<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> The examples and perspective in this section deal primarily with the United States and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject . You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate . (June 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) </Td> </Tr> <P> The metal detecting community and professional archaeologists have different ideas related to the recovery and preservation of historic finds and locations . Archaeologists claim that detector hobbyists take an artifact - centric approach, removing these from their context resulting in a permanent loss of historical information . Archaeological looting of places like Slack Farm in 1987 and Petersburg National Battlefield serve as evidence against allowing unsupervised metal detecting in historic locations . </P> <P> Hobbyists often state that professional archaeologists' resource limitations results in the loss or damage of many artifacts by plows, development, erosion and livestock . The language and breadth of legislation regarding artifact collection is also an issue, as the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 excludes scattered coins, the main target of inland hobbyists . Many hobbyists take issue with the breadth of metal detecting bans, marking large swaths of property off - limits which are either well - documented already or unlikely to ever receive professional attention . Suggestions to certify or offer limited permits for detecting at historic sites have been attempted in some areas of the United States . </P> <P> Recently, productive efforts for cooperation between professionals and metal detecting hobbyists have begun, including the Montpelier Archeology Project and Battlefield Restoration and Archaeological Volunteer Organization (BRAVO) and many more . In these programs, skilled detector hobbyists work with experienced professionals with common goals of accurate, efficient site discovery and excavation . Away from supervised sites, hobbyists using improved record keeping and employment of global positioning system, GIS, logbooks, photo scales and online databases may aid professionals in evaluating possible sites . When searching for a site, hobbyists can aid with electronic scanning, reducing the need for test holes . Some land managers, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority have cited a role for amateur archaeologists in protecting sensitive sites from illegal looting and metal detector hobbyists have aided in the location and preservation of many sites . </P>

What do you call a metal detector person