"Archaeologists conduct surveys to search for particular archaeological sites or kinds of sites, to detect patterns in the distribution of material culture over regions, to make generalizations or test hypotheses about past cultures, and to assess the risks that development projects will have adverse impacts on archaeological heritage."
The systematic study of an area to identify and record archaeological sites and features.
Archaeological Methods: Techniques used to conduct archaeological surveys, excavation, laboratory analysis, and interpretation of findings.
Survey Planning and Design: Process of identifying research questions, determining the most suitable methodology and scope for a survey, and selecting the survey area.
Site Selection and Identification: Developing and applying criteria for selecting potential archaeological sites for a survey.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS): Using digital mapping technology to visualize and manage data relating to location-based phenomena.
Research Ethics and Regulations: Ethical and legal considerations surrounding archaeological survey work and the handling of cultural resources.
Fieldwork Techniques: The various methods used in conducting archaeological surveys in the field, including sampling strategies, excavation techniques, and mapping.
Data Collection and Recording: The importance of recording and retaining detailed information about archaeological sites, features, and artifacts.
Artifact Analysis: The techniques and methods used to study and interpret artifacts recovered from field surveys, including typology and chronology.
Environmental and Geological Context: Understanding the natural and cultural factors that contribute to the formation and preservation of archaeological sites.
Cultural Context and History: The historical, social, and cultural context of archaeological sites, including the use of historical and textual sources in the interpretation of findings.
Report Writing and Publication: Principles and guidelines for compiling and presenting archaeological survey data in reports and publications.
Interpretation and Site Preservation: The importance of understanding and presenting the findings of archaeological surveys in a way that preserves the integrity and significance of cultural heritage sites.
Pedestrian survey: A type of survey where archaeological sites are searched by foot, often involving a team walking in parallel lines.
Aerial survey: A type of survey conducted from the air, either by aircraft or drones. Aerial surveys provide a broad view of larger archaeological sites and landscapes.
Geophysical survey: A type of survey that uses methods such as ground-penetrating radar, magnetometry, and resistivity to detect buried archaeological features.
Surface survey: A type of survey conducted on the ground, where archaeologists walk and visually inspect the ground and any exposed archaeological features.
Reconnaissance survey: A type of survey that covers a large area, often with the purpose of identifying potential archaeological sites.
Remote sensing survey: A type of survey using non-invasive techniques such as satellite imagery, LiDAR and ground penetrating radar, to detect and analyze sites from a distance.
Excavation survey: A type of survey that involves exploratory digging to expose archaeological remains.
Salvage survey: A type of survey conducted in advance of construction or development projects, where the aim is to identify and excavate archaeological sites before they are destroyed.
Underwater survey: A type of survey that uses specialized equipment such as sonar to map and locate shipwrecks or submerged remains.
Test pit survey: A type of survey where small holes are dug at various locations on a site to determine the presence and nature of archaeological materials.
"The surveys may be: (a) intrusive or non-intrusive, depending on the needs of the survey team (and the risk of destroying archaeological evidence if intrusive methods are used)."
"Extensive surveys collect information about the location, distribution and organization of past human cultures across a large area (e.g. typically in excess of one hectare, and often in excess of many km2)."
"Intensive surveys focus on specific research questions being asked of the landscape in question."
"Surveys can be a practical way to decide whether or not to carry out an excavation (as a way of recording the basic details of a possible site), but may also be ends in themselves, as they produce important information about past human activities in a regional context."
"The assessment determines whether the area of development impact is likely to contain significant archaeological resources and makes recommendations as to whether the archaeological remains can be avoided or an excavation is necessary before development work can commence."
"Archaeologists use a variety of tools when carrying out surveys, including GIS, GPS, remote sensing, geophysical survey and aerial photography."
"Archaeologists search for archaeological sites and collect information about the location, distribution and organization of past human cultures across a large area."
"Archaeologists search for archaeological sites and collect information about the location, distribution and organization of past human cultures across a large area (e.g. typically in excess of one hectare, and often in excess of many km2)."
"Surveys produce important information about past human activities in a regional context."
"Extensive surveys collect information about the location, distribution, and organization of past human cultures across a large area."
"Archaeologists conduct surveys to search for particular archaeological sites or kinds of sites, to detect patterns in the distribution of material culture over regions."
"Surveys assess the risks that development projects will have adverse impacts on archaeological heritage."
"The surveys may be: (a) intrusive or non-intrusive, depending on the needs of the survey team (and the risk of destroying archaeological evidence if intrusive methods are used)."
"Archaeologists conduct surveys to search for particular archaeological sites or kinds of sites, to detect patterns in the distribution of material culture over regions and to make generalizations or test hypotheses about past cultures."
"Archaeologists use a variety of tools when carrying out surveys, including GIS and GPS."
"A common role of a field survey is in the assessment of the potential archaeological significance of places where development is proposed. This is usually connected to construction work and road building."
"Archaeologists use a variety of tools when carrying out surveys, including remote sensing."
"The assessment determines whether the area of development impact is likely to contain significant archaeological resources and makes recommendations as to whether the archaeological remains can be avoided or an excavation is necessary before development work can commence."
"Archaeologists use a variety of tools when carrying out surveys, including aerial photography."