Magnetometer Scanning

The principles behind this technique, where readings are logged to allow the production of grey-scale maps, are explained more fully under Detailed Techniques - Magnetometry,

However, a magnetometer such as a Geoscan FM36 or FM256 can be used in scanning mode. Here the display is monitored for activity as transects are walked across the site. No logging of readings normally takes place, but areas of activity are noted and marked onto plans. Areas of marked activity can then be targeted for detailed magnetometer survey.

Normally no formal report is made of a magnetometer scanning survey, other than to note the areas showing areas of activity which may correspond to archaeological remains.

However, we offer an enhanced survey where the approximate positions of various magnetic responses are marked on a log sheet together with topographic detail. This information is transferred to a digital site plan using CAD. From this enhanced information the location of detailed grids can be determined. An example of the magnetometer scanning survey log sheet on Adobe PDF is given below.