What is the goal of archaeological development fieldwork?

The goal of archaeological development fieldwork primarily involves searching for archaeological sites through survey. This process is essential for identifying and documenting the locations of potential archaeological significance before any further actions, such as excavation or development, take place. By conducting surveys, archaeologists can gather information about the distribution of artifacts and features across a landscape, which helps them understand past human activities and environmental changes.

While cataloging existing artifacts, analyzing carbon dating results, and excavating previously discovered sites are all important aspects of archaeological work, they typically follow the initial survey phase. The survey is crucial because it informs researchers about where they can excavate and what artifacts and structures may exist in a given area, therefore directly relating to the broader objective of documenting and preserving archaeological heritage.