Today I used Google Maps to look up some of my remote metal detecting areas. The imagery is great, in fact one of my hunting sites, you can see the foundation of the log structure that once stood there!

This tool can be used as a novelty to look up your sites, but today I started expanding my search. I started with the location of a mining camp that I've been to a few times. The area has multiple ravines and drainages, so I started to explore by moving away from my camp. I found two possible sites. I can't tell if they are structures, but they definitely could be. Either way, this is something new to explore when the weather warms up.

We definitely need to take advantage of the tools that are provided by technology. Any edge that can be gained is an incredibly useful.

One idea that I'm kickin' around and willing to share is to follow railroad tracks with Google Maps. Follow the old lines and look for bridges or tunnels. Then back off of that to look for possible camp sites. These structures were extremely difficult to build and took time. Workers often made camps somewhat close, depending on the location. It's hard to see open areas and terrain from the car on the road, but Google Maps can give you a new perspective. Then if you can combine historical references to help 'lock' that spot, you got yourself one heck of a good lead for detecting.