Which method helps identify signal distortions by comparing locations?

• A. Use only the highest frequency
• B. Ignore frequency
• C. Use only one depth measurement
• D. Use a low frequency and a high frequency and compare locations

Answer: (D)

Using multiple frequencies and comparing their results helps reveal distortions in the signal. Different frequencies travel and reflect through ground conditions in different ways, so they don’t behave identically in every situation. A low frequency penetrates deeper and is less affected by small near-surface irregularities, while a high frequency provides finer detail but is more sensitive to clutter and shallow conditions. By running both and comparing the indicated locations, you can spot inconsistencies that point to distortions, multipath, or interference, giving a more reliable sense of where the actual utility is located.

If both frequencies point to the same location, you gain confidence in the mark. If they don’t, you know something in the environment is distorting one or both readings and you should investigate further before marking.

Using only the highest frequency lacks the cross-check against deeper distortions; ignoring frequency eliminates the comparison needed to detect distortions; using only one depth measurement can hide the discrepancies that reveal distortions.