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| Figure 1: Pedestrian survey of the Don Carlos site (May 2017). Pictured from left: Dr. Christine E. Boston and students Victoria Spencer and Suzanne McClard Hendrickson |
When I tell people that I am an archaeologist the most
common comments I receive are concerned with what I actually find, but the
reality is that what archaeologists find in the field is not as critical as
finding out exactly where sites. One should
not begin an excavation without first figuring out where best to excavate. This early step in the archaeological
excavation process is what today’s blog post will focus on, which will explore
the various types of archaeological surveys that exist.
An archaeological survey is the process of locating an
archaeological site or potential archaeological site. Surveys take place for many reasons,
including but not limited to potential evidence of a site existing (e.g. from
hearsay, historical evidence, or someone finding something of archaeological
importance at a site) or as a requirement by law (particularly before public or
private commercial development is to take place). A survey does not always mean that an
excavation will take place, though. If a
survey leads to no evidence of an archaeological site being present an
excavation is most likely not going to happen.
This happened recently with myself and several students who were led to
an area to survey based on previously discovered evidence by a farmer, but no
substantive evidence discovered by our survey led to more direct evidence of an
actual site existing. Even if evidence
of a site does come up through the survey one may not be able to excavate the
site for one or more legitimate reasons, including lack of money, man power,
safety, and permissions.
Despite these factors surveying is an important part of the
archaeological investigation. There are
actually several different types of surveys that can and do take place, and the
specific type that occurs is related to the needs and/or resource availability
of the archaeologists. The most common
and cost-effective type of survey is a pedestrian survey. This entails an archaeologist or group of
individuals walking across the landscape to collect and map any potential
artifacts or human evidence of occupation or use (e.g. remnants of structures). If an archaeologist is wanting to survey a
large area or has some sort of environmental obstruction (e.g. forests) they
might partake in an aerial survey, which means they view the landscape from above. Typically this involved the use of an
aircraft (e.g. plane, helicopter, or hot air balloon), but today it is most
often completed through satellite imagery.
Several sites have been discovered through this new means, which is
actually more cost effective than renting an aircraft and employing a pilot.
Third type of survey is a regional survey, which involves examining several
sites in any given area. This provides archaeologists with ideas of what to
look for, as well as potentially provides clues of patterns within the sites
themselves.
Survey is typically noninvasive. As mentioned earlier it includes the collection
of artifacts located on the ground’s surface, as well as mapping of their
location (as well as mapping of any objects that cannot or should not be moved
from the site) (Figure 1). Mapping can
take place through hand drawing the maps, although archaeologists have gotten
more technological with their surveying and mapping techniques. Many prefer to use Geographic Information Systems
and Remote Sensing techniques to more accurately map a site. Additionally, Remote Sensing technologies can
be used to map what is beneath the earth’s surface without actually conducting
an excavation. This is useful when
excavations cannot be completed (due to time, money, safety, or laws) or to better
assist an archaeologist in determining where they should concentrate their
excavation efforts.
While not the most glamorous part of the archaeological
process it is a crucial step.
Archaeological surveys assist archaeologists in locating sites or ruling
out locations that were believed to be potential archaeological sites. They can produce some great information based
on the surface collections or the remote sensing technologies used. If you are interested in archaeology I
recommend participating in a survey because they are the most common thing
archaeologists will do. To participate in
such activities see if the local archaeological community has any volunteer opportunities
available to you that you can join. For students
interested in working with me please feel free to reach out as I do have
archaeological survey opportunities available, although they are becoming less
and less frequent. Therefore you will
need to contact me asap to ensure you reserve your spot on the next surveying
opportunity.
References
Welsh, R.; Vivanco, L.; Fuentes, A. 2016. Anthropology: Asking Questions about Human Origins, Diversity, and Culture. Oxford University Press.
