Site Survey

Definition

A site survey is a systematic process used in archaeology to assess and gather information about a specific location before excavation. This includes mapping, analyzing surface artifacts, and understanding the layout and features of the area, which are crucial for planning future research and excavation strategies. Conducting a site survey helps archaeologists identify significant areas of interest, document spatial relationships, and determine the historical context of the site.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Site surveys can be conducted in various environments, including urban settings, rural landscapes, and even underwater locations.
2. Archaeologists often use GPS technology during site surveys to accurately map the locations of artifacts and features.
3. Data collected from site surveys can help form hypotheses about past human behavior and settlement patterns in an area.
4. Site surveys can reveal previously unknown sites by identifying artifact concentrations that indicate human occupation.
5. The findings from a site survey can influence the decision-making process regarding excavation priorities and methods.

Review Questions

• How does a site survey contribute to understanding the historical context of an archaeological location?
  • A site survey contributes to understanding the historical context by gathering critical data about the layout, features, and artifacts present at the location. By documenting surface finds and mapping their distribution, archaeologists can infer patterns of human activity, social organization, and settlement dynamics over time. This initial assessment is essential for forming hypotheses and guiding future excavations, making it a foundational step in archaeological research.
• Discuss how various survey methods, like geophysical survey and field walking, complement each other in archaeological research.
  • Geophysical surveys provide a non-invasive way to detect subsurface features without excavation, while field walking allows for direct observation and collection of surface artifacts. Together, these methods create a comprehensive picture of the site's potential significance. For example, geophysical data might indicate buried structures or features, while field walking can uncover artifacts that reveal how these features were used by past societies. Using both techniques enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of archaeological investigations.
• Evaluate the impact of technology on site surveys in modern archaeology and how it has transformed traditional practices.
  • Technology has significantly transformed site surveys in modern archaeology through the introduction of tools like GPS, drones, and advanced remote sensing techniques. These innovations allow for more precise mapping and data collection than traditional methods alone could achieve. For example, drones can capture aerial images that reveal landscape features not visible from the ground. Additionally, geophysical tools enable archaeologists to detect buried structures without excavation. This technological advancement not only saves time and resources but also enhances the accuracy of findings, ultimately leading to deeper insights into past human behaviors and cultural practices.

Related terms

Geophysical Survey:

A technique that uses non-invasive methods to detect and map subsurface archaeological features, providing valuable information without disturbing the ground.

Field Walking: An active survey method where archaeologists walk over a landscape to visually inspect and collect surface artifacts, helping to map out areas of human activity.

Remote Sensing: The use of aerial or satellite imagery to collect data about a landscape, aiding in identifying potential archaeological sites from a distance.