The ultimate research guide for new sites

Important note: This guide is for responsible explorers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. It does not replace legal advice. Always check the local laws (monument protection, nature conservation, forestry and hunting law). Obtain the necessary permits (e.g. search permit) and written permission from the landowner. Report important finds to the relevant monument authority.

1) Basics: Law, ethics, responsibility
1.1 Minimum legal standards

• Property law: No search without express permission - neither private nor public.
• Monument protection: In many federal states, searches are subject to authorization. Archaeologically protected areas are taboo.
• Nature conservation & forestry: Do not enter/explore protected areas, ground monuments, biotopes, dunes etc.
• War sites & ordnance: Do not touch finds. Inform the police / explosive ordnance disposal service immediately.
• Obligation to report: Report finds relevant to cultural history. Transparency strengthens the acceptance of the hobby.

1.2 Ethical guidelines

• Work with few traces: Precise location, clean cuts, professional backfilling.
• Documentation: Location (GPS), context, photos, sketches.
• No-go zones: Cemeteries, burial mounds, churches, protected areas.
• Cooperation: Cooperation with archaeology, museums, associations; participation in training courses.

2) Procedure model for research

• Define region (district) ➜ Check legal framework.
• Understand historical use (time layers, farm roads, settlement patterns).
• Broad research: compile sources (maps, field names, archives, aerial photographs).
• Mark exclusion areas (monument protection/nature conservation/private).
• Prioritization: Weight potentials (accessibility, erosion, vegetation).
• Secure permissions: owner/leaseholder + authorities.
• Inspection planning: season, weather, soil, routes.
• On-site validation: test sectors, documentation.
• Follow-up: view and report finds, maintain map.

3) Sources & references

Objective: Legally usable evidence of past activities without spying on listed sites.

3.1 Historical maps

• Multi-period maps (18th-20th century): show paths, mills, bridges.
• Parcel & cadastral maps: plots reveal old farmsteads.
• Topographical maps:
• Reading stone sites
• hollow ways
• Viewpoints
• Application:
• Superimpose maps
• Recognize change
• Where were everyday meeting points?

3.2 Aerial and orthophotos

• Spring/drought periods: Growth features for old structures.
• Winter photographs: Ground signatures due to low vegetation.

3.3 Field names & address books

• Names such as Brückwiese, Fährfeld, Tanzwiese. Always contextualize with maps.

3.4 Regional literature & local chronicles

• Local history books, commemorative publications: References to folk festivals, markets.

3.5 Archives & newspapers

• Local newspapers (19th/20th century): Reports on festivals, markets.
• Municipal archives: Council minutes (road relocations, new bridges).

3.6 Modern infrastructure history

• Old railroad lines/stops: often legally accessible - check ownership!

3.7 Terrain & usage indicators

• Everyday logic: Where did people stop? (ford, view).

4) Digital tools

• GIS/Mapping: Multi-layer map overlays, own markings.
• GPS/smartphone: waypoints, photo positions.
• Archive portals: Search catalogs for place names.
• Weather & soil apps: soil moisture, frost, vegetation status.
• Note: Do not use data that localizes ground monuments.

5) Exclusion & risk minimization

• Protected areas: consistently exclude.
• Hedgerows, eyrie trees: observe breeding seasons.
• Hunting seasons: Contact with hunters; no night walks.
• Land use: Cultivated fields are taboo.

6) Evaluation: How "good" is a potential search site?

• Criteria (scoring 0-5)
• Legal situation clear (permits available).
• Accessibility (short approach).
• Historical use plausible (several sources).
• Soil/vegetation favorable (little disturbance).
• Low disturbance factors (garbage, development).
• Add up the points. Sites with ≥18/25 are prioritized.

7) Obtain permissions (practice)

7.1 Finding the owner

• Municipal or cadastral information, yard signs, neighbors.

7.2 Approach - guidelines

• Brief introduction, aim "local history", ask for written consent.

7.3 Sample letter

Subject: Request for permission to search for metal on parcel(s) of land at [location]

Dear [name],

My name is [your name]. I am interested in local history and metal detecting as a hobby. I would like - with your permission - to carry out searches on your property [parcel/location]. I work without leaving traces, comply with regulations and report relevant finds. I will respect your instructions (times, areas) and stop at any time if you wish.

If you agree, I will send you a short declaration to sign. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely [your name - contact details]

7.4 Declaration of consent - key points

• Name/address of both parties, parcel numbers, period of validity, conditions.

7.5 Communication with the authorities

• Apply for permission to investigate (form, supporting documents).

8) Inspection planning & implementation

• Timing: After rain (better signal), not in frost.
• Parcelling: Search grid (e.g. 20×20 m).
• Test areas: Start small; abort if only garbage is found.
• Probing discipline: Exact pinpointing, clean reinstallation.
• Safety equipment: Gloves, first aid, telephone.

9) Documentation, evaluation, reporting

• Find note: date, area, GPS, depth, material, photo.
• Find photo (in situ): On site in the ground, scale.
• Map maintenance: Find density heat map for planning.
• Reporting: Report relevant information to the office/museum.

10) Cooperation & further training

• Associations/working groups: Exchange, joint inspections.
• Training courses: Soil science, excavation ethics.
• Specialist literature: regional archaeology, settlement history.

11) Checklists

• Before the research
• Legal situation checked
• Exclusion areas marked
• List of sources drawn up
• Before the inspection
• Written permission Owner:in
• (If necessary) Authorization Authority
• Weather/soil ok
• Equipment complete
• After the inspection
• Area left clean
• Finds documented
• Relevant reported
• Map updated

12) Templates

12.1 Site logbook

• FieldEntryName[e.g.
• e.g. "Wiesenknick Nord"
• Date(s)
• Owner:in / Contact
• Permission (file number)
• Coordinates / Polygon
• Exclusion in the vicinity
• Weather/soil
• Grid / course
• Finds (short list)
• Waste disposed of
• Remarks

12.2 Minimum equipment list

• Detector + headphones
• Pinpointer
• Grabungswerkzeuge
• Measuring tape/ruler
• GPS/Smartphone
• Bags/labels
• Gloves, first aid

13) Common mistakes - and how to avoid them

• Starting without permission ➜ always obtain written permission.
• Use monument lists ➜ avoid; reconstruct everyday use.
• Over-motivated excavation ➜ small-scale, clean.
• Confidentiality towards authorities ➜ Cooperation creates trust.
• Photographs of finds without context ➜ Always document with location.

14) Short & sweet - your 10-step plan

• Check the legal situation.
• Select search region.
• Compare historical maps.
• Look at field names/literature.
• Define exclusion areas.
• Find owner, obtain permission.
• Apply for permission (if necessary).
• Start small, work cleanly.
• Document, report, evaluate.
• Continuously learn & maintain networks.

Conclusion
With care, respect and good research you will find legal and exciting search sites. In this way you contribute to local history and preserve cultural assets for everyone. Good luck with your search - responsibly and in good cooperation!