Field survey

Definition

A field survey is a systematic method used by archaeologists to locate and assess archaeological sites and artifacts in a specific area. It involves various techniques like walking across the landscape, recording locations of finds, and analyzing surface artifacts, which helps researchers understand the distribution of human activity over time and space.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Field surveys can be conducted in various terrains, including urban areas, forests, and deserts, adapting techniques based on the environment.
2. The data collected during field surveys can help archaeologists identify patterns of settlement, trade routes, and cultural practices of past societies.
3. Survey methods may include systematic grid sampling or random sampling to ensure comprehensive coverage of the study area.
4. Field surveys often serve as a precursor to excavation, helping to prioritize areas that warrant further investigation.
5. The practice of field surveying has evolved with technology, incorporating tools like drones for aerial surveys and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for data analysis.

Review Questions

• How does a field survey contribute to understanding the distribution of human activity in archaeology?
  • A field survey provides vital information about where human activity occurred across different landscapes by systematically recording the locations of artifacts and sites. By analyzing the data collected during these surveys, archaeologists can identify patterns related to settlement, resource use, and cultural practices over time. This understanding helps construct a more complete picture of how past societies interacted with their environment.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using remote sensing techniques compared to traditional field surveys.
  • Remote sensing techniques offer significant advantages in quickly covering large areas and identifying potential archaeological features without excavation. They can reveal sites that might be missed during traditional surveys due to vegetation or terrain obstacles. However, they may lack the contextual detail that on-the-ground observations provide. Traditional field surveys allow for direct interaction with artifacts and soil layers but can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• Synthesize how advances in technology, such as GPS and GIS, have transformed field survey methodologies in archaeology.
  • Advances in technology like GPS and GIS have revolutionized field survey methodologies by enabling precise mapping and data analysis. GPS allows archaeologists to accurately document the locations of artifacts in real-time, enhancing spatial data collection. GIS provides powerful tools for analyzing relationships between different archaeological sites and environmental factors. This combination leads to more efficient surveys, better data management, and ultimately richer interpretations of human behavior in the archaeological record.

Related terms

site reconnaissance: A preliminary investigation of a potential archaeological site to gather information about its location, size, and significance before detailed excavation.

remote sensing: Techniques that use satellite or aerial imagery to identify and analyze archaeological features and sites from a distance without physical excavation.

GPS technology: Global Positioning System technology used in field surveys to accurately map the locations of archaeological finds and site boundaries.