Magnetic mapping and soil magnetic properties applied to the heritage preservation of Roman kilns

As a part of a long-term archaeophysical research project detailed magnetic surveys have been conducted in different areas of Catalonia (N.E. Spain). The main goal of the project was to demonstrate that the magnetic method is very efficient to detect kilns and baked clays of archaeological significance, thus allowing their cataloguing, study and preservation from destruction. The new trends in magnetic methods for archaeological prospecting are moving in the direction of acquiring, processing and interpreting very large data sets. This is being done with microprocessor-controlled instruments and innovative developments in field procedures. This strategy permits the compilation of large numbers of data points in a relatively short amount of time. Large databases mean that larger areas with higher resolution can be covered. Consequently, ground geophysical methods can now provide key information for an accurate and non-destructive examination of the archaeological sites. Different techniques have been applied for processing magnetic data to improve the presentation and recognition of the dipolar signals that are characteristic of kiln�s remanent magnetization at intermediate latitudes. Also, soil magnetic properties have been measured to better understand the effect caused by the structures of interest. The subsequent archaeological ploughs have confirmed the usefulness of detailed magnetic surveys and the accuracy of their interpretation.