Detailed gradiometer survey of the Inner Buffer Zone of the World Heritage Site in Orkney began in 2002, with the surveys being undertaken by GSB Prospection Ltd. Orkney College Geophysics Unit took over the project in 2004.

To date approximately 200ha ha have been surveyed. The results have produced a spectacular range of responses from geological intrusions, to Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements, as well as a clear picture of the medieval and later farming landscape.

Gradiometer survey

Gradiometer survey of part of the Inner Buffer Zone; Maes Howe is visible in the left of the picture.

Overview of Wasbister and Ness of Brodgar sites

Greyscale image of the areas covered by the survey. The most notable and visible sites are at Wasbister and on the Ness of Brodgar.

Click for larger image.

Wasbister 3D Geophysics Image

Model of the Wasbister area incorporating the gradiometer data, produced by a student on the MA Archaeological Practice. At least one Bronze Age double house (black and white circles) is visible at the base of the slope in the centre of the field.