Capacitive resistivity (CR) is an emerging geophysical technique designed to extend the scope of the conventional methodology of DC resistivity to environments where galvanic coupling is notoriously difficult to achieve, for example across engineered structures (roads, pavements), hard rock, dry soil or frozen ground. Conceptually, CR is based on a four-point array capacitively coupled to the ground. Under A parametric study of the complex quasi-static transfer impedance reveals the existence of a restricted range of practical parameters that permits successful operation of CR instruments at low induction numbers. Theory predicts that emulation of the DC measurement is compromised if low-induction-number operation is not maintained throughout a survey area, for example in a zone of high conductivity.