Field Analysis:Pre-excavation

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Pre-excavation investigation
Prior to excavation, desk-based assessment can provide an appreciation of a site’s wider geological and topographical setting. Even when excavation has begun a review of this evidence can aid interpretation of deposits by placing them in a regional context.

The English Heritage, Best Practice Guide for Curators at PPG16 archaeological interventions specifies the desk based assessment “should include reference to the geology, topographic position, soil type and drainage of the development area, whether rural or urban.” In particular these resources should be used to anticipate preservation conditions and the variables affecting preservation.

A number of resources may be available at the assessment stage including map data (topographic, soil, drift and solid geology), aerial photos, borehole surveys, previous geoarchaeological evaluations at nearby sites.

Choose to find out more about specific data sources for Pre-excavation investigation from the list below, or follow the Foward button at the bottom of this page to be taken through the tutorial.
 * Topographic maps
 * Geological maps
 * Soil maps
 * Aerial photography
 * Geotechnical data

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