An Electromagnetic survey is useful for locating buried ferrous and non-ferrous material.   The Electromagnetic Methods are:

Electromagnetic (EM) induction uses a transmitter to generate a pulsed primary magnetic field.  The transmitted magnetic field induces eddy currents in nearby ferrous and non-ferrous metallic objects.   The EM measuring device senses the eddy current fields.  The amplitude and phase of the eddy current fields are related to the electrical properties of the subsurface.

There are two types of Electromagnetic Induction  techniques commonly used. These are time-domain and frequency-domain.

Time Domain Electromagnetic Induction
The time-domain instrument produces a short low energy electromagnetic pulse from the transmitter coil. A receiver coil measures the decaying signal induced into the ground with respect to time.

 On completion of each survey the dataset is downloaded to a computer for processing.  The data are used to produce site maps showing the locations and sizes of detected anomalies.

The time domain method allows very sensitive detection of shallow and deep buried metal objects  It is capable of detecting and mapping the location of both ferrous and non-ferrous buried metallic objects, large or small.  For example, it is capable of detecting a buried 55 gallon drum at a depth of 3m.

Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Induction
The frequency domain instrument normally operates at a fixed frequency. The generated signal creates small subsurface eddy currents beneath the instrument. Automatic accurate measurements of the components of the generated subsurface eddy currents are then used to record changes in the subsurface soil conditions.

The frequency domain method is capable of detecting and mapping any contaminant plume that is causing even a small change in soil conductivity/resistivity. It can be used to find buried dumpsites, leachate plumes, voids, underground streams and aquifers and buried metallic/magnetic objects.