Electromagnetic induction (EMI) method results are shown for vertical magnetic dipole (VMD) configuration by using the EM38 equipment. Performance in the location of metallic pipes and electrical cables is compared as a function of instrumental drift correction by linear and quadratic adjusting under controlled conditions. Metallic pipes and electrical cables are buried at the IAG/USP shallow geophysical test site in São Paulo City, Brazil. Results show that apparent electrical conductivity and magnetic susceptibility data were affected by ambient temperature variation. In order to obtain better contrast between background and metallic targets it was necessary to correct the drift. This correction was accomplished by using linear and quadratic relation between conductivity/susceptibility and temperature intending comparative studies. The correction of temperature drift by using a quadratic relation was effective, showing that all metallic targets were located as well deeper targets were also improved.Research Highlights► We comparing the performance of instrumental drift correction by linear and quadratic adjusting in Inductive Electromagnetic data. ► The correction of drift by quadratic relation was effective for location of metallic pipes, and electrical cables. ► This research was done under field controlled conditions at IAG-USP test site (São Paulo, Brazil). ► Electric conductivity and magnetic susceptibility anomalies were enhanced, and deeper targets were improved. ► The data acquisition is faster because it is not necessary to survey at base line and its re-occupation.