Survey: Survey is typically the first of several investigative field methods used by archaeologists to assess past human activities, representing one aspect of a larger, long-term archaeological project (Banning, 2002). In Cultural Resource Management (CRM), archaeological survey is most commonly initiated once background research pertaining to a specific study area has been completed. Several types of survey are available to the archaeologist, including reconnaissance, windshield survey, non-invasive methods such as ground penetrating radar, or intensive/systematic pedestrian survey. The act of surveying can confirm the existence of previously identified and recorded archaeological or historical sites, features, or isolated finds, as well as identify previously unknown resources or sites.
Testing: Once an archaeological or historical site has been identified and its location confirmed, limited subsurface examination or investigation may be required. This procedural examination is commonly referred to as archaeological testing. Several techniques are utilized for archaeological testing, including mechanically excavated test trenches, hand auger holes, or hand excavation of small test units or shovel pits. Any such testing of an archaeological site must involve scientific excavation methods and recordation. Within North American CRM, the specific definition of archaeological testing and the required parameters for this action are defined or mandated by the individual state or the lead agency. For a summary discussion of archaeological testing, see Bilsbarrow (2003).
Mapping: Mapping of archaeological sites including natural and cultural features or objects is an integral part of documentation procedures used by archaeologists during the course of site investigation. At the site level, mapping records artifacts and features, their relationship to one another, or their relationship to the natural environment, thereby helping to document the observed archaeological context of a site. Several techniques are available for the mapping of an archaeological site, including traditional map and compass, paced, traditional or laser theodolite, or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. For a more thorough discussion of archaeological mapping techniques, refer to Stewart (2002) and “Mapping and Recording of Excavations: Techniques of Archaeological Excavation, Understanding Archaeological Excavation, Principles of Archaeological Stratigraphy, How to Lie with Maps”
Excavation: Excavation is the most invasive action of the available archaeological field investigative efforts. Excavation is the subsurface investigation of archaeological sites through the active removal of subsurface materials. Richard M. Stewart states that the “goal of any type of excavation is to discover and document the stratigraphic and spatial relationships between artifacts and features, i.e., their context” (2002: 239). The collection of such data in a systematic and scientific manner can increase our understanding or knowledge of ancient cultures and possibly interpret human behavior in the past. With a detailed research design or strategy, the process of excavation can unearth information that answers questions pertaining to what people did or were like, date(s) of occupation or the sequencing of multiple occupational periods at a single site, the identification of the paleoenvironment and how ancient populations used this environment, and - if possible - cultural affiliation (if diagnostic indicators are present).
Analysis: Upon the completion of the archaeological investigative effort, be it background research, field survey, testing, or excavation, the data generated by these efforts must be analyzed. Analysis is the process through which acquired data is scrutinized to determine spatial, contextual, or relational patterns or the identification of possible indicative evidence that answers questions proposed as part of a project’s research design. Analysis of archaeological collections can include a wide variety of specialties such as the study of prehistoric stone tool manufacture (lithics), the study of pottery (ceramology), or the use of computer-based spatial analysis software (Geographic Information Systems, a.k.a. GIS).
Report: A final report for all archaeological investigative work is required. The purpose of this report is to clearly define the type of work undertaken for a given project, the driving research design and applicable regulatory framework under whose auspice the work was completed, fieldwork methods, and any analytical conclusions resulting from the effort. In the realm of contract archaeology for environmental assessment, these reports will likewise address potential adverse impacts to archaeological resources and provide recommendations or mitigation so as to minimize this impact. Depending upon the type of investigation, the format for a given project report may be dictated by the receiving agency or the governing authority. Without the dissemination of archaeological investigative results via the generation of a final report, the entire archaeological process is pointless and in the end destructive.
Curation: As discussed throughout the VCP website, curation is the long-term, professional management and care of all objects, materials, and records recovered and generated during a federal or nonfederal archaeological undertaking. When archaeological investigation occurs and artifact or other analytical samples are collected, those materials will require long-term conservation and storage. The curation of an archaeological collection is the final phase of the archaeological process.
References Cited: Banning, Edward B. 2002 Archaeological Survey. In Manuals in Archaeological Method, Theory, and Technique. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York. Barker, Philip A. 2005 Techniques of Archaeological Excavation. Third Edition.Taylor & Francis e-library, London. Bilsbarrow, Matthew H. 2003 SHPO Position on The Roles of Archaeological Testing. SHPO Guidance Point No. 2. March 17, 2003. Available online at http://azstateparks.com/shpo/downloads/SHPO_2_Archae_Test.pdf. Accessed on 07 January 2010. Stewart, Richard M. 2002 Archaeology: Basic Field Methods. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.
