Identifying the presence of mines in Cambodia could get easier if a new technology proves successful in the field.

The creators of PETALS – Pat­tern Enhancement Tool for As­­sisting Landmine Sensing – ai­­m to connect smartphone devices to the more commonly used handheld detectors.

By being able to get a visual out­line of the blips picked up on the detector, a de-miner can see shapes of objects buried beneath the earth. Initial test­ing for the new method is planned in Cambodia with the Landmine Relief Fund.

A staff member from LRF did not immediately re­­turn a call or email seeking comment.

An explanation on the company’s website ex­­plains that “operators can tell the difference between something that’s harmful, like a land­mine, from something that’s harmless, like a bullet shell”.

To contact the reporter on this story: Joseph Freeman at [email protected]