Using a Metal Detector to Locate Buildings

Sarah Grady

At the CCASM March 19 meeting Sarah Grady showed how a metal detector could be used as a non-invasive way to explore a site structure.  By mapping the location of each metal detector "hit" (mainly of nails) and by using a two-foot grid, she showed us the footprint of a small dwelling that only had about twenty surface artifacts.  By the way, none of the metal objects detected were removed from the ground.  The title of her talk was "Identifying and Delineating Building Locations on Low-Density Sites Using a Metal Detector".

Sarah Grady is a graduate of the University of Maryland and a participant in the Smithsonian Citizen Scientist Program.  This project was a part of the Citizen Scientist Program

Elsie brought in a plate for identification.  It was mended, but it was from an antique store and not found in the ground.  So it was not really an artifact.  It turned out to be low quality Chinese import porcelain.  Also another visitor brought in what we determined to be an interesting rock from his yard.  Again, not an artifact but still interesting. (There may be more about the rock later.)

Attendance: 11