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Archaeological geophysics
Archaeological geophysics most often refers to geophysical survey techniques used for archaeological imaging or mapping. More broadly defined, the term could refer to any geophysical techniques applied to archaeology. Remote sensing and marine surveys are also used in archaeology, but are generally considered separate disciplines. Other terms, such as "geophysical prospection" and "geophysical survey" are generally synonymous when used in an archaeological context.
- Archaeological Prospection: Geophysics
This list with resources relevant to Archaeological Prospection is part of a service maintained by the Department of Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford.
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- Archeo Prospections
An interdisciplinary cooperation between archaeologists, geophysicists and computer scientists to tread new paths in archaeology. Austria Method Surveys Publications
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- Geophysical Data in Archaeology: A Guide to Good Practice
This Guide to Good Practice is concerned with the variety of data that may be produced during geophysical survey projects and how to ensure that they can be preserved in digital formats for future re-use. The digital preservation of geophysical data is important. Effective digital archiving ensures that the data generated during a survey are available for reprocessing and re-interpretation in the future. The single most important consideration for long-term digital archiving is the accurate documentation of data, their collection and subsequent management procedures. This is necessary to ensure that people re-using the data understand both how they were created and why. It is not only the raw geophysical data measured with instruments in the field that are of concern; processed data and interpretative drawings are equally important, as is the written survey report. The results from Strategies for Digital Data, a recent survey by the Archaeology Data Service of digital data in archaeology (Condron et al. 1999, 29-32), show that a wide variety of organisations are both creating and holding digital data for excavation and fieldwork projects. For this reason the Guide to Good Practice is aimed at: * Creators of digital archives, including contracting and consultancy units, university-based research projects and national and local societies. * Agencies and bodies commissioning archaeological fieldwork, including national heritage agencies and local authorities. * Curators who will receive excavation and fieldwork digital archives, including museums, National Monuments Records and county or regional Sites and Monuments Records.
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- International Society for Archaeological Prospection
"The object of the Society shall be to advance the education of the public in archaeology (including the man-made landscape and the built-environment) through the promotion of high standards of research, application and communication in the field of archaeological prospection and related studies. The Society's scope shall be international, both in activities and membership."
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- Sweden: Archaeological prospection
Archaeological prospection using magnetic and georadar measurements can reveal the presence of settlements and map the location and structure of individual buildings, fortifications, dikes, burial sites, pits and even single post holes. Large areas can be surveyed with dense sample spacing in little time and at low costs compared to archaeological excavations. Georadar and magnetometer archaeological prospection is entirely non-destructive. Since 2005 an archaeological prospection unit is being set up at the Archaeological Excavation Department of the Swedish National Heritage Board. Extensive magnetometer and georadar test measurements have been conducted. Our results demonstrate the potential of the methods to map archaeological sites in Scandinavia. The new unit provides professional archaeological prospection services using the latest magnetometer and georadar technology. Close collaboration with international archaeological prospection experts, particularly with the Archeo Prospections team from Vienna, guarantee for state-of-the art archaeological prospection.
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- The North American Database of Archaeological Geophysics
NADAG is a database and website that aims to promote use, education, communication, and a knowledge base of the practice of archaeological geophysics in North America. Most archaeologists in this continent have little knowledge of geophysical methods or of their potential to archaeology, and their level of use in projects remains low. This circumstance exists despite the many benefits of these techniques and large advances in the quality of results in recent years. Yet, geophysical methods in archaeology are routinely employed and widely accepted in Europe, and are actually mandated in several countries where national databases and websites of results are maintained. The NADAG project will help to correct this imbalance.
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007
- Wikipedia on archaeological geophysics
Geophysical survey is used to create maps of subsurface archaeological features. Features are the non-portable part of the archaeological record, whether standing structures or traces of human activities left in the soil. Geophysical instruments can detect buried features when their electrical or magnetic properties contrast measurably with their surroundings. In some cases individual artifacts, especially metal, may be detected as well. Readings taken in a systematic pattern become a data set that can be rendered as image maps. Survey results can be used to guide excavation and to give archaeologists insight into the patterning of non-excavated parts of the site. Unlike other archaeological methods, geophysical survey is not invasive nor destructive. For this reason, it is often used where preservation (rather than excavation) is the goal. Although Geophysical survey has been used in the past with intermittent success, good results are very likely when it is applied appropriately. It is most useful when it is used in a well-integrated research design where interpretations can be tested and refined. Interpretation requires a knowledge both of the archaeological record, and of the way it is expressed geophysically. Appropriate instrumentation, survey design, and data processing are essential for success, and must be adapted to the unique geology and archaeological record of each site. In the field, control of data quality and spatial accuracy are critical.
created: 27 Jul 2007 by Firefly ::: updated: 27 Jul 2007