Magnetic survey

Results of magnetometer survey at Portus











Magnetic prospection of soils is based on the measurement of differences in magnitudes of the earth's magnetic field at points over a specific area. Principally the iron content of a soil provides the basis for its magnetic properties. Presence of magnetite, maghaemite and haematite iron oxides all affect the magnetic properties of soils. Although variations in the earth's magnetic field which are associated with archaeological features are weak, especially considering the overall strength of the magnetic field of around 48,000 nanoTesla (nT), they can be detected using specific instruments. Both techniques of magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility are capable of measuring these variations, detecting Archaeological features such as brick walls, hearths, kilns and disturbed building material, as well as more ephemeral changes in soil, allowing for the location of foundation trenches, pits and ditches. Magnetometer survey at Dura Europos, Syria
Magnetic susceptibility survey on the Saxon cemetery at Breamore










We offer the following:  

  • Magnetometer scanning for the location of archaeological materials over large areas
  • Magnetometer survey for producing magnetic plans of areas of archaeological interest
  • High-resolution magnetometer surveys to locate and map smaller scale archaeological features
  • Magnetic susceptibility survey for locating areas of increased susceptibility in the soil
    Magnetometer survey results