Sandra E. Hahn

We present the results of tests conducted with a state-of-the-art drone-based multi-channel magnetometer system (SENSYS MagDrone R4) developed for efficient high-resolution near-surface surveys. The primary aim is to advance the application of this technology in proximal sensing and to identify acquisition strategies capable of achieving data quality comparable to that of established ground-based magnetometer surveys. The system is evaluated under varying operational conditions, with particular emphasis on the influence of flight altitude, heading, velocity, and UAV platform characteristics on magnetic data quality. Signal properties are analyzed using power spectral methods to identify and quantify platform- and survey-related sources of interference. The results reveal the noise sources and amplifiers affecting UAV-based magnetic measurements and demonstrate how survey design can substantially increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Based on these findings, practical recommendations for data acquisition and processing are proposed, contributing to the development of best-practice guidelines for high-resolution archeological, explosive ordnance (EO), and other near-surface magnetic survey applications.

Within the framework of an Armenian–German research project, taking place between 2019 and 2021 on the Artanish Peninsula at Lake Sevan (Armenia), in addition to numerous (geo‐) archaeological investigations, methods of geochemical prospection have been carried out. The ancient burial grounds of Artanish 23 and Artanish 29 have served as model sites to successfully test the well‐known method of geochemical prospection and evaluation of metal deposits in geology (mineral sector). As a result, a new experimental archaeo‐geochemical prospecting and evaluation method has been developed, which has been adapted for the exploration of archaeological monuments. It is planned to use this experimental method (which we consider new and important in archaeogeochemical investigation, but not a conclusive and comprehensive work per se), which has already proven its work capacity, in archaeological research, in the prospective areas of Armenia and other countries. In addition to these investigations, research on the transformations in the landscape of the ancient tombs related to Lake Sevan fluctuations has also been carried out. The anthropogenic impact of humans on the environment (geochemical halos formed in the soil on the surface of the tombs) has been studied, as well as the problem of the impact of geological environment on human life activities, that is, the relocation of the burial grounds to more elevated areas due to the rise in the lake level. Based on the results of geochemical sampling and high‐resolution magnetometer surveys, excavations have been performed at the site. Here, we present the results of an experimental study exploring the potential of combined magnetometer prospection and chemical soil analyses to locate and characterize the burial ground of Artanish on Lake Sevan, Armenia. The results have demonstrated the capability of these analyses to detect the sites, outline hotspots and interpret the features identified in the magnetometer results.

Fara-Šuruppak was a major Sumerian city of the third millennium B.C. By magnetometer prospecting we discovered and traced a casemate city wall that enclosed the city. On the west bank of the Euphrates river we identified a large harbour complex of Fara-Šuruppak. The magnetogram revealed the existence of channels, a bridge, hydraulic constructions and agricultural fields.

Combining the records of different types of magnetometers to one magnetogram can be onerous. We introduce an alternative way to merge magnetograms of diverse magnetometers. The application of a high-pass filter on scalar magnetometer data resembles gradiometer data. This can be a fast and easy way to merge scalar magnetometer and fluxgate gradiometer data.

Ancient Šuruppak, today Fara, was one of the major Sumerian cities in Mesopotamia. It was situated along one of the ancient watercourses of the Euphrates River. Findings date it back to the Jemdet Nasr period around 3000 bcwith a continuous occupation until the end of the Ur III period around 2000 bc. Fara was first explored and excavated by the Deutsche Orient‐Gesellschaft in the years 1902 and 1903 under the direction of Walter Andrae. Multiple excavation trenches with lengths up to 900 m transect the 1 km²wide mound and are still visible today which enables us to georeference the excavation maps. Today, the 2.2 km²wide archaeological area is dry and without any vegetation. Thousands of deep looting pits are covering the majority of mound which not only destroyed its upper metres but also challenge the application of geophysical prospection methods and their interpretation. The magnetometer prospecting of selected areas on and around the mound was carried out with three devices, two total field magnetometers and one gradiometer. The individual survey areas were combined in post‐processing by applying a high‐pass filter on the total field data sets and multiplying the vertical gradiometer data sets by a factor of two. This approach provides visually uniform magnetograms, despite being obtained by different devices, which simplifies subsequent visual interpretation. These magnetograms enable us to review, and to extend the results of the old excavations. The comparison show a good correlation in accuracy to the old drawings and positive identification of the already excavated features with magnetometry. Highlights of the survey are the discovery of the city wall confirming its existence, the layout of a unique building complex in the centre of the mound, likely a temple, traces of canals inside the city and an evaluation of magnetometer prospection over a looted area.