Surveying

Definition

Surveying is the process of measuring and mapping the physical features of a specific area or location, typically using specialized instruments and techniques. It is a fundamental aspect of archaeological research methods, providing critical data and information about the landscape, terrain, and spatial distribution of artifacts and other archaeological remains.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surveying in archaeology helps researchers understand the overall layout and organization of a site, including the distribution of artifacts, features, and structures.
2. Accurate surveying data is essential for creating detailed site maps and plans, which are crucial for understanding site formation processes and planning future excavations.
3. Surveying techniques can range from simple visual inspections and measurements to the use of advanced technologies, such as GPS, laser scanning, and drone-based aerial photography.
4. Surveying data can be used to identify potential areas of interest for further investigation, such as high-density artifact scatters or anomalies that may indicate the presence of buried features.
5. The integration of surveying data with other archaeological methods, such as excavation and artifact analysis, can provide a comprehensive understanding of a site's history, function, and cultural significance.

Review Questions

• Explain how surveying contributes to the overall archaeological research process.
  • Surveying is a critical component of archaeological research methods, as it provides essential data and information about the physical characteristics and spatial organization of a site. Accurate surveying data is used to create detailed site maps and plans, which help researchers understand the distribution of artifacts, features, and structures. This information is then integrated with other archaeological methods, such as excavation and artifact analysis, to develop a comprehensive understanding of a site's history, function, and cultural significance. Surveying data can also be used to identify potential areas of interest for further investigation, guiding the overall research process and helping to optimize the use of limited resources.
• Describe the different techniques and technologies used in archaeological surveying.
  • Archaeological surveying can employ a range of techniques and technologies, from simple visual inspections and manual measurements to the use of advanced technologies, such as GPS, laser scanning, and drone-based aerial photography. Remote sensing methods, like the use of aerial or satellite imagery, can provide non-invasive data about the physical characteristics of a site. Geophysical prospecting techniques, such as ground-penetrating radar or magnetometers, can detect and map subsurface features and anomalies that may indicate the presence of archaeological remains. Spatial analysis tools, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are then used to study the spatial relationships and patterns between the collected data points. The integration of these diverse surveying methods and technologies allows archaeologists to gather comprehensive and accurate data about the site, which is essential for guiding the overall research process.
• Analyze how the integration of surveying data with other archaeological methods can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of a site's history and cultural significance.
  • The integration of surveying data with other archaeological methods, such as excavation and artifact analysis, is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of a site's history and cultural significance. Surveying provides essential information about the physical characteristics and spatial organization of a site, including the distribution of artifacts, features, and structures. This data can then be combined with the insights gained from excavations, which reveal the stratigraphic context and chronological sequence of the site. Additionally, the analysis of artifacts recovered during excavations can shed light on the site's function, trade networks, and cultural affiliations. By integrating these diverse datasets, archaeologists can construct a more holistic narrative about the site's past, including its use, occupation, and abandonment. This multifaceted approach allows for a deeper understanding of the site's cultural significance and its broader role within the regional or global context.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The use of aerial or satellite imagery, and other non-invasive technologies, to gather data about the physical characteristics of a site without direct contact.

Geophysical Prospecting: The use of specialized equipment, such as ground-penetrating radar or magnetometers, to detect and map subsurface features and anomalies that may indicate the presence of archaeological remains.

Spatial Analysis:

The study of the spatial relationships and patterns between archaeological features, artifacts, and other data points, often using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.