Multi-Sensor Data Logging System for Bartington Grad-601 Arrays
Magnetic Sensors Array (photo courtesy of Target Archaeological Geophysics Ltd.)
The MLgrad601 system is a high-productivity multi-sensor geophysical data-logging solution designed specifically for arrays of Bartington Grad-601 magnetic gradiometer sensors operating simultaneously. The system is optimized for large-area archaeological prospection, delivering wide-swath coverage, high spatial resolution, and significantly increased field efficiency.
The MLgrad601 system consists of two fully integrated programs: the MLgrad601 field data acquisition software and the MultiGrad601 data-processing program.
High-Efficiency Archaeological Surveys with Gradiometer Arrays
MLgrad601 is designed for survey environments where multiple Bartington Grad-601 instruments are deployed as a single-row sensor array. Each Grad-601 console may operate with one or two gradiometer sensors, allowing the system to acquire data from up to nine consoles or up to eighteen sensors simultaneously. Consoles equipped with single-sensor and dual-sensor configurations can be freely mixed within the same array.
This array-based approach dramatically increases survey productivity compared to single-instrument operation, making MLgrad601 ideally suited for large archaeological sites, landscape-scale prospection, and research projects requiring dense, high-resolution magnetic data.
Real-Time Mapping, Navigation, and Field QA/QC
The MLgrad601 field program provides real-time spatial mapping of all connected Grad-601 sensors. Logged positions are displayed as a color-coded grid image or scaled array swath, allowing archaeologists to recognize subsurface features as they emerge and adjust survey strategy immediately in the field.
Real-time navigation and survey-line guidance ensure uniformly spaced survey lines, minimizing missed areas and preventing unnecessary overlap. This results in consistent coverage and repeatable datasets while significantly reducing field time.
The software supports loading up to 10 external background files, including site boundaries, excavation plans, infrastructure layers, or survey layouts from previous projects—enhancing navigation accuracy and contextual interpretation during data acquisition.
Description of Array Geometry (3 consoles with 6 probes)
GNSS/GPS and Robotic Total Station Integration
MLgrad601 works with virtually any GNSS/GPS receiver by supporting multiple NMEA message formats, and also integrates with selected robotic total stations (RTS). The software provides simultaneous graphical and numeric displays of Grad-601 data, positioning coordinates, and GPS quality parameters, delivering comprehensive real-time QA/QC throughout the survey.
All configurations of Bartington Grad-601 instruments are fully supported.
MultiGrad601 Data Processing Software
The accompanying MultiGrad601 Windows-based data-processing program is designed to process data collected by the MLgrad601 field software. MultiGrad601 accurately positions each Grad-601 sensor using user-defined array geometry, recorded GPS positions, instantaneous array heading, and user-specified filtering parameters.
This processing workflow produces high-quality, georeferenced magnetic datasets suitable for archaeological interpretation, mapping, and reporting, supporting both academic research and commercial archaeological investigations worldwide.
Key Features of MLgrad601 (Field Data Acquisition Software)
Real-time color mapping with user-defined color scales for Grad-601 magnetic gradiometer data
Live position indicator with single-row array swath visualization
Adjustable map scale, grid or guide-line spacing, map tilt, and cursor band
Clear graphical and numeric display of magnetic data from all connected Grad-601 sensors
Support for up to 10 external background files (site boundaries, excavation plans, previous survey layouts)
Append-to-file option for extending existing archaeological datasets
Continuous visual and audible monitoring of Grad-601 console connections and GNSS/GPS receiver status
Monitoring of GPS satellite count, PDOP, position quality indicators, and user-defined GPS Warning Masks
Map panning controls in all directions
Position display in Latitude/Longitude or UTM coordinates
