Systematic Metal Detecting Surveys
Metal detectors are capable of detecting and identifying metallic items within the upper layers of the soil. They are famously used by hobbyists however; all metal detector users are legally obliged to operate in Ireland only under a Detection Device licence from the government.
Metal detectors are often used as part of a recovery scheme within excavations. However, perhaps its most valuable contribution can be made prior to excavation, providing a powerful tool that can be added to field assessments or field walking surveys. Instruments can be used systematically to survey and digitally record the location of metal finds using a GPS, or to simply plot a distribution map of 'metal hits' without digging them up.
This survey can detect metallic items such as
- Nails
- Coins
- Lead Weights
- Jewelry Ð gold, silver
- Military items - musket shots, cannon, swords etc