Site Survey

Definition

A site survey is a systematic process used in archaeology to gather information about the location, extent, and significance of archaeological sites. This involves the examination of land through methods such as visual inspection, mapping, and geophysical techniques to identify artifacts or features present. Site surveys play a crucial role in understanding past human activities and are particularly important in evaluating historical shipwrecks, colonial settlements, cultural adaptations, and the legacies of colonialism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Site surveys can be conducted using various methods, including pedestrian survey, where archaeologists walk over a landscape to look for artifacts.
2. Geophysical survey techniques like ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry help identify subsurface features without excavation.
3. The data collected during site surveys helps in creating predictive models for understanding settlement patterns and resource use in historical contexts.
4. Site surveys are essential in planning for construction projects to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified and preserved.
5. In maritime archaeology, site surveys of shipwrecks involve mapping the wreck site and assessing its condition, which can reveal insights about maritime trade and navigation.

Review Questions

• How does a site survey contribute to our understanding of historical shipwrecks?
  • A site survey provides crucial information about the location and condition of historical shipwrecks by using techniques like mapping and remote sensing. Through these surveys, archaeologists can identify the extent of a wreck site, assess its artifacts, and understand the context in which the ship operated. This contributes to broader knowledge about maritime trade routes, shipbuilding technologies, and cultural exchanges during the Age of Exploration.
• Discuss how site surveys were used to evaluate Dutch colonial settlements and their significance in understanding colonialism.
  • Site surveys in evaluating Dutch colonial settlements involved examining physical remains such as structures, artifacts, and layout of towns. By systematically documenting these elements through surveys, archaeologists can gain insights into the daily lives of colonists, their interactions with indigenous populations, and the economic activities that defined these settlements. This information is vital for understanding the broader impacts of Dutch colonialism on local cultures and economies.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of site surveys on our comprehension of cultural resistance and adaptation in colonial contexts.
  • Site surveys significantly enhance our understanding of cultural resistance and adaptation by uncovering evidence of indigenous practices alongside colonial influences. By analyzing material culture through surveys, archaeologists can identify instances where local populations adapted European goods for their use or resisted colonial practices. This evaluation reveals how cultural identities evolved amidst colonization, providing a nuanced view of historical interactions that shaped modern societal structures.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: A technology used to collect data about a site from a distance, often employing aerial photography or satellite imagery to identify potential archaeological features.

Shovel Testing: A method where small holes are dug at regular intervals to sample soil and search for artifacts, providing insights into the presence of archaeological materials without extensive excavation.

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present spatial or geographic data, which can enhance the analysis and interpretation of archaeological sites.