In the world of metal detecting, having access to the right tools and resources can significantly enhance your experience and success rate. Our Useful Tools section is designed to provide you with a range of invaluable resources that will help you plan your detecting expeditions, research historical sites, and better understand the context of your finds.
Historic England
Historic England is a vital resource for anyone involved in metal detecting. It provides extensive information about listed buildings, scheduled monuments, and protected landscapes across England. By using this tool, detectorists can ensure they avoid restricted areas and understand the historical significance of the sites they explore. The platform also offers access to a range of historical records and archives, which can help in researching the context of any finds and understanding the history of the land being detected.
NLS Maps
NLS Maps, or the National Library of Scotland Maps, is an invaluable tool for metal detecting enthusiasts. It offers an extensive collection of historical maps, covering both Scotland and other parts of the UK. By using NLS Maps, detectorists can compare current landscapes with historical ones, helping to identify locations of former settlements, paths, and features that might have changed or disappeared over time. This can guide you to promising detecting spots that may not be apparent on modern maps.
Archi UK
Archi UK is a comprehensive archaeological database that provides detailed information on thousands of historical and archaeological sites across the UK. For detectorists, Archi UK is an excellent tool for researching potential detecting locations. It allows you to find sites of historical interest, learn about past excavations, and gain insights into the types of artifacts you might expect to find in certain areas. This database can help you make more informed decisions about where to focus your detecting efforts.
Lidar Finder
Lidar Finder uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology to offer high-resolution, 3D maps of the landscape. This tool is particularly useful for metal detecting because it reveals subtle changes in terrain that might not be visible with the naked eye or on traditional maps. With Lidar Finder, you can detect old field boundaries, hidden pathways, and even the foundations of long-lost structures. For example, ridge and furrow patterns—often remnants of medieval farming practices—are easily identifiable using this tool. These insights can guide you to unexplored areas that could hold historical artifacts, enhancing the chances of making significant finds.
The Modern Antiquarian
The Modern Antiquarian is your guide to exploring the ancient past. Dedicated to uncovering and celebrating prehistoric sites, landscapes, and artifacts, our website serves as a resource for enthusiasts, researchers, and adventurers alike. Whether you're discovering stone circles, burial mounds, or ancient monuments, The Modern Antiquarian connects you to the stories and history that shaped our world.
Early Medieval Maps England
Early Medieval England Maps is your resource for exploring key locations from England’s early medieval period. Discover mint locations, Viking campaigning sites, and significant historical landmarks that shaped this fascinating era.
British History Online
British History Online is a collection of nearly 1300 volumes of primary and secondary content relating to British and Irish history, and histories of empire and the British world. BHO also provides access to 40,000 images and 10,000 tiles of historic maps of the British Isles.