Survey

Definition

A survey is a systematic method used to collect data about a specific area or site, often involving mapping and analyzing the distribution of artifacts, features, and structures on the surface. This process helps archaeologists to identify potential areas for excavation and to understand the historical context of a site. Surveys can involve techniques such as pedestrian survey, remote sensing, and geophysical methods, which contribute to the overall understanding of past human activity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Surveys can provide a broader view of a region's archaeological landscape by identifying patterns in settlement and land use over time.
2. The data collected from surveys can help archaeologists prioritize sites for further excavation based on their potential significance.
3. Surveys are essential for understanding the spatial relationships between different archaeological features, like buildings, roads, and burial sites.
4. Different types of surveys may be employed depending on the environment, such as urban areas requiring more detailed geophysical methods or rural areas benefiting from pedestrian surveys.
5. Surveys often involve community participation, which can help in gathering local knowledge and fostering a sense of ownership over cultural heritage.

Review Questions

• How do different survey techniques contribute to our understanding of archaeological sites?
  • Different survey techniques, such as pedestrian surveys and geophysical surveys, each provide unique insights into archaeological sites. Pedestrian surveys allow archaeologists to identify surface artifacts and features, which can indicate human activity patterns. Geophysical surveys enable the detection of subsurface structures without disturbing the soil, revealing more about site layouts and potential areas for excavation. Together, these methods enhance our overall understanding of past societies and their interactions with the environment.
• Discuss the importance of community involvement in the survey process and its impact on cultural heritage preservation.
  • Community involvement in the survey process is crucial as it not only aids in gathering local knowledge but also fosters a sense of ownership over cultural heritage. When local communities participate in surveys, they contribute valuable insights about historical narratives that may not be evident from artifacts alone. This collaboration can strengthen relationships between archaeologists and communities, leading to better preservation efforts and more effective cultural heritage management. Engaging communities also helps raise awareness about the significance of archaeological sites.
• Evaluate how the findings from surveys can influence archaeological excavation strategies and subsequent research directions.
  • The findings from surveys play a pivotal role in shaping archaeological excavation strategies by highlighting areas of potential significance or interest based on artifact distribution and feature density. By analyzing survey data, archaeologists can prioritize which sites to excavate first or focus their research efforts on specific time periods or cultural practices. Additionally, survey results can lead to interdisciplinary research opportunities, encouraging collaborations with historians, geographers, and conservationists to develop a comprehensive understanding of past human behavior and environmental interactions.

Related terms

pedestrian survey: A field technique where archaeologists walk over a designated area to visually inspect for artifacts and features on the surface.

geophysical survey: A non-invasive method that uses technology like magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar to detect subsurface features without excavation.

site documentation: The process of recording and preserving information about archaeological sites, including their layout, artifacts, and features.