Geophysical
Survey
Archaeology South-East has a fully-equipped geophysical survey team.
Geophysical survey is an important technique in the assessment,
evaluation and mapping of archaeological sites.
It can sometimes reveal buried archaeological features without
the need for excavation and therefore complements other forms
of investigation and survey. The techniques of Geophysical survey
are particularly useful in helping to locate features such as
ditches and hearths that can then be more fully evaluated by selective
investigations. The early identification of the possible location
of such archaeological features will improve the archaeologist’s
ability to plan a programme of investigation. Better planning
leads to more effective research.
Geophysical prospection is not always conclusive, because some
kinds of archaeological feature leave too slight a trace and results
can be heavily influenced by the nature of the underlying geology,
but it is a valuable and low-cost way of gaining early information
on the archaeological potential of many sites.
Archaeology South-East offers services in Magnetometery
Survey and Resitivity Survey.
Geophysical surveys normally need to be tied into a grid. This
is normally a 20m or 30m grid across the survey area, set out
by total station or differential GPS. Readings are taken at a
set sampling strategy along traverses within each grid. The sampling
strategy varies according to the technique.
The geophysical data collected in the field are downloaded into
software created specifically for geophysics.
The geophysical services provided by ASE are fully
integrated with our other survey techniques, allowing for more
comprehensive and effective reporting.
Examples of ASE projects which have incorporated
geophysical survey include:
- Kingshill South, Cirencester, Gloucestershire.
- Peacehaven, East Sussex.
Contact: James Cole
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