Archaeological survey
Archaeological survey is the systematic examination of a landscape to locate and record archaeological sites and features, often without excavation.
Pedestrian survey: A field method in which surveyors walk systematic routes to observe and record archaeological evidence. It is the direct ground-level approach used to inspect terrain and surface finds.
Archaeological site: A place where physical evidence of past human activity survives. Surveys seek to identify and describe places that qualify as archaeological sites.
Cultural resource management: The identification, evaluation, and protection of cultural resources, especially during development and land management. Surveys locate archaeological resources that projects may affect.
Archaeological excavation: The controlled removal of soil and deposits to investigate and document archaeological remains. Excavation exposes stratified evidence, while survey usually records remains without removing them.
Aerial archaeology: The study of archaeological remains using aerial photographs, imagery, and observations from above. Aerial views expose cropmarks, earthworks, and settlement patterns hidden at ground level.
Archaeological feature: A non-portable trace of past human activity, such as a ditch, hearth, or building foundation. Features may be visible on the surface or detected through remote and geophysical methods.
Archaeological predictive modeling: The use of environmental and archaeological data to estimate where undiscovered sites are likely to occur. Survey results help build and test predictions about site locations.
Test excavation: A limited excavation used to assess the presence, character, or significance of archaeological deposits. It can verify subsurface potential suggested by non-invasive survey.
LiDAR: A remote-sensing method that measures distance with laser pulses to produce detailed three-dimensional terrain data. Its terrain models can reveal subtle archaeological features beneath forest cover.
Artifact (archaeology): An object made, modified, or used by humans that is studied as evidence of the past. Artifacts found during fieldwalking can indicate occupation and land use.