Archaeological Prospection

Hunter Geophysics is capable of applying the full range of geophysical methods to archaeological sites. The primary benefit of the use of geophysical methods is a reduction of overall project costs associated with heritage management and assessment. Due to their initial costs, geophysical methods are best used on larger-scale projects, such as commercial construction sites, pipelines, roads or suburb development. Geophysical methods are typically not cost efficient for residential house-block developments.

For further information or to request an initial consultation, please contact us.

Hunter Geophysics can provide the following geophysical methods:

  • Ground-penetrating radar,
  • Magnetic gradiometry (commonly known as “magnetometry”),
  • Electromagnetic methods (Frequency-Domain EM or Electromagnetic Induction – EM allows for the measurement of both ground/soil electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility),
  • Electrical resistivity (twin-probe and Wenner arrays),
  • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (or Resistivity Pseudosections, or Electrical Resistivity Inversions),
  • Metal detecting,
  • and other techniques where applicable.

Additionally, we provide several non-geophysical methods of archaeological prospection:

  • Surface artifact scatter survey,
  • Microtopographic survey,
  • Aerial photography,
  • Multi-spectral imaging.