Random spot checking with an instrument, sometimes referred to as a "scanning" mode, is useful, and sometimes essential, to get an idea of the size of measurements and anomaly strengths prior to an area survey (some instruments require scale or range settings that relate to the size of measurements).

Random spot checking can also be a useful prospecting method in itself when, for example, one is using a metal detector to locate metal artifacts or a magnetometer to locate a buried kiln or historic brick structure.

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