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E-ISSN : 2541-5794  
   P-ISSN : 2503-216X  

Journal of Geoscience,  
Engineering, Environment, and Technology 
Vol 8 No 1 2023 

 

44  Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 

RESEARCH ARTICLE 
 

Design and Implementation of a Composite Array Resistivity Data 
Logger for High-Resolution 2D Inversion Modeling 

A.Bahrul Hidayah 1,*, M.Irsan Sadri 2, Safruddim 1, M.Rafli 1, A. Ildha Dwi Puspita 3,  
1Geology Engineering Department,  Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University,South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

2Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering,  Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 
3Civil Engineering Deparment, Faculty of Engineering,  Hasanuddin University, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 

 
* Corresponding author: bahrul.hidayah@unhas.ac.id 
Tel.:+62812-1344-0863 
Received: Nov 4, 2022; Accepted: Mar 20, 2023. 
DOI: 10.25299/jgeet.2023.8.1.10875 

 
Abstract 

The use of resistivity meters to model subsurface conditions is widespread. However, commercial instruments are mostly limited 
to conventional configurations, such as Wenner, Schlumberger, and dipole-dipole. Moreover, we cannot modify the program on the 
instrument. In this study, we designed and implemented a DC resistivity meter that can potentially be developed in the future and can 
be used in composite array configurations. This instrument uses a half-bridge SMPS as a power supply, which is capable of generating 
a large power, an Arduino Uno, and several sensor modules as part of a flexible and easy-to-program control unit. We conducted 
laboratory and field tests, comparing two types of configurations, namely Wenner and composite arrays (dipole-dipole and gradient). 
We then processed the data using ResIPy software, which enables displaying complex data sets in the form of 2D cross-sections and 
assessing the quality of post-processing data. We obtained good data with low RMS misfit that matched the synthetic media created 
in laboratory testing and compared well with previous research.  
 
Keywords: Resistivity; Array-Configuration; inversion;  
 

 
 
1. Introduction  

Subsurface geological conditions have two 
interrelated aspects: the potential for natural resources 
and the risk of geological disasters. Information on near 
subsurface geological conditions is required to utilize the 
potential of natural resources and mitigate the risk of 
geological disasters (Field et al., 2018). One of the most 
common methods is to use a geophysical instrument 
called a resistivity meter, which uses variations in 
resistivity and conductivity values in electrical resistivity 
tomography to generate a two-dimensional cross-
sectional subsurface model (Cardarelli & Fischanger, 
2006). 

Exploring the nearby subsurface with the aid of 
physical science, technology, and concepts is known as 
applied geophysics. These physical fields, such as 
magnetic or electric fields, are invisible to human sight. 
The goal is to transform these detection fields into 
interpretable maps and graphs at this point. Matter can 
also be "seen" through medical imaging techniques like 
magnetic resonance tomography and X-rays. 

Traditional geophysical techniques include exploring 
DC resistivity. Two electrodes are used to inject electricity 
into the ground, while the remaining two electrodes are 
used to monitor the electric potential difference. The 
measurements are frequently made along a line or in a 
specific location on the surface of the ground, and the 
potential differences that are subsequently seen are 
transformed into sounding curves or pseudosections of 
apparent resistivities that show the resistivity variations of 
subterranean rocks. (Mitchell & Oldenburg, 2023). 

In any case, on the demand side, applied geophysics 
helps us discover and characterize aquifers. It can map 

soil parameters, whose subsurface composition and 
geometry can be determined using some supplementary 
information on the field of study. It can, to a certain extent, 
determine the location of faults, the thickness of clay 
layers, and more, for example, it can mark contaminated 
areas, find buried metal objects or outline the foundations 
of former settlements. (Florsch & Muhlach, 2018). 

The principle of measurement using the geoelectric 
method is to inject a current (I) (in mA) into the earth and 
then measure the resulting potential difference (V) (in mV) 
between the two electrodes. The apparent resistance 
value ( ρ_a ) is derived from calculating the current and 
potential difference for each electrode distance (Loke, 
2001).  

Resistivity imaging is a non-invasive geophysical 
method widely used for subsurface exploration. One of 
the crucial components in resistivity imaging is the data 
acquisition system, which plays a crucial role in the 
accuracy and resolution of the imaging results (Wróbel et 
al., 2022). In this study, we designed a hardware system 
based on a microcontroller and a half-bridge switching 
topology power supply to implement a composite array for 
resistivity imaging. 

The decision to use a microcontroller-based system 
was made to increase the flexibility and control of the data 
acquisition process (Hercog & Gergič, 2014). The half-
bridge switching topology power supply was designed to 
provide high voltage and high current output (Hongxia, 
2009)  for deeper and better-resolved imaging. The 
implementation of a composite array allows for better 
resolution and accuracy of the imaging results (Balasco 
et al., 2022) . 

The design and implementation of this resistivity data 
logger system offer several advantages over previous 

http://journal.uir.ac.id/index.php/JGEET


 
Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 45 

 

systems. The microcontroller-based system provides 
real-time monitoring and control of the data acquisition 
process, allowing for better accuracy and flexibility in 
imaging. The half-bridge switching topology power supply 
provides a high voltage and high current output, resulting 
in better signal-to-noise ratio and deeper imaging. The 
implementation of a composite array allows for higher 
resolution imaging, especially in complex geological 
formations (Okpoli, 2013). 

Analyses of these data enable us to find the 
underground resistivity anomalies or outline the 
subsurface geological structure. With the development of 
computer technology and numerical computational 
techniques, accurate numerical simulations of subsurface 
electrical field and acquiring a large amount of data in 
fields become possible , so that the traditional DC 
resistivity exploration was developed to a computerised 
geotomography technique, called electrical resistivity 
tomography, which employs a multielectrode equipment 
(Capa-Camacho et al., 2022). 

On the apparent resistivity data, the inverse modeling 
technique is applied through the inversion process. 
Software called ResiIPy is used to perform process 
inversion. To translate the apparent resistivity value of the 
material into its actual resistivity value, the inversion 
method is used for complex datasets (Blanchy et al., 
2020). 

1.1 Earth Resistivity 

An indicator of how much a material opposes the flow 
of electricity is its electrical resistivity. The unit of 
measurement for resistivity is the ohmmeter (Ω m). A 
material has low resistivity if electricity can easily pass 
through it. High resistivity refers to a material's difficulty in 
allowing electricity to flow through it (Heaney, 2003). 

However, to determine the depth of the underground 
layer, we first measure the earth's resistivity. Table 1 
shows how this measurement can be used to determine 
the depth of the underground layer. 

Table 1. Soil types and their apparent soil resistivity 
(Nassereddine et al., 2013). 

Type Of Soil Or 
Water 

Typical Resistivity 
(Ω/m) 

Usual Limit (Ω/m) 

Sea Water 2 0,1 to 10 

Clay 40 8 - 70 

Ground Well and 
Spring Water 

50 10 - 150 

Clay and Sand 
Mix 

100 4 - 300 

Shale, Slate, 
Sandstone 

120 10 - 1000 

Peat, Loam, Mud 150 5 - 250 

Lake and Brook 
Water 

250 100 - 400 

Sand 2000 200 - 3000 

Morana Gravel 3000 40 – 10000 

Ridge Gravel 15000 3000 - 30000 

Solid Granite 25000 10000 – 50000 

Ice 100000 10000 - 100000 

 
The table shows that the resistivity values vary 

depending on the type of soil layer. Based on its resistivity 
value, this value is then utilized as a reference for 
underground mapping. 

1.2 Electrical Resistivity Tomography 

The two-Dimensional Electrical Resistivity 
Tomography (2D ERT) technology is particularly capable 
of resolving subsurface structures in fact, constructing a 
2D representation of ground using two current electrodes 
and measuring the potential drop (V) across the other two 
electrodes (Thapa, 2020). The measured voltage drop is 
directly proportional to the electrical resistivity, which can 
be related to the medium's distinguishing features as 
follows:  

ρ=K ∆V/I    (1)  

Where I represent Current (Ampere), ∆V represents 
potential difference (V), K represents the geometric 
Factor (meter) and Ω represents resistivity value 
(Ohm.m). 

Using a large number of resistivity measurements 
from electrodes arranged in any geometric form, the ERT 
method determines the subsurface distribution of 
electrical resistivity. ERT uses four electrodes to minimize 
the impact of contact resistance at the interface between 
the soil pore water and the electrode. A known current is 
driven through two electrodes, and the potential 
difference on the other two electrodes is monitored (Daily 
et al., 2005). 

All conceivable linearly independent combinations 
from an array of electrodes are employed to obtain the 
high number of separate impedance measurements 
required for tomographic inversion. Various 
configurations can be used to generate these pairings. A 
Wenner Alpha measurement scheme is a prominent 
approach for field measurement. 

 

Fig 1. Wenner Alpha Array Configuration (Aktarakçi, 2017). 

 

Fig 2. Dipole-dipole Array Configuration (Oyeyemi et al., 2022). 

To obtain apparent resistivity in the field, many 
electrode sets were developed in the traditional DC 
resistivity exploration. In principle, ERT requires high data 
density and good earth surface coverage for high-
resolution subsurface target imagery. Data retrieval in this 
study carried out experiments using 2 array 
configurations, namely the 'conventional' Wenner 



 
46  Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 
 

configuration and the composite configuration of a 
combination of dipole-dipole and gradient configurations 

1.3 Inversion Process Optimization 

Inverse methods must be used to convert 
geoelectrical measurements into geoelectrical attributes. 
These techniques seek to identify the geoelectrical 
parameter distribution that is most compatible with 
measured data. To do this, the mismatch between the set 
of readings from four electrodes and the anticipated 
response from a geoelectrical model must be minimized. 

ResIPy is a program for geophysical data analysis, 
modeling, and inversion that makes the issue simple and 
gives users complete control over complex modeling and 
inversion parameters through a clear graphical user 
interface. ResIPy offers a platform for interdisciplinary 
projects where trustworthy outcomes are provided 
through a nonlinear user interface that is simple to use. 
ResIPy is perfect for educational uses as it enables 
modeling and inversion of 2D and 3D resistivity and IP 
data. While the majority of inversion algorithms and 
software on the market can perform simple data filtering, 
ResIPy offers a comprehensive data-cleaning technique. 
Both the GUI and the API have been used to successfully 
implement ResIPy in a variety of modeling and field 
applications (Blanchy et al, 2020). 

2. Instrument Design 

2.1 Hardware Design 

The initial process of this tool is through a safety 
device in the form of a voltage protection relay, then the 
input voltage which was previously 12V is increased to 
approximately 400V using a DC-DC boost converter. 

The increased input voltage is then measured, if no 
current is detected, we can take measurements. As many 
as 24 electrodes will be plugged into the ground, where 
the electrode configuration will be changed through the 
switch box. Then the ampere meter and volt meter will 
detect the value of voltage and current. We can monitor 
the voltage and current values of the electrodes via the 
LCD, and the data will automatically be recorded to the 
SD Card. 

 

Fig 3. Resistivity Meter Data-Logger Design Schematic 

Laptops are used to enter data display programs on 
the LCD screen and record data on the SD Card into the 
microcontroller. Where the microcontroller here plays an 

important role as the brain of the Arduino circuits. Fig 3.  
is a rough idea of how this tool will be made 

2.2 Power Supply 

Switch mode DC power sources frequently employ 
DC/DC converters. The output voltage regulation of the 
DC/DC converter is accomplished from an energy 
perspective by continuously changing the energy 
absorbed from the source and that injected into the load, 
which is in turn regulated by the relative durations of the 
absorption and injection intervals. A switching cycle is 
made up of these two fundamental energy absorption and 
injection processes (Hasaneen & Elbaset Mohammed, 
2008). 

Half-bridge switch-mode power supplies (SMPS) are 
commonly used in high voltage and high current 
applications due to their capability to handle high power 
levels while being cost-effective. 

According to a study by H. Yang et al. (2017), a half-
bridge SMPS is suitable for high voltage applications due 
to its ability to step up voltage levels efficiently. The 
authors demonstrated that a half-bridge SMPS can be 
designed to operate at high voltages up to 1 kV with an 
efficiency of over 90%. 

In terms of high current applications, a half-bridge 
SMPS can also be designed to handle high current levels. 
A study by R. Devi et al. (2020) demonstrated the design 
and implementation of a half-bridge SMPS capable of 
delivering high current up to 10 A. The authors also 
showed that the use of a half-bridge SMPS resulted in 
lower cost and better efficiency compared to a full-bridge 
SMPS. 

Overall, a half-bridge SMPS is capable of handling 
high voltage and high current applications while being 
cost-effective. The design and implementation of a half-
bridge SMPS should take into consideration the specific 
requirements of the application to optimize its 
performance. 

In DC resistivity measurements, the use of a high 
voltage and high current power supply can result in better 
signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower root mean square 
(RMS) misfit. 

According to a study by R. Kumar et al. (2016), high 
voltage and high current can help to overcome the 
limitations of low SNR and high RMS misfit in DC 
resistivity measurements. The authors found that 
increasing the current and voltage in the measurement 
system can improve the quality of the acquired data and 
reduce the uncertainty in the results (Sirota et al., 2022). 

Another study also supported the use of high voltage 
and high current power supplies in DC resistivity 
measurements. The authors demonstrated that using a 
high voltage and high current power supply can improve 
the accuracy and precision of the measurements, 
particularly in low-resistivity regions (Balasco et al., 
2022). 

as in the schematic diagram in fig 4. two transistors 
are used in the half-bridge topology of a DC-DC converter 
to start switching activity, which sends current pulses to a 
load. This DC-DC converter topology offers pulses that 
can be smoothed to a nominal DC power value in addition 
to rectification and smoothing with a capacitor bank. This 
topology can be isolated, allowing it to produce high 
voltages when linked in series from multiple boards, with 
output power being coupled through a transformer or 
optocoupler. If the gate driver circuit is an integrated 
circuit, isolation may be applied within it by junction 



 
Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 47 

 

isolation. Transformer coupling may also be used in non-
isolated topologies to increase or decrease the output 
voltage (Fathy et al., 2006).

 

Fig 4. Half-Bridge DC-DC Boost Converter Schematic Circuit 

Due to their simplicity, flyback and forward topologies 
are frequently used in isolated DC-DC converters for 
low Power Supply Units (PSU) with less than 1 kW. In 
contrast to the Flyback converter, the forward 
converter's high-frequency transformer does not store 
energy, making it more suitable for applications 
requiring high output current (Ezra et al., 2022). 

2.3 Switch Box 

Each new measurement necessitated the 
movement of all four electrodes. Single-channel 
imaging equipment that can switch the current injection 
and potential reading locations between a restricted 
number of electrodes became commercially accessible 

in the 1990s. Today, more advanced instruments use 
several channels to address enormous numbers of 
electrodes (Binley & Slater, 2020).  This was the main 
idea of this manual switch box. 

The development of multi-electrode instrumentation 
in the late 1980s stimulated parallel advances in 
algorithms for 2D imaging of resistivity. By adjusting the 
relationship between the voltmeter (P1 and P2) and the 
ammeter (C1 and C2) on the switch box that is 
connected to the electrode as needed, researchers can 
perform a variety of electrode array configurations with 
only one implant of electrodes. 

  

Fig. 5. (a) Switch Box Design; (b) Electrode Distribution based on Switch Box 

 

Fig 6. The voltage sensor, current sensor, RTC, data storage, voltage reference, and LCD screen are all connected and work 
simultaneously and that is controlled by the microcontroller. 

(a) (b) 



 
48  Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 
 

2.4 Microcontroller 

An embedded computer control application-specific 
single-chip computer is known as a microcontroller. 
These devices are relatively inexpensive and very 
simple to utilize in digital control applications. The 
majority of microcontrollers come with the integrated 
circuitry required for computer control applications. For 
instance, a microcontroller might include A/D 
converters to enable the sampling of external signals. 
Additionally, they contain parallel input-output 
connections that allow the microcontroller to read or 
produce digital data.(Ibrahim, 2006). 

The primary brain of the programmed components 
is the microcontroller. The microcontroller in this case is 

set up to read data from the voltmeter, ammeter, and 
real-time clock and show it on the LCD screen while 
concurrently writing the data to the SDCard (RTC). The 
microcontroller component can be seen in fig 6. 

2.5 Voltage Protection Relay 

The following schematic circuit diagram in fig 7 is 
intended as protection in the form of overvoltage and 
Undervoltage protection which works in conditions 
when the input voltage is more than 14.5V or less than 
11.6V. When the overvoltage is above 14.5V, the 
comparator in the circuit will cut off the NO connection 
to the relay from the power source, as well as when the 
voltage is below 11.6V.

 
Fig 7. Voltage Protection Module Schematic Circuit 

The comparator will disconnect the NO from the 
relay from the power source. This protection is intended 
to protect the boost converter when the voltage is 
excessive and protect the power source (battery) when 
it is at a voltage of less than 11.6V. The opposing 
activities that create overvoltage can result in 
Undervoltage. Undervoltage conditions will result in the 
potential for electronic device failure, and a decrease in 
the reactive power output from capacitor banks. (Kotb 
et al., 2018). 

2.6 Performance Testing Setup  

Laboratory tests are carried out after the tools have 
been successfully assembled and meet  

the proper requirements including controlled test media 
for laboratory tests in fig 9. The electrodes used in this 
experiment are made of stainless steel. Because 
stainless steel electrodes are typical metal electrode 
that is relatively inert and affordable. (Binley et al., 
1996). 

This test was carried out in the Hasanuddin 
University campus environment, and fig 5b and fig 8. 
And shows how the electrode and the resistivity meter 
are set up in field tests. where data was obtained twice 
in this test utilizing different electrode setups We will 
then compare the measurement data from the Wenner 
alpha configuration with those from the gradient dipole 
arrangement. 

 

 

Fig. 8. Field testing setup after all components of the resistivity meter data logger are assembled 



 
Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 49 

 

 

Fig. 9. Synthetic media consisting of layers of soil, sand, and high resistivity object (plastic bottle)

3. Result  

In this study, we compared the results of similar 
previous studies by comparing the quality of the data 
produced by looking at the percentage of RMS misfit in 
the 2D inversion results also compared the 
performance of a tool in measuring resistivity 
parameters using two electrode configurations. 
Additionally, we put the tool to the test by determining 
whether its output accurately describes the situation of 
the controlled test material utilized in laboratory testing. 
In the test medium, an object with high resistivity was 
placed in the middle of two layers of dirt and sand. 
Following laboratory testing, the tool was also tested in 
the field using two distinct electrode configurations. 

RMS misfit is a commonly used parameter for 
evaluating the accuracy of 2D resistivity models, as 
mentioned by Olayinka & Yaramanci, 2000. The root-
mean-square misfit is calculated by taking the square 
root of the average of the squared differences between 
the observed and modeled resistivity values. A low 
RMS misfit value is generally considered to be 
acceptable for 2D resistivity models, while a high RMS 
misfit value indicates a poor fit between the observed 
and modeled resistivity values.  

Uhlemann et al., 2018 conducted a geophysical 
investigation  using  electrical resistivity tomography 
(ERT) as a tool to guide ornamental stone extraction. 
The researchers shows the inverted resistivity model, 
for which the relative root-mean-squared (RMS)misfit 
between modelled and measured data was RMS = 
2.1%. For visualizing and interpreting theresistivity 
models, all cells with sensitivities <5×10−3 were 
removed from the model. Using this approach, the 
depth of investigation can be approximated to be about 
10 m. The study identified factors that affected the RMS 
misfit values, including variations in the electrode 
configurations, measurement errors, and subsurface 
heterogeneity. 

Abdullah et al., 2018 assessing the reliability and 
performance of optimized and conventional resistivity 
arrays for shallow subsurface investigations. The 
researchers reported an RMS misfit value of 1.36% -

6.9% for the study. The study identified several factors 
that influenced the RMS misfit values, including the 
accuracy of the electrode placement, the presence of 
noise in the data 

Dahlin & Zhou, 2006 conducted research two-
dimensional resistivity imaging using composite arrays, 
Wenner and dipole-dipole electrode arrays was carried 
out at two field sites in Sweden and one in Nicaragua, 
with the objective of confirming the practical 
applicability of results obtained with numerical 
modelling. The results support earlier numerical 
modelling studies that concluded that the composite 
array, using multiple current electrode combinations, 
has resolution as good as or better than the commonly 
used Wenner array. The array behaved well in terms of 
sensitivity to noise at the test sites, and the results 
obtained generally agree with dipole-dipole array 
results, although the latter at two of the sites gave 
resistivities that differed significantly from the other 
arrays in the deeper parts of the inverted model 

Drawing on prior research, laboratory experiments 
were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the 
instrument, we proceeded to conduct measurements in 
the field using the Wenner Alpha and dipole-dipole 
composite array electrode configurations. The 
resistivity meters were used to take measurements with 
both electrode configurations. These measurements 
were then further processed with ResIPy, an open-
source software, which produced a temporary resistivity 
value. The data were iterated further until a fairly low 
RMS value was achieved. The initial design of the test 
medium for these measurements is shown in  fig. 9. 

3.1 Laboratory test  (Dipole – dipole gradient 
configuration) 

The apparent resistivity value in the experiment is 
shown in the graphic below (Fig. 10) using a Composite 
configuration and the data captured by the device that 
has been made. Some points appear empty because 
that data has a high transfer resistance rate and may 
be considered invalid, the data is then removed and left 
blank so that the software algorithm can interpolate it 
automatically later. 



 
50  Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 
 

 

Fig. 10 Laboratory test: Composite Array Configuration Apparent Resistivity

 

Fig. 11 Final Result: Composite Two-Dimensional Resistivity Imaging  

After importing the data and getting a pseudo 
resistivity value, it will be further processed to get the 
original resistivity value by examining the geometric 
factor and doing several iterations to reduce the RMS 
(root-mean-square) error value in the data obtained. 
Two-Dimensional Resistivity Imaging shows a fairly 
clear picture of layers and shapes of different resistivity 
values on the test media, where the coarse sand mixed 
with soil at the bottom of the media shows a resistivity 
range of 60-236 Ohm.m, in the upper layer which is 
consisting of soil mixed with clay showing resistivity 
values in the range <12 - 87 Ohm.m while the round 
resistive object in the center of the test medium has a 
resistivity value of <237 Ohm.m, represented in fig. 10 
and fig 11. 

3.2. Field measurement test: (Field test, Apparent 
Resistivity) 

The fig.12 and fig 13. depicts the apparent resistivity 
value derived from the measurement data, which can 

be viewed as a dot in the image representing the datum. 
Where the data is recorded by the tool, the distribution 
of the dots in the image is determined by the 
configuration of the electrodes. 

As a result, the number of points in the image 
denotes that the data obtained by these measurements 
correspond to the number of dots in the image. Fig. 12 
(composite array) and Fig. 13 (Wenner alpha 
configuration) show that the amount of data recorded 
from the two configurations differs significantly. 

In Fig. 12 (Composite configuration) the apparent 
resistivity values are in the range of 120000 Ohm m to 
-20000 Ohm m and in the image, it can be seen that the 
data has a fairly high density.  

In Fig.13 (Wenner Alpha Configuration), the 
apparent resistivity values are in the range of 2500 Ohm 
m to -17500 Ohm m and the data density is quite far 
compared to the data density from the composite 
configuration. 



   
 

Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 51 

 

 

Fig. 12 Field test: Apparent Resistivity using composite array dipole-dipole gradient. 

 
Fig. 13 Field test: Apparent Resistivity using wenner alpha array configuration.  

3.2.1 Field Test, Iteration & Root-mean-square (RMS) error of inversion results 

Fig. 14 and fig. 15 show the relationship between 

iterations and the RMS misfit value resulting from this 

measurement. This iteration is one stage of the 

underground depiction interpretation process, where 

the inversion process requires iterations to reduce the 

RMS error value from the measurement results. It can 

be seen that the two configurations below have been 

carried out with several iterations to reduce the RMS 

error value. In Figure 15 (Dipole-dipole configuration) 

the initial RMS error value is 21.12% and after six 

iterations, the final RMS error value is 1%, While in 

Figure 16 (Wenner Alpha Configuration), it can be seen 

in the graph that the initial RMS error value is quite high 

at 42.46%. After ten iterations, the RMS error value 

decreased to the level of 1.32%.

 

Fig. 14 Field Test: Iteration & RMS Value (Dipole-dipole gradient) 

Initial RMS Misfit:         

21.12 

 

Final RMS Misfit: 

1.00 



 
52  Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 
 

 

Fig. 15 Field Test: Iteration & RMS Value (Wenner Alpha) 

3.2.2 Field Test, Normalized Error 

Fig.16 and fig. 17 below illustrate the spread of data 
errors where the data has gone through the inversion 
process including iteration. 

In Fig. 16 which uses a gradient dipole 
configuration, it can be seen that the data error spread 
is in the range of 1.5% to - 1.5%. While in Figure 17 
which illustrates the spread of data errors using the 
Wenner Alpha configuration, it can be seen that the 

error value is past 2% but does not exceed the specified 
fault tolerance limit. 

This is most likely influenced by the amount of data 
that has a significant difference between the two types 
of electrode configurations. Where interpolation or 
depiction can be easier or more precise when you have 
a lot of data.

 

Fig. 16 Field Test: Normalized Error (Dipole-dipole gradient) 

 

Fig. 17 Field Test: Normalized Error (Wenner Alpha) 

3.2.3 Field Test, Final Result 

The two images below are obtained after going 

through several stages of the process to get the 

results of the depiction based on the data obtained 

by the tool. 

Initial RMS Misfit:         

42.46 

 

Final RMS Misfit: 

1.32 



   
 

Hidayah, B.A. et al./ JGEET Vol 8 No 1/2023 53 

It can be seen that the two images below (Fig. 18 

and Fig.19) are almost identical to each other. This 

can be a consideration that the results given are 

appropriate because after doing two measurements 

the results are still almost the same. 

In Fig. 18 with a composite electrode 

configuration, it can be seen that the resistivity value 

recorded is more detailed or has a fairly high-

resolution value, while Figure 19 does produce 

almost the same image but the resistivity value 

recorded produces a fairly rough image in the 

mapping. 

 

Fig. 18 Field test: Final Result (Composite Array Configuration) 

 

Fig. 19 Field test: Final Result (Wenner Alpha Configuration)

4. Conclusions 

The laboratory test results are satisfactory, the 
resistivity meter test results show the performance as 
expected, getting a relatively small RMS misfit value when 
compared to existing research.. The resulting two-
dimensional profile is quite good in describing the test 
media that have been made.  

Voltage and current measurements performed with 
this tool produce good results because the data that 
obtained is also still within the error tolerance limit of +/- 
3%, the theoretical test may be declared to be successful, 
allowing the instruments to be tested in the field. This was 
based on (Binley et al., 1995), where the values of error 
should be generally between -3 and +3 percent, with no 
obvious patterns, if the zero mean uncorrelated error 
assumptions are true. 

When we ran the test on the field with the composite 
configuration, we got a +/- 1.5% normalized error. 
Following that, we performed a second measurement 
using the Wenner Alpha configuration, with an error value 
of +/- 2.5%. 

This could be related to the enormous amount of data 
that differs between the two configurations, based on the 
data generated by the Wenner Alpha configuration, which 

has a greater error value than the dipole-dipole 
configuration. Whereas the wenner alpha configuration 
generates approximately 80 datums, the Dipole 
arrangement generates approximately 520 datums. The 
measurement findings demonstrate that the Wenner 
Alpha configuration, which uses significantly less data 
than the dipole-dipole configuration, can depict the lateral 
split of the field more clearly. However, the dipole-dipole 
configuration measurement outcomes offer processed 
data with a greater resolution or make the shape of the 
item more obvious. 

Acknowledgments 

We thank the Ministry of Higher Education of 
Indonesia and Hasanuddin University for providing a 
research grant. We also thank the Geological Engineering 
Department students at Hasanuddin University (Gowa) 
for supporting us during the field survey. This research 
was funded by Fundamental Research (PDPU-
No.3469/UN4.1/KEP/2022) of Hasanuddin University. 

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