The geophysical survey was carried out at the request of Dr Steven Ellis of the University of Cincinnati as part of an extensive archaeological investigation of a complete city block in ancient Pompeii, the Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia (PARP:PS). The survey was carried out by a joint team from the British School at Rome (BSR) and the Archaeological Prospection Services of Southampton (APSS) in April 2009. Ground Penetrating Radar was chosen as the geophysical technique most appropriate for this survey following an assessment of the site in the summer of 2008.

The survey was successful in identifying specific anomalies likely to be buried walls, tanks, and drains in addition to areas with high concentrations of anomalies whether identifiable or not. These results were able to supplement prior excavation in the insula, for instance confirming the location of a drain passing from an excavated room to the via Stabia, widening the understanding of the structural development in the area. Although in some areas there were fewer anomalies, or fewer identifiable anomalies, this will still assist future excavation planning.