A method of surveying the condition of an underground enclosure including the steps of: (a) positioning at least one transmitter/receiver unit (including an antenna) within an underground, substantially nonconductive enclosure, such that a substantial air gap exists between the antenna and the inner wall of the enclosure; (b) transmitting an ultra wideband (UWB) signal toward at least a portion of the inner wall; and (c) processing the return signal in order to identify the interface between the soil and a region of conductivity different from the soil.