Electromagnetic proximity detection method for a buried structure executed with a mobile detection device, including sensing an electromagnetic field emitted from the structure as an analog electrical signal and digitalizing the analog electrical signal as a digital signal, performed after or while filtering the analog and/or digital signal. The proximity of the buried structure is determined by analyzing the digital signal, wherein the detection method can be alternatively executed in at least two of the following modes of detection: Power-Mode of detection, Radio-Mode of detection or Active-Mode of detection. An additional Switching-Mode of operation includes a repeated sequential detection in at least two of the mentioned modes of detection and is done by automatic subsequent alternating of the mode of detection with a minimum rate of alternation that an area of detection is coverable by the at least two modes of detection in a single execution of the detection method.