different procedures. If a suspicious object is found, work stops immediately. The object is left undisturbed; people leave the immediate area and notify the competent local authorities through the applicable emergency reporting arrangements. Those authorities determine further action.
DGUV Rule 113-003 concerns dismantling or destroying explosives or corresponding articles and also covers disposal of found ammunition. Service selection establishes whether those activities form part of the commission and how they differ from preceding investigation and documentation tasks.
Licensing and competence
The company, responsible personnel, appointment and scope of responsibility must suit the actual activity.
Risk assessment
Working methods, personnel, equipment, protected areas, briefings, escape routes and communication are defined for the project.
Clearance planning and procurement
The clearance objective, specification, quality requirements, interfaces and acceptance criteria are clearly defined before execution.
Documentation
The area worked, methods, findings, quality checks, limitations and conclusions are brought together transparently.
Before commissioning
Service scope, area and depth references, qualification requirements, working methods and required documentation are defined clearly.
During execution
Everyone involved must know the responsible personnel, lines of instruction, briefings, working areas, hold points and changes.
If suspected ordnance is found
If an item is found, it is left undisturbed and work in the affected area remains stopped. The competent authorities arrange protection and further action.
Work outputs and supporting records
Records used in practice on a project
Typical working documents and records show how historical evidence, survey data and fieldwork are assembled into a traceable project file.
Suspect-area map
Shows the available sources, spatial basis for suspicion, unresolved data gaps and areas where further technical investigation may be considered.
Understand historically suspect areas
Survey and anomaly plan
Links the survey area, grid, coordinate system, interference zones and interpreted anomalies into a verifiable spatial basis.
Clarify the survey task and area reference
Borehole and depth investigation record
Documents coordinates, target and investigated depths, borehole geometry, survey conditions, anomalous signals and the point-specific conclusion.
Plan borehole locations and depth documentation
Excavation and field record
Records the work section, excavation layer, equipment use, observations, interruptions, findings and agreed communication.
Coordinate excavation and specialist supervision
Findings and clearance record
Brings location, exposure, identification, work performed, quality checks and handover together into a traceable individual record.
Understand findings investigation and handover
Project file and completion report
Links the starting position, services, area worked, data, findings and specialist conclusions for design, site management and the project file.
Organise the project file and completion records
Further technical guidance
Explore methods, project settings and responsibilities
Dedicated guidance covers methods, project settings, regional responsibilities and terminology. Choose the topic relevant to the next project decision.
Historical aerial photograph analysis
Explore suspected ordnance, sources, area references and further investigation needs.
Open historical assessmentArea-wide survey methods
Explore method selection, survey conditions and limitations of area-wide investigations.
Survey the surfaceBorehole locations and deep interventions
Explore borehole locations, investigation geometry, target depths and depth-related conclusions.
Survey at depthExplosive ordnance supervision during construction
Explore work organisation, excavation layers, hold points and communication of finds.
Supervise excavationProcess and documentation
Explore project sequences, clearance planning, quality assurance and completion documentation.
Open documentation guidanceSectors and applications
Explore service needs by construction task, infrastructure type and project setting.
Choose the project setting
Regions and responsibilities
Identify the project location, federal state, regional interfaces and operating area.
Select a region
Knowledge and technical questions
Read about cost factors, responsibilities, tendering and action on finds.
Open guidance
EOD and UXO
Relate international technical terminology to specific services, responsibilities and project requirements.
Understand EOD and UXORegional context
Describe service scope together with the project location
Assemble records for each location
Even for recurring construction tasks, existing records are assigned to the particular site. Provide the address, land parcel or route section and the spatial reference of previous investigations. Information already obtained and project-specific requirements help define the unresolved service question. For multiple working locations, keep clear which details apply to each area and who will coordinate further work.
Understand the results
Distinguish services, results and subsequent use
A method answers a particular question
A method’s name does not describe the full meaning of a project result. The agreed task, site conditions and area actually covered are decisive. Historical assessment, geophysical investigation and services during construction each provide different information. When selecting services, check the question to be answered and the limitations relevant to further planning. Additional background is available in selected external media articles about explosive ordnance.
Understand terms and types of resultsLink the next commission to existing records
When another service follows an investigation, results and unresolved issues are handed over together. These include the plan revision, working limits and stated conditions. The next commission can then be based on traceable information. Documentation remains understandable even when designers, site management and contractors join the project at different times.
Use records for follow-up services
Questions from design and procurement
Common questions about explosive ordnance surveys and service selection
When should explosive ordnance assessment begin, and which records are needed?
Begin before tendering and ground disturbance where possible, once the working envelope and proposed interventions are known. Required records include the site plan, intervention depths, construction phases, previous investigations, utility and as-built plans, and authority information and conditions with complete appendices and spatial scope. If suspicion has not yet been assessed historically, work begins with records review and aerial photograph analysis. Where the basis for suspicion is already reliable, a suitable technical investigation is defined for the proposed intervention.
What is the difference between explosive ordnance surveying and clearance?
Explosive ordnance surveying searches for, measures and assesses anomalies within a defined investigation area. Clearance addresses confirmed suspect points, points requiring further investigation or affected areas against a defined clearance objective. Each service requires its own planning and documentation.
When should GPR, magnetometry or TDEM be considered?
These methods may suit area-wide or near-surface investigations, but measure different physical properties. The target, depth, ground construction, moisture, hard surfacing, utilities, reinforcement and other interference determine which method or combination can provide meaningful results.
When is a deep-ground or downhole survey required?
It becomes relevant where boreholes, piles, sheet piles, anchors, masts or other deep interventions are planned. Investigation is referenced to point location, target depth, drilling or installation method, working envelope and safety distances; it does not automatically cover the entire project site.
When can excavation supervision be useful?
It may suit defined areas of residual suspicion where prior investigations are technically restricted and surveying during construction can adequately cover the proposed working envelope. Technical surveying and a specialist decision precede each stage of soil removal. Excavation proceeds in layers under additional visual supervision, with the sequence repeated for each layer. The working envelope, lines of instruction, hold points and documentation are defined before work begins.
What should you do if a suspicious object is found?
Stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch, move or excavate the object further. Leave the immediate area, keep others away without putting yourself at risk and, in Germany, notify the police immediately on 110; outside Germany, use the local emergency reporting arrangements. Then inform site management. The competent authorities determine further action and involvement of the ordnance disposal service according to local procedures.
What does clearance or completion documentation establish?
It describes the area or depth worked, methods, results, findings and remaining limitations. Its conclusions apply to the documented scope and must not be extended to uninvestigated areas or areas subsequently changed.
What determines effort, duration and costs?
Key factors are area size or route length, number and depth of borehole locations, access, surface, vegetation, utilities, interfering objects, required methods, data and documentation scope, construction phase, available time and regional coordination. A reliable estimate therefore needs clear location and intervention references.
Prepare a project enquiry
Information needed to select the specialist service
An enquiry does not need a finished specification. It should, however, identify where the work will take place, the proposed ground intervention, available records and the decision required.
Location and work area
The project address, federal state or country, site plan, cadastral parcel, site boundaries, corridor section, chainage, coordinates and accessible work areas allow clear spatial identification.
For multiple construction sections, show which areas will be worked first and whether different depths or methods are proposed.
Intervention, depth and construction sequence
Describe excavation, a utility trench, borehole, pile, sheet pile, demolition, area clearance or other ground disturbance. Target depth, diameter, working width, construction equipment, programme and design status affect the method.
Also explain how the result will be used: design, tendering, borehole assessment, site management, the project file or coordination with competent authorities.
Records, conditions and previous findings
Include aerial photograph assessments, authority correspondence, contaminated-land reports, geotechnical records, utility and as-built plans, previous survey reports, anomaly schedules and clearance records wherever possible.
Incomplete or contradictory documents are relevant too. They show which information still needs to be obtained or clarified by specialists.
For initial specialist assessment
For an initial assessment, a site plan, brief description of the ground disturbance, maximum depth, planned period and existing indications of suspected ordnance are often sufficient. FONTANA-EOD then identifies the documents still needed and the relevant service area.
Area or corridor
Boundary, length, width, access, construction sections and inaccessible areas.
Borehole locations
Point schedule, coordinates, target depth, drilling method, diameter and sequence.
Construction sequence
Start date, excavation layers, equipment use, possession windows, simultaneous trades and decision dates.
Documentation objective
Documentation for design, tendering, the client, site management, the project file or regional coordination.
Have your project assessed
Whether historical aerial photograph analysis, explosive ordnance surveying, surface surveying using GPR, magnetometry or TDEM, deep-ground surveys, downhole surveys, excavation supervision, area clearance or ordnance recovery is needed depends on the location, ground disturbance, depth, ground and existing documents. An early ordnance assessment provides clarity for tendering, programming, occupational safety and construction.
FONTANA-EOD combines its Section 7 SprengG licence, specialists holding Section 20 SprengG certificates of competence, suitable survey and clearance methods, and traceable documentation. Send the site plan, depth of ground disturbance, construction phase and existing documents for an initial technical assessment.
