What does an archaeological survey entail?

An archaeological survey is fundamentally about the systematic investigation for archaeological remains. This process involves identifying and documenting potential archaeological sites and their features, often through field walking, remote sensing, or other techniques that help to locate and assess the extent of archaeological deposits without the need for excavation. By meticulously recording where artifacts and features are found on the ground, archaeologists can gather valuable information about past human activities, settlement patterns, and site distribution.

The survey acts as a crucial first step in archaeological research before any excavation takes place. It helps determine where to dig and provides context for what justifies more detailed investigations. The focus is on gathering data to form a comprehensive understanding of an area rather than examining artifacts that have already been removed or studying them in a museum setting.

In this context, while excavating artifacts, studying museum collections, and interviewing local populations can all be useful activities within archaeology, they do not capture the essence of what an archaeological survey actually entails. The survey's core objective is to systematically find and document archaeological evidence in the field.