Archaeologist Thomas A. Gara shares insights from his expeditions in Peru and sheds light on the practical use of TreasureHunter3D Metal Detectors.
How are TreasureHunter3D Metal Detectors Used in Practice?
In the field, I typically initiate the survey using the 3D mode. Once we identify the survey area, we mark off a 20 sq meter space with measuring tapes or cords demarcated at 1-meter and 20 cm intervals. Employing the instrument, we walk along the lines with 20 cm spacing for fine resolution. The smartphone generates a real-time image as we progress, providing crucial information about what lies beneath the surface. After saving the final image, we transmit it to our PC for detailed review and manipulation. This includes overlaying the scanned image onto a map or photo of the area, aiding visualization and strategizing for further exploration. These images prove invaluable for creating detailed field reports and compelling funding proposals.
What Sets TreasureHunter3D Detectors Apart?
TreasureHunter3D detectors stand out as a valuable and practical tool for archaeologists. Their ease of transport, lightweight design, and multiple effective modes make them indispensable for uncovering what lies beneath the earth's surface. Comparable instruments are already employed by public works departments and police forensics, but TreasureHunter3D elevates these capabilities to a new, cost-effective high.
Distinguishing Between Treasure Hunters and Archaeologists
The fundamental distinction between a treasure hunter and an archaeologist lies in context. While a treasure hunter pursues objects of metal or intrinsic value, an archaeologist places immense value on the context of the find. Examining specific layers of the earth becomes a crucial dating factor, revealing areas with various uses such as cooking, smelting of ores, butchering animals, or crafting tools and weapons. Understanding settlement configurations before excavation allows us to pinpoint informative areas, such as firepits and midden pits, offering insights into past human activities, flora, fauna, and climate indicators.
Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
Looking ahead, I anticipate the development of the new drone by TreasureHunter3D. If it can survey large areas with minimal pilot input through pre-programmed patterns, it could revolutionize field archaeology, saving time and effort. Additionally, I hope TreasureHunter3D considers incorporating LiDAR survey capabilities (Light Detection and Ranging), a groundbreaking technology that can penetrate vegetative canopies to reveal underlying topography. The recent discovery of a Mayan "Megalopolis" in northern Guatemala using LiDAR showcases its potential for expanding archaeological knowledge, and I look forward to the possibilities it may bring to our fieldwork.
Comments