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Filters & Settings

PolarWave provides a set of real-time filters that adjust how your data is displayed. You can combine multiple filters at the same time — they apply in sequence and the result updates instantly.

All filter settings are saved automatically per scan and restored the next time you open that scan.

Filter reference​

Decimation​

Reduces the amount of data shown in the chart. Useful for getting a fast overview of large scans before doing detailed analysis.

ParameterDescription
RatioPercentage of data points to keep
MethodHow to represent each thinned section: minimum, maximum, or average value

When to use: Start with a low ratio (10–20 %) for a quick look, then increase it for final analysis.

Interpolation​

Resamples your data to an even spacing. Useful when scan lines have inconsistent sampling or when you need all lines to match for heatmap and 3D views.

ParameterDescription
Target pointsHow many evenly-spaced points to produce

Amplification​

Scales all values up or down by a fixed factor, making weak anomalies easier to see.

ParameterDescription
CoefficientMultiplier (1.0 = no change, 2.0 = doubled)

When to use: When anomalies are barely visible above the background. Increase until targets stand out.

caution

Very high amplification can wash out the color scale in 2D and 3D views. Pair it with the Sensitivity slider to keep the scale balanced.

Magnet Type​

Selects which combination of sensor axes to display.

OptionWhat is shown
1-axisVertical component only
2-axisHorizontal and vertical components
Total fieldCombined field strength from all axes

Metrics Type​

Selects the type of measurement to display (options vary by device):

  • Absolute value — raw field reading (nT for DroneRover and FGA Logger; –1 to 1 signal strength for TreasureHunter3D and DIY Gradiometer Kit)
  • Gradient — rate of change between adjacent readings
  • Normalized — values rescaled for comparison

Sensitivity​

Adjusts the color scale in 2D and 3D views.

ParameterDescription
Min / MaxSet the value range that maps to the full color palette

Narrowing the range increases contrast for weak anomalies. Widening it shows a broader picture without clipping.

Smoothing​

Averages each point with its neighbors to reduce noise and reveal the underlying signal shape.

ParameterDescription
Window sizeHow many neighboring points to include in each average

When to use: When the raw signal is noisy. A window of 5–15 is a good starting point.

Detrend​

Removes slow background drift from the scan, making local anomalies stand out against a flat baseline.

ParameterDescription
Order1 = remove a linear slope; 2 = remove a gentle curve

When to use: Always apply this first when regional geomagnetic gradients are creating a tilt across your scan.

Baseline Removal​

Shifts the signal so it is centered around zero. Useful after detrending if a residual offset remains, or when comparing multiple scan lines side by side.

General magnetometer survey​

  1. Detrend (order 1)
  2. Baseline Removal
  3. Smoothing (window 7–11)
  4. Amplification (adjust to taste)

Deep target — weak signal​

  1. Detrend (order 2)
  2. Smoothing (window 15–21)
  3. Amplification (high)
  4. Sensitivity — narrow the color scale to focus on the target range

GPR radargram cleanup​

  1. Detrend (removes direct wave banding)
  2. Baseline Removal
  3. Decimation (for very large files)

Drone multi-sensor map​

  1. Decimation (for initial overview)
  2. Gaussian Normalization (in map view palette settings)

Resetting filters​

Click Reset Filters in the filter panel to restore all settings to their defaults. This only affects your view — other users' settings for the same scan are not changed.

Next steps​