As the name suggests a Metal Detector is a kind of instrument, which is used to detect metal with the help of electromagnetic induction. It helps in the detection of land mines, weapons like knives or guns at airports, in treasure hunting or in archeology. It can also be helpful in detecting foreign bodies in food. Construction industries find it useful in detecting steel reinforcing bars present in concretes, pipes, or wires in walls and floors. It can sense any electrically conductive piece of metal. Metal detectors came into being around the end of the 19th century.

Metal detectors have many applications. In archeology metal detectors are of good help. But in some countries like France and Sweden law prohibits metal detectors, but with special permission it can be used. In spite of all these restrictions the contribution of metal detectors in this area cannot be denied. A good example is the utilization of these detectors to inspect wide areas like sites of battlefields, where the only remains could be the surface, scattered with metal objects.

Some times people use consumer metal detectors to find coins on the beach as their hobby. Generally in the following types of hobbyist activities metal detectors are used.

Coin Shooting, searching for coins, mainly old coins. Prospecting, searching for precious metals like gold or silver Relic Hunting, searching for any thing that has any historical significance, like weapons. Treasure Hunting, searching for hidden items.

For security purpose metal detector are of great help. In airports this is used in great extent as it helps to detect any dangerous items carried by passengers that can cause harm to others, especially weapons,