An alternative approach to hot spot identification using in situ gamma spectrometry measurements on a grid

We describe the application of a computer code developed to analyze data from a series of in situ gamma spectrometry measurements on a grid. The code was designed to be used as a tool when evaluating compliance with regulations that set limits on the size and magnitude of elevated activity areas (also known as "hot spots"). It calculates location and magnitude of potential elevated activity areas consistent with the data, and for each potential elevated area it generates a corresponding distribution of radionuclides in the soil. The algorithm uses a maximum entropy deconvolution of the data, followed by further analysis. A test case using data from actual field measurements is presented.