Site Survey

Definition

A site survey is a systematic examination of a geographical area to identify and document archaeological sites and features within that space. This process involves assessing the landscape, collecting data on artifact distributions, and mapping out potential areas of interest, which can reveal information about past human activities and social structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Site surveys can vary in scale from small areas to extensive regions, depending on the research objectives and historical significance.
2. Surveys help archaeologists gather data without disturbing the site, making it possible to assess the potential for future excavation.
3. During a site survey, tools like GPS devices and GIS technology are often utilized to accurately map locations and features.
4. Site surveys are crucial for understanding social complexity, as they can reveal patterns of settlement, trade routes, and resource use.
5. The findings from a site survey can lead to more focused research questions and guide future archaeological investigations in the area.

Review Questions

• How does a site survey contribute to our understanding of social complexity in archaeological contexts?
  • A site survey provides valuable insights into the distribution of artifacts and features across a landscape, which helps archaeologists understand patterns of settlement and resource utilization. By identifying how different sites are organized and connected, researchers can infer social structures, trade networks, and hierarchies within past communities. This information is essential for analyzing how societies developed complexity over time.
• What methods are commonly used in site surveys to enhance data collection and analysis?
  • Common methods used in site surveys include pedestrian survey, where archaeologists walk systematically across a landscape to collect artifacts; remote sensing techniques like geophysical surveys; and the use of GPS for accurate mapping. These methods allow for efficient data collection while minimizing disturbance to the archaeological record. The integration of technology helps create detailed maps that reveal spatial relationships within the surveyed area.
• Evaluate the impact of technological advancements on the effectiveness of site surveys in archaeology.
  • Technological advancements have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of site surveys by improving accuracy and efficiency in data collection. Tools like GIS enable archaeologists to analyze spatial patterns in detail, while geophysical methods allow for non-invasive exploration of subsurface features. This technological integration not only saves time but also preserves archaeological integrity by reducing the need for excavation. Consequently, these advancements facilitate deeper insights into ancient social complexities and hierarchies by revealing hidden layers of human activity in landscapes.

Related terms

Fieldwork: The hands-on investigation conducted by archaeologists at a site, involving excavation, artifact collection, and analysis.

Site Classification: The categorization of archaeological sites based on their characteristics, functions, and cultural contexts.

Geophysical Survey: A non-invasive method used to detect and map subsurface features through techniques such as magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar.