Lecture 4 — Archaeological Survey: Non‑Invasive Methods & Remote Sensing
Big idea: Survey is how archaeologists find and characterize archaeological remains with minimal disturbance—using aerial, surface, and subsurface methods plus GIS and remote sensing.
Why survey comes first
Research questions and designs presuppose archaeological remains—usually underground.
Survey helps:
- identify and locate sites (reconnaissance),
- estimate chronology/size/function non‑intrusively (regional or site survey),
- build a sampling frame for excavation.
Aerial survey and remote sensing
Goal: a “view from afar” for regional patterning and hidden features.
What you may detect
- Earthworks: structures built from soils/stone.
- Cropmarks: vegetation color/height differences tracing subsurface features.
Tools & datasets
- Drone/kite/balloon photography; orthogonal imagery; 3D models; VR applications.
- Google Earth/NASA open data; archival record; crowdsourcing.
- CORONA imagery (1960s–70s): preserves landscapes since destroyed.
Case idea from lecture Northern Mesopotamia “hollow ways” radiating from tells: movement corridors for people/animals/goods; infer spheres of influence and trade.
Ground survey: surface (pedestrian) survey
- “Ground‑truth” aerial observations.
- Walking transects; identify exposed features/artifacts churned up by plowing/erosion.
- Tradeoffs: resolution vs cost/time/energy.
GIS as the spatial analysis engine
- Stores provenience (2D/3D) and links to layers (topography, vegetation, waterways).
- Enables spatial statistics, network analyses, and predictive modeling.
Subsurface survey (testing)
Purpose: preview what’s below ground, occupation layers, features/architecture. Methods:
- Probing/shovel tests (small, limited windows).
- Remote sensing: GPR, magnetometry, resistivity to detect subsurface irregularities.
Key takeaway
Archaeology isn’t “all digging.” Survey + remote sensing can map settlement patterns and guide targeted excavation while reducing damage.