In all, there is a need for gopher scopes to have improved weather and impact durability, greater mobility, data-acquisition capability, and reduced weight and space.

As stated, the current scope consists of a basic infrared camera that is connected to a tube and wired to a DVD player. The design is cumbersome for several reasons. In order to use the camera, the user must physically push the camera down the tortoise burrow. Thus, the camera can easily dig into the ground and get blocked by dirt. It is difficult to navigate the camera, as there is nothing to help the camera move forward/backwards or navigate turns. Because of this lack of manoeuvrability, many parts of the burrows are unreachable for decent research. Often, the camera will be flipped over or rotated in an attempt to go around obstacles. Consequently, the user may no longer be able to determine which side is up or down.

The scope, which involves three large components, is heavy and bulky. By the end of the day, the sponsor related that her hands would be covered in blisters from having to physically handle the heavy equipment for eight or more hours. Furthermore, after a burdensome day of work, any results the user does find will have to be handwritten, since there are no video/picture-capturing capabilities with the current model.

When the weather is inclement problems are amplified. If it is raining, the device is at risk due to the fact that it is not waterproof, and there are open wired connections. Further, water could ruin the infrared camera itself, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Also, the scope could run into obstacles, and is not shock-proof enough to handle unexpected impacts. Finally, in the common case that the lens fogs up or is covered with dirt or mud, the user must pull out the scope, clean it, and start the process over from the beginning.

Buying a manufactured scope is typically not an option for research centers such as Tall Timbers. It is a non-profit organization, and does not have the budget for a system that can cost up to $6000. Thus, research stations like these are stuck in a financial trap, and are unable to get adequate tools for underground research.

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