Survey Department
Archaeological survey is a critical aspect of any archaeological project. Survey skills are used to investigate, identify, analyse, record and interpret the historic environment. As well as establishing a control framework for site recording and relating sites to the National Grid, survey data provides important information which helps to target archaeological work in areas where proposed development will impact on identified remains.
Survey is also essential in informing and providing the knowledge and understanding required to make effective management decisions. Pre Construct Archaeology's survey team undertakes tasks ranging from rapid assessment to detailed field survey of monuments, sites and landscapes of all shapes, sizes and periods from prehistoric to modern in urban contexts or rural areas. We can provide data ranging from an overview to in-depth analysis, recording and interpretation for planning, management or research purposes.
Types of survey undertaken by PCA are:
- Site set-up and recording: setting out, taking observations
- Control: grids, traverses, tying in sites to National Grid
- Topographical Survey: contour survey, detail mapping
- Measured Field Survey: earthwork survey, landscape survey
- Landscape Investigation: walkover survey, landscape assessment
- Building recording: plans, elevations, sections
Surveys can be carried out using Total Stations (theodolites with electronic distance measurement), GPS (Global Positioning Satellites) or by traditional hand-drawn methods or a combination of all depending on the aims and needs of the survey and the appropriateness of the site. The results can be provided as raw or processed data, as CAD drawings or as part of a GIS, integrated with other spatially referenced data. Additional work may be carried out in the form of documentary research and map regression in order to provide a full analysis and interpretation in the form of a report which may lead to a publication.
Links:
Landscape Investigation and Field Survey
Topographical and Geophysical Survey
Buildings Archaeology
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