Geophysical Surveys in Archaeology: Guidance for Surveyors and Sponsors

Abstract

The last few years have seen a significant increase in the use of geophysical techniques by archaeologists in the United States working in both academic settings and Cultural Resources Management (CRM). Since 1995. the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) has made a concerted effort to assist the Department of Defense (DoD) in making efficient use of geophysics in managing the cultural resources at a number of installations. This report provides a set of guidance documents and decision support tools to help CRM managers and field practitioners. particularly those working at DoD installations. make effective use of geophysical techniques. The ATAGS (Automated Tool for Archaeo-Geophysical Survey) software tool. described in this report. allows the user to develop an effective survey design or a geophysical survey at a particular site. ATAGS produces a detailed report that also provides guidance on project management. ATAGS is presently designed for use in the Midwest and Plains regions of the United States. Those working in the Mid-south and interior South will also find ATAGS useful. The survey designs are intended for geophysical instruments manufactured by Geoscan Research (USA). but can also be used (with minor revision) with all comparable instruments.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA429240

Entities

People

  • Janet E. Simms
  • Lewis E. Somers
  • Michael L. Hargrave

Organizations

  • Engineer Research and Development Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computers
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Earth Sciences
  • Electronic Mail
  • Geography
  • Geophysics
  • Information Systems
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Magnetic Properties
  • Measurement
  • Quality Control
  • Scalar Magnetometers
  • Three Dimensional
  • Two Dimensional
  • Unexploded Ammunition
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Archaeological Resource Survey
  • Defense Acquisition Program Management
  • Military/Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technology