Systematic survey

Definition

A systematic survey is a methodical approach to archaeological site identification and evaluation that involves the careful, organized collection of data over a defined area. This technique is used to locate potential archaeological sites through various means, such as walking transects or employing remote sensing technologies, ensuring that data collection is consistent and replicable. By analyzing the spatial distribution of artifacts and features, systematic surveys provide insights into past human activity and settlement patterns.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Systematic surveys are often designed to cover an entire landscape or area of interest to ensure comprehensive data collection.
2. They typically involve a grid or transect method where researchers systematically walk predetermined paths to record findings.
3. Systematic surveys can incorporate geophysical methods such as ground-penetrating radar or magnetometry to detect subsurface features without excavation.
4. The data collected from systematic surveys can help establish baseline conditions for future archaeological investigations and conservation efforts.
5. These surveys are crucial for understanding regional patterns of settlement, trade, and land use in historical contexts.

Review Questions

• How does a systematic survey differ from other survey methods in archaeology?
  • A systematic survey is characterized by its structured and repeatable approach to data collection, often using defined grids or transects to ensure thorough coverage of an area. In contrast, other survey methods may be more opportunistic or less organized, resulting in potential gaps in data. The consistency of systematic surveys allows for reliable comparisons across different areas and times, which is essential for understanding broader archaeological patterns.
• What role does the analysis of spatial distribution play in the outcomes of a systematic survey?
  • The analysis of spatial distribution is key to interpreting the results of a systematic survey as it reveals patterns related to past human activity. By mapping where artifacts and features are located within the surveyed area, archaeologists can infer settlement strategies, resource use, and social organization. This spatial analysis helps identify significant sites for further study and provides insights into how communities interacted with their environment.
• Evaluate the importance of integrating technological tools in systematic surveys and their impact on archaeological research.
  • Integrating technological tools like GIS (Geographic Information Systems), remote sensing, and geophysical methods enhances the effectiveness of systematic surveys by allowing for more precise data collection and analysis. These technologies enable archaeologists to identify potential sites without disturbing the ground and improve the accuracy of spatial analyses. The use of these tools not only streamlines the survey process but also expands the scope of research possibilities, leading to richer interpretations of archaeological landscapes and more informed conservation practices.

Related terms

Archaeological Survey: A broader category of techniques used to locate and document archaeological sites, which may include both systematic and unsystematic approaches.

Site Potential: An assessment of the likelihood that a given area will contain archaeological resources based on environmental, historical, and cultural factors.

Surface Collection: The practice of collecting artifacts that are visible on the surface of the ground, often used in conjunction with systematic surveys to gather data.