Archaeological Applications

Geophysical techniques can be used for archaeological surveys in a number of key areas to offer cost-effective ways of assessing sites.

These fall mainly into four categories

• Rural sites 
• Urban sites
• Historic Buildings and Churches 
• Research

Rural Sites

Rural sites often cover large areas, requiring a low cost reconnaissance survey to assess the archaeological potential before any work is undertaken. We offer both magnetic susceptibility and magnetometer scanning surveys for such evaluations. This is then followed by more detailed investigation of potential archaeological sites and features using magnetometry, resistivity and sometimes radar surveying.

 Typical targets:

• Settlement sites / ditches
• Pits / post holes / field systems / enclosures
• Buried megaliths
• Kilns / industrial sites

Urban Sites

Compared to rural sites, evaluations in towns and cities make different demands on archaeological prospection. Depths of deposits are often much greater, stratigraphy more complex and surface conditions difficult. Frequently the only technique capable of giving results is ground probing radar (GPR).

Typical targets:

Historic Buildings and Churches

Geophysical surveys are often commissioned to investigate these sites as part of a study of the building and its immediate environs. This may have been instigated by a programme of research, maintenance, refurbishment or development of the site. Once again, GPR is frequently used for this type of work in conjunction with resistivity if site conditions permit.

Typical targets

• Vaults/Tombs/Graves/Cist burials
• Historic gardens
• Building foundations
• Moat profiles

Research

This can require the use of different or new techniques deployed in innovative ways. We have instigated our own research programmes but are also happy to gather research data for others to use.