Setting up a Search Perimeter

In order to set up the perimeters of the search, a prospector will need to stand at the bottom of the search line and draw a line that is at a 90-degree angle to the search line in both directions. The end part of this line in both directions is the point that is farther away that the prospector calculates more float could have been located. The prospector will then need to mark these on his map and connect the lines with the higher point.

Obviously we are not talking about doing a perfectly mathematical triangle. You will notice that there are certain maps that have the search triangle that looks sort of wavy. The main idea of this is to divide a search area so that you are able to then investigate it in a systematical way. this is the way that most prospectors will see they have been investigating anyways through their time prospecting because it is the normal method of searching for anything that is hidden on the side of a slope or hill.

Due to the fact that it is a very natural thing to do, most people in general do not draw out a map or mark a topographical map with the triangle. However it is very highly recommended to mark this area on the map because this way if the search ended up being unsuccessful in certain area marking the map will eliminate this area from getting searched again or it can also show you another point you could start at and it can also show you a lot about when to begin in a new direction and where that direction is towards.

Beginning from the inspection on the site, or from the topographical map you can classify if the grade is gentle or steep and if the search line is long or short. Knowing about these points will help you to alter the distances of the search and the time spent on the search however they will not modify the idea of setting up a base line and searching each base line in a systematic way. Besides this the terrain may show that at certain areas new search triangles need to be set up in order to explore gullies canyons of a mountain or little hills that are rounded. When rounded hills are involved a prospector can also do a circular type of search by using the contour base line idea.