Use of Metal Detectors in Archaeological Research

Abstract

Nowadays, the usage of remote sensing methods is an integral part of archaeological research. Remote scanning devices significantly reduce time for conducting archaeological research and allows a researcher concentrate efforts on searching and studying of archaeological sites more optimally. One of such devices for remote geophysical sounding is a metal detector. The article briefly presents information about the history of geophysical method development, based on the creation and improvement of a ground-based sensing device – the metal detector. Moreover, the author gives examples of its foreign experience in archaeological research as an additional scanning tool, where, in combination with traditional research methods, the metal detector is effective and significantly increases the statistics of metal artifacts found. In addition, the effective capabilities and the feasibility of using a metal detector in various regions of Ukraine, in the process of conducting modern archaeological research (archaeological explorations, stationary archaeological excavations and scientific and rescue studies), are examined based on the author’s personal experience. The algorithm of working with a metal detector at various archaeological sites, both entire complexes and individual objects, is analyzed. The research was carried out exclusively within the framework of professional archaeological ethics: metal detection was carried out purely during the work of archaeological expeditions in the area of the relevant monuments identified by permits. The metal detector was used for the systematic detection of metal artifacts in combination with standard methods of archaeological practice in general. In this article, a metal detector research is primarily considered as a means of obtaining important scientific information, and not as a tool for digging up metal artifacts. To conclude, methodological recommendations for the metal detector usage and issues related to the regulation of its usage in the examination of archaeological sites are presented.