Technical Terms Explained

Archaeology

Any remains of the Human past.

Contractors (Archaeological)

Professional archaeology units contracted to undertake fieldwork.

Client/Developer

The sponsors of archaeological work.

Evaluations
‘The definition of an archaeological field evaluation is a limited programme of non-intrusive and / or intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological, features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater. If such archaeological remains are present field evaluations are present field evaluation defines their character, extent, quality and preservation, and enables an assessment of their worth in a local, regional, national, or international context as appropriate.’

Excavations
‘The definition of archaeological excavation is a programme of controlled, intrusive fieldwork with defined research objectives which examines, records and interprets archaeological deposits, features and structures and, as appropriate, retrieves artefacts, ecofacts and other remains within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater. The records made and objects gathered during fieldwork are studied and the results of that study published in detail appropriate to the project design.’

Watching Briefs
‘The definition of an archaeological watching brief is a formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This will be within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or under water, where there is a possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive.’

PPG16

Policy Planning Guide note Number 16: Since 1990, archaeology has been integrated within the planning process under a government initiative called Archaeology and Planning: Planning Policy Guidance Note No 16 (DoE 1990). Popularly known as 'PPG16', we would strongly recommend obtaining a copy as it is at the core of the archaeological process. (a synopsis can be downloaded from the internet at Current Archaeology).

SMR

Sites and Monuments Record. A county based database of all known archaeological sites and finds.