Schematic map with a Bayreuth marker, tablet, white FONTANA-EOD helmet, notebook and pen.

Explosive ordnance surveying in Upper Franconia

Before excavation, utility work or exploratory drilling, existing information must be assigned to its actual investigation purpose. FONTANA-EOD helps project owners, planners and site managers in Upper Franconia clarify the explosive ordnance question for the planned ground disturbance. Send the site plan, depths of ground disturbance and complete reports so that usable findings, outstanding questions and the specialist services needed can be identified.

Assign information

Know the subject of each report and official decision.

Describe the ground disturbance

Mark excavations, utilities and exploratory locations.

Clarify specialist questions

Separate mining-related and explosive ordnance findings.

Assess the construction project

How is mining information included in construction preparation?

Read the information according to its actual subject and property reference. Pass known restrictions together with the plans for ground disturbance to the specialists involved. The explosive ordnance question is addressed separately using the relevant findings. Shared point labels and plan versions help relate the different findings clearly to the planned ground disturbance.

Documented location references

Reference projects in the administrative region of Upper Franconia

Select a project location on the map or in the location list. The associated entries lead to the protected reference overview.

2 locations · 1 associated reference entry

Reference projects in the administrative region of Upper FranconiaGeographical outline with confirmed location references from the project records. No precise ordnance find or site coordinates. Pegnitz – 1 reference entrySchnabelwaid – 1 reference entry

The markers indicate locations associated with documented references, rather than exact find or construction site coordinates. Several entries may relate to one project. References without a reliable location assignment are available in the complete reference overview.

Map data: © BKG (2026), VG250 / GN250, Data licence Germany – attribution 2.0. Area outline projected for display. Selection and project assignment: FONTANA-EOD.

Project references

Selected project examples

Project site

Connect the site with the specific construction task

Map of Bavaria with a blue-and-white lozenge shield and crown, a tablet, white FONTANA-EOD helmet and notebook.

Assign the project location and specialist tasks clearly

The Northern Bavaria Mining Authority handles the mining law procedures described; information on former mining has its own subject. Explosive ordnance falls under the Bavarian rules on duties and responsibilities. Describe your property and planned ground disturbance clearly so that enquiries can be directed to the appropriate body and results then incorporated clearly into shared construction preparation.

The administrative region of Upper Franconia is in northern Bavaria. According to the official administrative structure it comprises nine districts and the four independent cities of Bamberg, Bayreuth, Coburg and Hof. For local hazard prevention, municipal responsibility follows the municipality of the actual project site. State the address, cadastral district, plot and construction sections affected. Distinguish a city from a district with the same name; the property's location determines where the enquiry belongs. For projects in the neighbouring Lower Franconia the local municipality and project areas there are assigned separately. If the project location changes, each report remains linked to its actual geographical scope.

Local context

Assess former mining and wartime effects on the property

The specialist purpose of information on former mining

The BayernPortal describes a separate information service on former mining and mining conditions. It concerns mining installations and related questions. For such an enquiry, the portal specifies a site plan and precise property identification, among other details. This does not establish an explosive ordnance investigation; the information's actual content remains decisive.

Responsibilities under mining law and for explosive ordnance

The Government of Upper Franconia operates the Northern Bavaria Mining Authority. For plan approval of mining projects, the government identifies Upper, Middle and Lower Franconia and the Upper Palatinate as its area of responsibility. An authority's name alone therefore establishes neither responsibility for explosive ordnance nor contamination of your property. The explosive ordnance question is assessed using the relevant findings and Bavarian rules on responsibilities.

Bring together historical findings at the project location

Several specialist questions may arise in one project. A planned borehole may, for example, investigate the ground's geotechnical properties, while preparation of that ground disturbance from an explosive ordnance perspective needs clarification beforehand. Give the parties the same point label and plan version. This shows which question has been answered and which needs separate investigation.

For Bayreuth, the Haus der Bayerischen Geschichte documents in its Reconstruction Atlas air raids on 5, 8 and 11 April 1945 and damage to Bahnhofsplatz and industrial facilities. The surviving local archive records were also affected: the Bayreuth City Archive describes the loss of municipal records in the town hall fire in April 1945. Preliminary investigation compares available aerial photographs and other surviving documents with the specific property boundaries. Earlier uses, reconstruction and later changes to the ground are included where supported by evidence. The assessment distinguishes these local indications from the question of which explosive ordnance findings actually exist for today's working area.

Working together

Roles and responsibilities at the location

Client and operator

The client describes the project and provides the available project records. The operator adds requirements for use, access and timing. A coordinating contact brings the parties together; individual tasks remain assigned to the named parties. Before commissioning, it is clearly recorded what information is missing, who will obtain it and what decision the result is intended to prepare.

Planning and construction management

The specialist designers describe areas, depths, construction methods and changes. Site management coordinates the planned sequence with the construction contractors and agreed specialist works. Results are assigned to the respective intervention. A technical plan change is communicated early enough for its effect on the survey task to be assessed before construction. Organisational construction stage boundaries remain distinguishable from technical survey boundaries.

Specialist company and competent bodies

The private explosive ordnance specialist carries out the agreed investigation and documentation. Documents needed for an official procedure are determined by the site, project and requirements of the competent body. The technical report describes the specialist service completed with its documented area, depth and service scope. The respective competent bodies make official decisions.

In Bavaria, municipalities generally perform local security duties. The police act where urgent intervention is required. The explosive ordnance disposal service commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior supports responses to specific hazards from found old ordnance; the Nuremberg disposal unit is responsible for Upper Franconia. Project-specific research and technical property investigation are prepared as separate specialist commissions. Activities of the commissioned service on old ordnance that are free of charge under the Bavarian notice are distinct from these private services. Mining law matters remain with the bodies responsible for them.

Investigation task

Which specialist task comes next?

State the specialist question explicitly in the commission

Describe which findings are needed for which ground disturbance. Existing findings are included with their purpose and scope. The suitable investigation follows the specific task and local conditions. A generally worded ground assessment commission, by contrast, leaves open whether explosive ordnance, bearing capacity, pollutants or another question forms the agreed service.

Compare suitable specialist services

Clarify further prerequisites with the competent bodies

If mining-related or other special conditions are known, refer them to the competent specialists. Coordinate the explosive ordnance service with the agreed sequence. Shared plans and clear contacts support cooperation. The technical findings of one investigation should be used neither as a substitute for other approvals nor as comprehensive clearance of every specialist question.

Compare investigation methods
Project types

Assign information and clarify the explosive ordnance question for the ground disturbance

Two people discussing plans at a table beside a vehicle on a construction site.

Organise existing information by subject

Historical indications of explosive ordnance, mining information and other ground documents may concern the same property. Identify the purpose and spatial reference of each. Relevant findings are assessed and related to the project for explosive ordnance planning. Information from other specialists remains available as additional conditions, without extending its findings to another investigation question.

Provide information and investigation reports with their maps and appendices. References to earlier buildings or changes to the ground are related to the planned working areas. If important evidence for explosive ordnance assessment is missing, commission the necessary historical research and aerial photograph analysis. Their results help define the subsequent technical task. A mining indication still requires clarification with the competent specialist. The project file keeps the different findings with their respective results and outstanding points.

Organise documents by subject and location
Two people with a tablet beside a marked construction area; plans lie in the foreground.

Determine investigation needs at the actual point

State the position, depth and working level of planned boreholes or other ground disturbance. Describe necessary preliminary work and known restrictions too. Specialist planning designs a suitable approach for this task. The name of an official information document alone determines neither explosive ordnance needs nor prerequisites for other specialist services at the same site.

The plans also show preliminary work such as trial trenches, access construction and connection trenches. For each ground disturbance, bring together the findings needed and the documents available for them. If points, elevations or the proposed construction phase change, compare investigation needs again. This allows the tender to define specialist tasks, documents to be provided, access and the expected handover of results. Site management identifies those responsible for individual services and clarifies technical prerequisites before the affected works.

Compare specialist services
Illustration: two people review plans and documents at a table beside a construction vehicle.

Pass on the different results in full

Hand over the information and reports used with their appendices and limits. The shared plan shows the points or areas to which the findings relate. Site management can then see which technical prerequisites are established for the next ground disturbance. Other outstanding tasks remain separately visible even when one investigation is complete.

The results plan records the relationship between investigation and planned ground disturbance. When handing over to another contractor, provide the current site plan and relevant reports with all appendices together. Assign identifiable restrictions to the working areas affected. Compare a later excavation extension or additional deep connection with the documented scope. Agree necessary additions before the new ground disturbance. Earlier specialist services that remain usable are retained clearly in the project file.

Document findings and their limitations
Preparation

Prepare the scope and commission together

Establish what needs to be known before commissioning the work

First establish which decision the commission needs to support. Is the task an initial assessment of existing documents, an investigation of a specific area or examination of an anomaly that has already been assessed? These tasks require different evidence. A general wish for safety does not define an investigation that can be carried out. The enquiry therefore specifies the groundworks, location, depth and available findings. Suitable specialist work and the required reporting are then agreed on that basis.

Define the specialist task

Coordinate preparatory work with the investigation

Required access and survey conditions are clarified before the site visit. This may include keeping areas clear, obtaining service information and coordinating with other trades. The method and site determine which preparations are actually needed. Changes to the surface or additional groundworks are not undertaken unilaterally simply to prepare for a survey. Their sequence is agreed with the specialist designers and responsible parties.

Clarify preparatory work in the programme

Agree a clear scope and schedule

A reliable programme distinguishes tasks already technically resolved from prerequisites still outstanding. If an area will be only partly accessible, account for this when commissioning work. Results handover and assessment also need time in the construction programme. Agree timing and the work required once scope, access, documents, construction conditions and the date a decision is needed are clarified.

Discuss the scope and schedule
Prepare the construction project

What helps the initial discussion

01

State the purpose of each document

Send the complete information and reports with their appendices. Identify whether they concern mining conditions, geotechnical matters, pollutants or explosive ordnance. A general reference to an area already assessed is insufficient if the documents do not show the investigation objective and limits.

02

Include preliminary work

Ground disturbance may be planned before construction itself, such as exploratory boreholes, trial trenches or access construction. Record these works with position and depth. The need for explosive ordnance investigation and suitability of a method are assessed for the specific ground disturbance.

03

Identify restricted access

If a specialist body restricts access or subsurface work, pass the relevant document to the planning team. Explosive ordnance surveying does not replace clarification of these other hazards. Prepare measurement areas so that the agreed investigation can be carried out under the planned conditions.

04

Record changes to the project

Mark relocated boreholes or changed excavation depths against the earlier plan. Compare existing results with the new plans. A change needs specialist assessment but does not automatically require the same additional investigation at every site.

Project documents

Documents that establish the next step

Trace the property reference of information

Check the property details given and corresponding site plan. Clarify differing labels or unclear boundaries. A report from the same surrounding area does not automatically provide findings for your own construction site. Compare current ground disturbance with the areas actually described and the technical limits of the information. Clearance works actually completed require the corresponding clearance record with areas addressed, methods, findings and outstanding tasks. Compare its property and depth references with your own construction area too.

Include preliminary exploration in planning

Boreholes or other exploratory works may take place in the ground before construction itself. Record these activities with points, depths and their sequence of dates. Coordinate the necessary explosive ordnance assessment with the respective specialists. Known requirements from other information remain considered; a shared work location does not remove different investigation objectives and responsibilities.

Construction sequence

Coordinate investigation and construction sections

Send information with current plans for ground disturbance

Include the complete documents and corresponding maps. Show planned boreholes, excavations and preliminary work on the current site plan. Identify unclear assignments or missing appendices. The initial discussion can then distinguish existing explosive ordnance information from additional details or services still needed for the specific ground disturbance.

Compare results before the next work stage

Compare the position and depth of the proposed works with the relevant reports. Site management receives the current plan version and necessary results documents. If points move or construction boundaries change, repeat the comparison. Existing findings remain usable to the extent that their documented scope actually covers the changed task.

Method selection

Select methods according to the task and survey conditions

Historical records and aerial photographs

Historical aerial photograph assessment and other old records help place the basis for suspicion in its spatial context. The available images, their evidential value and the limits of the area considered matter. The absence of an identifiable indication must be distinguished from a technically surveyed ground area. The assessment is considered together with the planned intervention and other available findings. It can support the choice of a survey, but is not a measurement of the present-day subsurface or confirmation for all future works.

Understand aerial photograph assessment

Magnetometric survey

Magnetometric methods detect magnetic anomalies. Whether they can address the specific survey task depends, among other things, on the expected objects, ground conditions, interference and required survey area. Fences, utilities or existing structures may affect interpretation. A measurement signal is therefore not described as ordnance solely because of its strength. Method, interpretation and any further investigation are planned as a connected specialist task.

Understand the scope of magnetometry

Electromagnetic methods

Electromagnetic investigations can be suitable for particular metallic targets and site conditions. Their suitability must be explained for the task, rather than inferred simply from the availability of equipment. Interfering installations, accessible areas and the findings required must also be considered. Results are documented with their location and survey conditions. The specialist assessment determines whether a supplementary method is needed; this remains a project-specific decision.

Understand electromagnetic surveying

Ground-penetrating radar

Under suitable conditions, ground-penetrating radar can provide information about subsurface structures and reflections. Ground conditions, moisture, installations and the particular survey task affect interpretability. An anomaly is not automatically ordnance, and an area with no apparent anomalies is not general evidence for arbitrary depths. The specialist interpretation and its limits are documented with the instruction. A survey for another purpose is not adopted without checking as ordnance evidence.

GPR and limitations

Deep-ground and downhole surveys

For deeper groundworks, it may be necessary to establish whether a surface investigation can provide the required findings or another approach is needed. Preparation includes the location, depth, borehole layout and existing services. Creating access for the investigation must also be properly planned by specialists. A general depth figure or standard grid cannot replace that work. Findings remain limited to the areas actually investigated and the method used.

Prepare deep interventions

Survey during construction

If a necessary preliminary investigation cannot be completed, the specialists assess whether a planned approach during construction is suitable. This includes coordinated investigation, interpretation and communication of findings within the intended work sequence. Visual observation of excavated material is not an interchangeable substitute for a necessary survey. Site management needs a clear description of when specialist work will take place, how new findings will be handled and which areas remain unresolved.

Agree the approach during construction
Technical assessment

Select an appropriate explosive ordnance investigation

Assess historical findings

The Historical aerial photograph analysis can contribute to property-specific research. This concerns the sources available for explosive ordnance assessment and the limits of their findings. Mining information does not replace this research; conversely, aerial photograph analysis for explosive ordnance does not answer questions about the stability of old mine workings.

If the evidence is incomplete, the Historical aerial photograph analysis is brought together with records of earlier uses and existing investigation reports. Selection considers available image dates and the identifiable quality of the photographs. Wartime effects, later changes and specialist services already completed are assigned by date and location. Gaps that cannot be resolved remain clear in the assessment. For the project, determine which indications can be used for the specific area and which questions need further technical investigation.

Assess whether open areas can be surveyed

For suitable accessible areas, a Surface survey may be appropriate. Existing structures, metal features and the specific investigation depth affect method selection. Communicate known restrictions before defining an area survey commission.

The Surveying is designed for target objects, ground composition, existing utilities, interfering metal objects and the depth required. Structures and operational installations may affect measurement or interpretation. For deep interventions at individual points, assess the suitability of deep surveying or borehole clearance separately. Specialist planning describes access and necessary preparation with their respective prerequisites. Findings from other reports are used only within their actual technical and geographical scope.

Assess deep ground disturbance separately

For deep work at individual points, check whether a deep or borehole survey is suitable. Preparation for this investigation must also be compatible with the other requirements at the site. Naming a drilling method establishes neither a generally applicable depth nor suitability for every property.

Suitable Excavation supervision receives a defined working area and conditions agreed on technical grounds. Necessary investigations, any required area clearance and Ordnance recovery are coordinated with the construction sequence and necessary protective measures. If a suspicious object is found, the affected work remains stopped; inform the police immediately. Work completed, findings and remaining limits are documented. The subsequent specialist decision identifies further needs before the affected follow-on ground disturbance.

Next steps

From information to an investigation commission

01

Gathering the records

Assign existing reports to the affected property and their respective investigation purposes. The initial discussion records the project location, construction task and date a decision is needed. Document review includes complete explosive ordnance reports and their appendices.

02

Describe the next work

Identify the specific ground disturbance rather than only the property's later use. If the evidence is incomplete, the necessary historical research and aerial photograph analysis are carried out. These and the current plans define the specific investigation task.

03

Coordinate specialists

We clarify the explosive ordnance task. Mining and geotechnical questions are addressed with the competent or commissioned bodies. Method selection considers target objects, ground, interference and required depth. The agreed surveying or suitable supervision addresses the defined scope; findings and measurement limits are assessed by specialists.

04

Pass results to the people who need them

Hand over the relevant plans and limits of the findings to those preparing and executing the work concerned. The report and results plans document the services completed. The follow-up decision determines further specialist needs before the affected subsequent ground disturbance.

Documentation

Use different evidence together

Findings and their scope

A report is useful for further planning when its purpose and geographical scope remain clear. For older documents, check whether they concern the same area, depth and working level. Have uncertainties clarified before the next work, rather than treating a report as sufficient clearance solely because of its title.

Documentation includes results plans, assessment and records of specialist services completed. A clearance record documents the actual scope of clearance works. Site management assigns these documents to today's construction sections and planned depths. Where ground has been excavated or filled, the elevation datum used remains important. Investigated and outstanding areas are shown clearly on the same plan. Before the next ground disturbance, clarify which results can be used for it and which additions are technically necessary.

Project responsibilities

The Bavarian notice distinguishes property research from addressing specific explosive ordnance hazards. It states that there is no central explosive ordnance register. Local security authorities are generally responsible for municipal hazard prevention; mining information and a private technical investigation each have a different purpose.

Working approach

How FONTANA-EOD works

Document the agreed specialist service clearly

We assess the planned groundworks against the available documents and their design revision. Before attending site, we agree with you what needs to be investigated, which areas are accessible and what findings are required. If the design or site conditions change, we check whether the agreed scope remains appropriate. The report states what was actually investigated and the limits of the findings. This allows designers and site management to see which findings they can use and where questions remain.

Discuss the investigation task

The task before the equipment

We first establish the investigation objective: which question must it answer? We then select a technically suitable method. The availability of a particular device or experience on a similar neighbouring site is not enough to justify the choice of method on its own.

Keep limitations visible

Inaccessible areas and limited conclusions are identified. They do not disappear into a total area figure. Designers and site management can then decide specifically which areas still need attention and when a suitable survey becomes possible.

Clarify changes before intervening in the ground

A new location, additional depth or different construction method is compared with previous results. A familiar project name does not replace this comparison. Feedback is provided before the affected work so that an outstanding question can be included in the sequence.

Hand over the report and plan together

The technical conclusion remains connected to its location references and appendices. A brief summary helps orientation but does not replace the documented survey scope. This basis is retained even if site management or contractors change.

Understand the results

Use technical statements for the next decision

Assess official information according to its content

A document's official origin helps identify it but does not replace reading its subject. Check the question addressed, geographical reference and restrictions stated. The information can then be used appropriately without attributing findings about explosive ordnance or other technical prerequisites that it does not contain.

Understand investigation reports and their limitations

Use consistent points across several specialist services

Identify exploratory and construction points clearly in all plans handed over. Retain the relationship between older and changed labels. Different specialists can then relate their results to the same actual ground disturbance. Their findings remain distinguishable by task and are reassigned specifically when changes occur, rather than being transferred unnoticed to another site.

Understand the service scope
Design and findings

Documents for the next construction decision

Illustration: aerial photographs and maps on two screens and printed on a desk.

Historical evidence and the current design

Aerial photograph interpretation is related to the actual groundworks. Its purpose and geographical scope remain distinct from a technical investigation of the ground as it is today.

Understand aerial photograph assessment
Illustration: two people review plans and documents at a table beside a construction vehicle.

Specialist reports for site management

The findings, their locations and limitations are handed over together. This makes clear to those carrying out the work which area has been investigated and which task remains outstanding.

Assess investigation reports
Four people in orange high-visibility vests in front of two excavators on a construction site.
Person with a yellow survey cart on a footpath in front of a hedge.
Questions from planning

Questions about information and investigation needs

Does information on former mining without adverse findings replace explosive ordnance assessment?

No. The information concerns mining conditions. The existence of explosive ordnance findings and need for technical investigation must be clarified using suitable documents and the planned project. The sequence connects document review, necessary historical research and method selection with investigation or suitable supervision, assessment and documentation.

Is the Northern Bavaria Mining Authority the explosive ordnance authority for Upper Franconia?

The Northern Bavaria Mining Authority handles specialist mining questions. Municipalities are generally responsible for local hazard prevention relating to explosive ordnance; the police act where urgent intervention is required. The commissioned explosive ordnance disposal service supports responses to specific hazards from old found munitions. The Nuremberg disposal unit is responsible for Upper Franconia. Mining statements are classified according to their own subject.

What information does FONTANA-EOD need before an exploratory borehole?

A site plan with a point label, planned depth, elevation datum and existing explosive ordnance documents is helpful. Add known restrictions from other specialists and possible preliminary work. This allows definition of the explosive ordnance task for the specific ground disturbance. Clarify these needs before the exploratory borehole and its associated preparatory ground disturbance.

Can an existing report be reused for a relocated excavation?

This depends on its documented scope. The new position and depth are compared with the areas investigated. Only then can it be assessed whether the report covers the change or further clarification is needed. Changed interference conditions may affect the suitability of the earlier investigation method.

What should I do if a suspicious object is found in the ground?

Stop work in the affected area immediately. Do not touch or move the object. Leave the danger area, keep your distance and keep others away. Inform the police immediately on 110. Follow police instructions.

Which factors determine the cost of explosive ordnance assessment?

Research needs, area and depth, access, existing structures and interfering metal objects affect the work required. Other factors include the suitable method, interpretation and documentation, and investigation of findings where necessary. Usable earlier reports help limit supplementary work to outstanding questions. The specialist services needed are coordinated with the actual exploration and construction phases.

How do renamed exploratory or construction points remain traceable?

Record the assignment between earlier and new point labels in the plans handed over. The specialists involved must be able to relate their results to the same actual ground disturbance. A new label does not extend an existing report's findings to another location.

What belongs in a clearly described investigation commission?

The specialist question, specific ground disturbance with position and depth, existing findings and relevant conditions. The agreed scope of services is defined explicitly from these.

Project enquiry

Discuss the documents for your project

Send the complete information

Include purpose, property reference, maps and restrictions. State the cadastral district and plot or an identifiable address; the respective body specifies other documents required for its information service.

Define the planned points

Show position, depth and working level with a clear plan version. Relate reports to the planned working locations and state the date a decision is needed for the next construction phase.

Project enquiry

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.