BAJR Guide to Metal Detecting in archaeology

[BAJR Host]

Perhaps I ahd put this in the wrong area first off... so here it is again... would really like to see this getr off the ground. See also Steves tips in this area of the forum.... plenty to write... plenty to inform..

Recently troll asked about IFA standards on detecting on the IFA section of the forum.... So heres a concept to throw to the wind...

There are enough detectorists here and some (hint hint!) with some instructional experieince... -

Would it not be a great concept to aid Curators, Archaeolgists etc... to know just what to expect, ask for, require....

If The deetcting community (who after all have the greatest knowledge in this field) could create / advise etc the creation of such a Guide that lokos at Types of Machines... Methods, Dos - Don'ts, instructions etc... this would fill a real knowledge gap. Would be tempting to ask Gary if he could consider creating an instructional video as well... (for a small fee of course ) which could accompany the documetn.

Talking of which... Instructional videos about several aspects of Arcaheology work.... How to use a dumpy, how to use a Barrow or pickaxe, How to ...etc...

hmmmmmmm What do Curators (and others of course) think? And What do detectorists think... it's kind of like a Guide without being one that is created by people who don't know one end of a Minelab from a Fryingpan...

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Steve-B]

Sounds like an excellent idea David.

It is important to construct the information in a way that it would apply to all metal detectors and types based on the technology and features rather than the manufacturer.

This way it would be far easier to understand and apply the principles rather than learning how each individual manufacturer applies the technology on their products.

Let me know if I can help in any way. I might even be able to rope in the Norfolk Wolf, one the countries leading experts on all things detecting. He is also used to working closely with the archaeologists in Norfolk for a great many years bfore it has recently become 'fashionable' to do so.

www.detector-distribution.co.uk

If a job is worth doing, then its worth doing it tomorrow!

Homer (Simpson)

[DAZ 1900]

It would be a very good idea indeed!![8D]

And with two of Detectings foremost advisors on board (Steve B and the Brad Pitt of the Detecting World? our very own Mr Gary Brun!!!!;) :D) it could only be a success!:face-approve:

D

[BAJR Host]

Seriously up for it.....

This is a standards document that informs archaeologists and allows for proper requirements being set.... Would be great to have it ready before Sept 2007 so it could be waved about at the BAJR 07 conference.

Will put me hat on and ask some questions about what would be required. - On another thread I am currently working on a BAJR courses website... where validated CPD courses can be housed... Detecting (basic - intermediate - advanced) hmmmmmmmmmm I could see that..!

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Steve-B]

Tell you what, if he is Brad Pitt then I am Arnold Swarzenegger [8D]

www.detector-distribution.co.uk

If a job is worth doing, then its worth doing it tomorrow!

Homer (Simpson)

[garybrun]

No Steve... your the Swedish Chef and Im Beaker :)

http://www.ukdfd.co.uk
Recording OUR heritage for future generations.

[patwatson]

Hi folks,

Been lurking for months, just registered a couple days ago (so hello to all). This is a great idea. The one David mentioned first could be just the beginning. There could be an entire series of instructional material on DVD, with accompanying documents (in PDF, Word, HTML or whatever, included on the DVDs).

As some of you know, Gary and I have a turnkey production company and do instructional productions on detecting and other things, from outline/script all the way to DVD authoring/mastering/duplication/packaging. So if there was interest in this idea, the expertise from beginning to end is already here and willing to do this. I'd love to work on a project like this.

First step is, of course, the concept. What's the "story", what's the scope of the information that needs to be delivered, etc.? Once the idea is fleshed out, I can do a quick outline that'll block out the individual "chapters", if you will, of the DVD. The script would then be written based on the outline. Having the script roughed in would give an idea of the time, effort, locations, people etc. needed to do the production and those details would give an estimate on cost.

I'm game; let's talk.

[BAJR Host]

I have jsut completed a brief outline, based on what would be intitialy 'needed' by archaeologists to know what to ask for and what to expect. (its a bit more than swinging a stick ;) )

As to the Online Course... what you are able to already provide and could provide would be exceptional... and perhaps a lesson/template for other areas.... Survey? Excavating a skeleton?? etc etc.

Will post up my rough template ij next couple of days for discussion.... but primarily I would see this as a detectorist led guidance document. (though sniffer seems to knows his coils!)

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[patwatson]

David, that sounds great. I look forward to seeing what you've written.

[BAJR Host]

Here we go... something to chew over...

I know I know.... some of it makes no sense... but then.... thats why we need it ;)

Definition

Archaeological use of metal detectors will determine as far as is reasonably possible the distribution of metallic artefacts over the specified survey area using the appropriate method and practice. These will satisfy the requirements set out achieve stated aims of the project, whether for prospection, onsite artefact location or scanning of spoilheaps to recover metallic objects.



Potential for Use

Broad categories of use… ( be slightly more specific)
• Road Schemes battlefields and other large areas. (utilise random scanning)
• Trenches (either location of metallic objects within the trench or feature)
• Spoilheap (recovery of artefacts or items from the spoilheap)

Definition of conditions where detecting is or is not suitable
• Field (what sort of fields – moor? Long grass, stubble field, grassland, ploughed field etc)
• Trench (walls, ditches, industrial sites… etc)

What can affect conditions
• Geology and Soil morphology (including compaction)
• Weather (too hot, too wet)
• Depth

Definition of Machine types

• Machine
• Coil/head
• Discrimination
Etc…

Include table where generic machine type is checked against the three criteria A bit like this… but making real sense ;)

Field Trench Spoilheap
Discrimination Depth Discrimination Depth Discrimination Depth
Machine 1 x (Fe) x x x
Machine 2 x x x


Set out the 3 main methodologies

• Random
• Gridded
• Flagged
• GPS
etc….

Have a checklist for decision making

Site type__________________________
Soil Type__________________________
Weather_____________________________
Depth_____________________________
Discrimination__________________________

Machine type required_____________________


Give examples of best practice

Would it be possible to have a flow chart for best machine type?

How to contact individuals and clubs?

Etc




"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[patwatson]

Hmmm....ok, let me get my head round this and I'll comment. Some good ideas here.

[BAJR Host]

Glad some make it....

we all just have to take little chunks...

however.... this one is your baby!

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[JBM]

This is going to be a very interesting thread to follow.Jerry.

Retired Aerospace manager after many years in the engineering industry..
Locating and preserving historical items for future generations to enjoy.

[BAJR Host]

Anyone had any thoughts about this??

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[patwatson]

I've been covered up with several other projects lately, but I have gone through the list and started pulling things together in an outline. Once I have something a bit more coherent, I'll start posting some things for the group to look over.

[BAJR Host]

Thanks for that... we have plenty time... just checking.

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Steve-B]

quote:Let me know if I can help in any way. I might even be able to rope in the Norfolk Wolf, one the countries leading experts on all things detecting. He is also used to working closely with the archaeologists in Norfolk for a great many years bfore it has recently become 'fashionable' to do so.


David, any thoughts on this?

I have had a chat with John (Norfolk Wolf) and he has expressed an interest.

www.detector-distribution.co.uk

If a job is worth doing, then its worth doing it tomorrow!

Homer (Simpson)

[BAJR Host]

Thanks for that.... we can use that once we have a draft document to pour over...

top !

"No job worth doing was ever done on time or under budget.."
Khufu

[Steve-B]

mm, I would have thought he would have been better placed and more experienced to help draft a document more than most, but no worries.

www.detector-distribution.co.uk

If a job is worth doing, then its worth doing it tomorrow!

Homer (Simpson)