Techniques: Archaeological Survey

Archaeological surveys are done for research and to assist in planning for development and construction, when there is no previous knowledge of past human activity in a particular area. Crews systematically walk over the land surface, looking for evidence of past human activities. Such evidence includes scatters of artifacts, remains of walls and other architectural features, and stains or discolorations in the soil.

Collections are sometimes made of the materials on the surface and occasionally test excavations are done by hand or heavy machinery to better understand the extent and depth of the archaeological remains.

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