Excavation Recording Methods
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.
Archival Recording #
The process of documenting archaeological features and artifacts in a way that ensures their long-term preservation and accessibility. This includes the use of durable materials, clear and consistent labeling, and secure storage.
CAD (Computer #
Aided Design): A technology that uses computers to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. In archaeology, CAD is often used to create detailed drawings of excavation units and features.
Cartography #
The science or practice of drawing maps. In archaeology, cartography is used to create maps of excavation sites, which can help archaeologists understand the layout and spatial relationships of the site.
Context #
The physical and cultural setting in which an artifact or feature is found. In archaeology, recording the context of artifacts and features is essential for understanding their significance and meaning.
DGPS (Differential Global Positioning System) #
A GPS technology that provides higher accuracy than standard GPS by using a network of fixed ground stations to correct for errors in satellite positions. DGPS is often used in archaeology to accurately locate excavation units and features.
Feature #
A distinct physical characteristic of an archaeological site, such as a posthole, hearth, or wall. Features can provide important information about the activities that took place at the site.
GIS (Geographic Information System) #
A system that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages data related to positions on Earth's surface. In archaeology, GIS is used to create spatial analyses of excavation sites and to visualize data in new ways.
Level #
A layer of soil or other material that is excavated as a single unit. Levels are often used to divide an excavation unit into smaller, more manageable sections.
Photogrammetry #
The science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points. In archaeology, photogrammetry is used to create 3D models of excavation sites and artifacts.
Plan View #
A drawing that shows the layout of an excavation unit or feature from above. Plan views are often used to show the location and size of features and artifacts.
Profile #
A drawing that shows the vertical section of an excavation unit or feature. Profiles are often used to show the stratigraphy of a site and the relationships between different levels.
Section #
A part of an excavation unit that has been exposed by removing the soil or other material in front of it. Sections are often used to study the stratigraphy of a site and the relationships between different levels.
Stratigraphy #
The study of layered rocks or soil. In archaeology, stratigraphy is used to understand the sequence of events at a site and to date artifacts and features.
Survey #
The process of systematically investigating an area to identify and record archaeological sites and features. Surveys can be conducted on foot, using vehicles, or from the air.
Taphonomy #
The study of the processes that affect organic remains after death, including decomposition, fossilization, and preservation. In archaeology, taphonomy is used to understand how artifacts and features have been altered since their formation.
Total Station #
A surveying instrument that measures angles and distances. Total stations are often used in archaeology to accurately locate excavation units and features.
UV #
VIS Imaging: A technique that uses ultraviolet and visible light to create images of objects or surfaces. UV-VIS imaging is often used in archaeology to reveal details that are not visible to the naked eye, such as faint markings or traces of pigment.
WGS84 #
The World Geodetic System 1984, a standard coordinate system used in GPS and other geospatial technologies. WGS84 is based on the ellipsoid shape of the Earth and provides a common reference frame for location data.
These glossary terms are just a few of the many concepts and techniques used in… #
By understanding these terms and how they are applied in archaeological practice, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of archaeological site documentation.
Archival recording is a crucial part of excavation recording methods, as it ensu… #
This includes using durable materials to create drawings and notes, as well as clear and consistent labeling to ensure that each artifact and feature can be identified and located. Additionally, secure storage is essential for protecting archaeological materials from damage or loss.
CAD and GIS are two technologies that have revolutionized excavation recording m… #
CAD allows archaeologists to create detailed drawings of excavation units and features, while GIS allows for the creation of spatial analyses and visualizations. Both technologies require specialized training, but can greatly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of excavation recording.
Context is another essential concept in excavation recording methods #
By carefully recording the context of artifacts and features, archaeologists can gain insights into their significance and meaning. This includes noting the location, orientation, and relationship of artifacts and features to one another, as well as any environmental or cultural factors that may have influenced their formation.
DGPS and total stations are two tools that are often used to accurately locate e… #
DGPS uses a network of fixed ground stations to correct for errors in satellite positions, while total stations measure angles and distances. Both tools provide higher accuracy than standard GPS and can be essential for creating detailed plans and profiles of excavation units.
Photogrammetry, plan view, profile, and section are all techniques that are used… #
Photogrammetry uses photographs to create 3D models of objects or surfaces, while plan views and profiles show the layout and vertical section of excavation units and features. Sections are created by exposing a part of an excavation unit and studying the stratigraphy of the site.
UV #
VIS imaging is a technique that is often used in archaeology to reveal details that are not visible to the naked eye. This includes faint markings or traces of pigment, and can be essential for understanding the cultural significance of artifacts and features.
Finally, WGS84 is a standard coordinate system that is used in GPS and other geo… #
By using WGS84, archaeologists can ensure that their location data is consistent and can be easily shared with other researchers.
In summary, excavation recording methods involve a wide range of concepts and te… #
By understanding these terms and how they are applied in archaeological practice, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of archaeological site documentation.