Lullingstone Roman Villa and the Darent Valley
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Geophysical Surveys

Geophysical surveys help archaeologists map features in the ground. They use sensors to find hidden remains underground without having to dig.

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What kinds of methods are there?

Archaeologists use lots of different methods to do geophysical surveys. This includes using technology like magnetometers, electrical resistance meters or ground-penetrating radar.

Watch our short video and click on the images below to find out more. 

Magnetometers

Magnetometers

By using a magnetometer to detect the magnetic properties of remains underground and features underground, archaeologists can find many different kinds of finds like pottery, tile, iron objects and even burnt soil. This is because all materials have unique magnetic properties.

 

© Darent Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLPS)



Electrical Resistance Meters

Electrical Resistance Meters

Electrical resistance meters record when an electrical charge is resisted by materials underground. Archaeologists can build up an understanding of what kinds of remains might be in an area by comparing how resistant different materials are to the electrical charge.

 

© Darent Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLPS)



A grainy black and white scan image showing a greyish white horizontal band across the image.

Ground-Penetrating Radar

Ground-Penetrating Radar

Ground-penetrating radar uses electric waves bouncing off of objects to build up a picture of archaeological remains underground.

 

Ground Penetrating Radar image of a Roman road in Sussex © David Staveley