Best Zones — AI-scored terrain — see where gold is most likely to settle before you leave home

Best Zones analyses terrain, geology, and historical data to score areas by prospecting potential. It highlights the ground worth your time and filters out the dead zones.

How it works

DigMate processes elevation data, geological survey records, drainage patterns, and historical mining information to generate a score for each area. Higher scores indicate ground with multiple positive indicators — not a guarantee, but a significantly better starting point than guessing.

1. Open the map — Navigate to your target area in DigMate.
2. Enable Best Zones — Toggle the Best Zones overlay from the layers panel.
3. Read the scores — Coloured zones show scored areas. Tap any zone for a breakdown of the indicators driving the score.
4. Plan your dig — Focus your session on the highest-scoring zones with the terrain features that match your equipment.

Use it for

• Planning a first trip to an unfamiliar area
• Comparing two potential locations before committing to a long drive
• Identifying the most productive section of a creek you already know
• Finding new ground in a familiar region you may have overlooked

Questions

Does a high Best Zones score guarantee gold?

No. Nothing can guarantee gold. Best Zones tells you which ground has the strongest geological and historical indicators. It stacks the odds in your favour — it does not remove the uncertainty of prospecting.

What data does Best Zones use?

Best Zones uses publicly available geological survey data, topographic elevation data, historical mining records, and drainage analysis. It does not use proprietary or secret data sources.

Does Best Zones work in WA?

DigMate is currently focused on NSW and VIC. WA coverage is planned for a future update.