Archaeological Survey and Mapping
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Archaeological Site Documentation: Recording Techniques course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**Archaeological Survey** #
**Archaeological Survey**
An archaeological survey is a systematic investigation of a landscape or site to… #
Surveys can be conducted on foot, using techniques such as surface collection and mapping, or with the aid of technology such as ground-penetrating radar or aerial photography. The goal of a survey is to gather data about the location, distribution, and density of archaeological resources, which can then be used to develop research questions, prioritize sites for further investigation, and inform management decisions.
**Archaeological Mapping** #
**Archaeological Mapping**
Archaeological mapping is the process of creating a spatial representation of an… #
Maps can serve a variety of purposes, including documentation, analysis, and interpretation. Maps may depict features such as architecture, artifacts, topography, and soil composition.
**Artifact** #
**Artifact**
An artifact is a portable object that has been modified or created by humans and… #
Artifacts can take many forms, including tools, pottery, jewelry, and architectural elements. Artifacts can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, bone, metal, and ceramic.
**Cartography** #
**Cartography**
Cartography is the art and science of creating maps #
Cartographers use a variety of techniques to represent spatial data in a visual format, including symbolization, generalization, and projection. Maps can be used for a variety of purposes, including navigation, land use planning, and scientific research.
**Cultural Resource Management (CRM)** #
**Cultural Resource Management (CRM)**
Cultural resource management (CRM) is the practice of identifying, evaluating, a… #
CRM is often guided by laws and regulations, such as the National Historic Preservation Act in the United States. CRM professionals may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.
**Ecofact** #
**Ecofact**
An ecofact is a natural object that has been modified or moved by humans and tha… #
Ecofacts can include items such as plant remains, animal bones, and soil samples. Ecofacts can be used to study topics such as diet, subsistence strategies, and environment.
**Feature** #
**Feature**
A feature is a non #
portable archaeological deposit or structure that provides evidence of past human activity. Features can take many forms, including hearths, pits, postholes, and walls. Features can provide information about topics such as architecture, subsistence, and technology.
**Geographic Information Systems (GIS)** #
**Geographic Information Systems (GIS)**
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer #
based tools for managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data. GIS can be used to create maps, perform spatial analysis, and manage large datasets. GIS is used in a variety of fields, including archaeology, geography, and urban planning.
**Global Positioning System (GPS)** #
**Global Positioning System (GPS)**
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite #
based navigation system that allows users to determine their precise location on Earth. GPS is used in a variety of applications, including archaeological surveying, land use planning, and transportation.
**Lithics** #
**Lithics**
Lithics are stone tools or debitage (waste products from tool #
making) created by humans. Lithics can provide information about topics such as technology, subsistence, and trade. Common lithic materials include flint, chert, and obsidian.
**Map Scale** #
**Map Scale**
Map scale is the ratio between distances on a map and corresponding distances in… #
Map scale can be expressed as a representative fraction (e.g., 1:24,000) or as a verbal equivalent (e.g., "one inch equals one mile"). Map scale is an important consideration in cartography, as it affects the level of detail that can be depicted on a map.
**Map Projection** #
**Map Projection**
Map projection is the process of representing the three #
dimensional surface of the Earth on a two-dimensional map. There are many different map projections, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Map projection can affect the shape, area, and distance of features on a map.
**Planimetric Map** #
**Planimetric Map**
A planimetric map is a type of map that shows the horizontal position and shape… #
Planimetric maps are often used in archaeology to depict surface features, such as architectural elements and artifact distributions.
**Remote Sensing** #
**Remote Sensing**
Remote sensing is the use of technology to detect and measure objects or phenome… #
Remote sensing can be used in archaeology to detect and map features that are not visible from the ground, such as buried structures or geomorphic features. Common remote sensing techniques include aerial photography, ground-penetrating radar, and LiDAR.
**Section 106** #
**Section 106**
Section 106 is a provision of the National Historic Preservation Act in the Unit… #
Section 106 requires agencies to consult with stakeholders, including the State Historic Preservation Office and Tribal Historic Preservation Office, to identify and mitigate adverse effects on historic properties.
**Site Mapping** #
**Site Mapping**
Site mapping is the process of creating a spatial representation of an archaeolo… #
Site maps can serve a variety of purposes, including documentation, analysis, and interpretation. Maps may depict features such as architecture, artifacts, topography, and soil composition.
**Surface Collection** #
**Surface Collection**
Surface collection is the process of systematically searching for and recording… #
Surface collection can provide information about the location, distribution, and density of archaeological resources.
**Symbolization** #
**Symbolization**
Symbolization is the use of symbols to represent features or data on a map #
Symbolization can include the use of points, lines, and areas to depict different types of features, as well as the use of color, size, and shape to convey information about those features.
**Temporal Scale** #
**Temporal Scale**
Temporal scale is the range of time over which a process or phenomenon occurs #
Temporal scale can affect the interpretation of archaeological data, as different processes may operate at different temporal scales.
**Topographic Map** #
**Topographic Map**
A topographic map is a type of map that shows the elevation of features, as well… #
Topographic maps are often used in archaeology to depict terrain and landforms, as well as cultural features such as buildings and roads.