Data Processing & NecroSearch

by

Jim Reed
NecroSearch International

Computer software has been used by geoscientists as an exploration tool since the 1950’s.  These methods, or “algorithms”, have been continuously refined and tested within the fields of petroleum exploration, minerals exploration, hydrogeology, environmental characterization, and engineering geology.  NecroSearch exploration is purposely not geared towards the direct detection of human remains.  Instead, an emphasis is placed upon detecting the disturbances to the immediate environment that are created by the excavation and backfilling of the grave.  Typical cases involve the use of two- and three-dimensional numeric models (i.e. grids and solids).  These models are based on imaginary matrices that represent the project area.  The midpoint of each cell (the “node”) within these matrices is assigned a value based upon some type of observation.  Examples of modeled data include electromagnetics (EM), magnetics (Mag), ground-penetrating radar (GPR), botany, entomology, thermal infrared, lithology, and soil compaction.  These models are statistically processed in order to create derivative models in which the node values represent the deviation from background (mean or median) levels.  This logic is based upon the assumption that the project area is large enough to establish statistically valid background levels.  Weighting factors are then assigned to these statistically normalized models based upon subjective factors.  For example, the nodes within a model based on an electromagnetic (EM) survey might be given a weighting factor of 10.0 because the data is highly reproducible.  Conversely, the nodes within models based on psychics or dousing (neither of which are involved with NecroSearch projects) would be multiplied by weighting factors of zero because they are not reproducible.  The standardized/weighted models are then combined into a composite model by adding the node values on a cell-by-cell basis.  The composite model is then subjected to a filter that removes the isolated (non-contiguous) anomalies that are too small to represent a gravesite.  The final result is a map that provides the NecroSearch team members with specific targets for more refined exploration using archeological excavation techniques and anthropological examination.  The time allotted for the processing of multivariate exploration data varies by industry but generally ranges from three months to a year.  By comparison, the data associated with a typical NecroSearch project mush be collected and processed within a few hours.  As a consequence, NecroSearch members have attempted to optimize these procedures so that each exploration site can be evaluated in a rapid and systematic fashion.