Magnetometer survey is generally chosen in archaeology as a relatively time‐saving and efficient survey technique. 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. Although variations in the earth’s magnetic field which are associated with archaeological features are weak, they can be detected using specific instruments, such as proton magnetometers, fluxgate gradiometers and caesium magnetometers.
Archaeological features such as brick walls, hearths, kilns and disturbed building material will be represented in the results, as well as more ephemeral changes in soil, allowing location of foundation trenches, pits and ditches. Results are however extremely dependent on the geology of the particular area, and whether the archaeological remains are derived from the same materials.
