The development of resistivity surveying techniques has been very rapid in the last three decades. The advent of automated data acquisition systems, inversion codes, and easy access to powerful and fast computers has tremendously increased the practical applicability of the geophysical method. Geoelectrical resistivity imaging is increasingly being used in environmental, engineering and hydrological investigations as well as geothermal and mineral prospecting, where detailed knowledge of the subsurface is sought. In this paper, the historical development and basic principles of geoelectrical resistivity surveying techniques are presented. Past researches and on-going developments in the survey designs and field procedures in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) geoelectrical resistivity surveys are discussed. Current development in the acquisition geometry for 3D geoelectrical resistivity imaging data is emphasized.

Key words: Geoelectrical resistivity, 2D/3D surveys, field design, acquisition geometry, 2D/3D imaging.