Earth Resistance for Archaeologists, written by the foremost expert in the field, provides archaeologists with the know-how required to exploit the significant potential of earth resistance methods. A wide variety of possible uses are presented, including cases where earth resistance surveys succeeded in mapping buried archaeological remains that magnetometer surveys were unable to detect. Examples include earth resistance data from many archaeological sites, including in England, Scotland, Nepal, Bangladesh, and more. The archaeological features that can be detected through earth resistance methods are varied, ranging from ditches, pits, and grave cuts to stone and brick foundations, and even include whole landscapes. Whereas area surveys were traditionally the most common earth resistance method, depth profiling and vertical imaging have become well-developed tools that allow electrical depth investigations in three dimensions. Both techniques are described in detail and archaeologists will be able to apply them in their work. Content is equally relevant for environmental investigations.

A concise and easy-to-read summary of all the latest and crucial aspects of ground-penetrating radar uses and data collection, analysis, and processing for archaeological mapping and exploration

Magnetometry for Archaeologists covers the most widely used method for archaeological surveying. Arnold Aspinall, Chris Gaffney, and Armin Schmidt recount the history of magnetometers from their inception through today's state-of-the-art detectors, explain the physics behind the different types of sensors, and describe the most fruitful ways in which the technology can be employed. They also consider the theoretical and practical uses of magnetometry for many archaeological periods and regions. The reader learns what magnetometry measures, how knowledge gained from it influences the ways in which surveys are undertaken, and the potential problems associated with the use, display, and interpretation of buried remains. Book jacket.

This book collects 15 papers written by renowned scholars from across the globe that showcase the forefront research in Earth observation (EO), remote sensing (RS), and geoscientific ground investigations to study archaeological records and cultural heritage. Archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers, remote sensing, and archaeometry experts share their methodologies relying on a wealth of techniques and data including, but not limited to: very high resolution satellite images from optical and radar space-borne sensors, air-borne surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), archaeological fieldwork, and historical maps. A couple of the contributions highlight the value of noninvasive and nondestructive laboratory analyses (e.g., neutron diffraction) to reconstruct ancient manufacturing technologies, and of geological ground investigations to corroborate hypotheses of historical events that shaped cultural landscapes. Case studies encompass famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g., the Nasca Lines in Peru), remote and yet-to-discover archaeological areas in tropical forests in central America, European countries, south Asian changing landscapes, and environments which are arid nowadays but were probably full of woody vegetation in the past. Finally, the reader can learn about the state-of-the-art of education initiatives to train site managers in the use of space technologies in support of their activities, and can understand the legal aspects involved in the application of EO and RS to address current challenges of African heritage preservation.

This volume represents the most important “deliverable” of the European-funded project Radio-Past (www.radiopast.eu). It is intended to disseminate the key results achieved in the form of methodological guidelines for the application of non-destructive approaches in order to understand, visualize and manage complex archaeological sites, in particular large multi-period settlements whose remains are still mostly buried. The authors were selected from among the project research “staff” but also from among leading international specialists who served as speakers at the two international events organized in the framework of the project (the Valle Giulia Colloquium of Rome – 2009 and the Colloquium of Ghent – 2013) and at the three Specialization Fora, the high formation training activities organized in 2010, 2011 and 2012. As such, the book offers contributions on diverse aspects of the research process (data capture, data management, data elaboration, data visualization and site management), presenting the state of the art and drafting guidelines for good practice in each field.

The new edition of the most comprehensive, practical, and user-friendly guide of its kind, providing quick reference to the information needed by archaeologists doing fieldwork The Archaeologist's Fieldwork Guide is the must-have companion for anyone planning and performing fieldwork, whether a student going into the field for the first time or a professional archaeologist with years of real-world experience. Designed to be an all-in-one informational toolkit, the Guide is packed with the technical and practical information archaeologists need to know when in the field—supported by more than 400 lists and checklists, planning aids, measurement charts and tables, analysis and classification guides, sample forms, abbreviations and codes, and much more. Fully revised throughout, the second edition features two entirely new chapters on technology in the field and the archaeology laboratory, incorporating current tools and technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), 3D data capture and modeling, DNA extraction, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning, remotely controlled drones, and underground mapping. New and updated coverage includes flotation samples and processing, oxidizable carbon ratio dating, phytolith sampling, and water screening. Covers classification and typology, creating forms and records, measurement and conversion, laboratory handling and processing, artifact mapping, drawing, and photographing Offers new and updated material on legislation regarding archaeological fieldwork and emerging topics such as community engagement and public archaeology. Provides up-to-date definitions and explanations of key terms and new diagrams, line drawings, and glosses Includes a guide to research publication, an extensive bibliography, references to relevant associations and publications, and information on where to buy supplies The Archaeologist’s Fieldwork Guide, Second Edition is an indispensable resource for undergraduate and graduate archaeology students, students taking courses in anthropology, ethnography, and cultural resource management (CRM), archaeology enthusiasts and volunteers, and professional archeologists at any level.

This textbook provides a general introduction to the most important nondestructive testing (NDT) exploration methods for cultural heritage sites. It and highlights the application of NDT exploration methods to archaeology and monumental property. The ability to gauge the extent of an archaeological deposit or the state of preservation of artefacts without resorting to destructive actions is extremely useful in identifying unknown or potential artefacts, and can help to understand and approach a given site in a more targeted manner, both for excavation and restoration operations. This book describes the main physical principles, campaign procedures, and processing and interpretation techniques of NDT, while also introducing a new technique and algorithm for data acquisition and processing. A large section of the book is devoted to actual on-site applications, and focuses on significant historical-archaeological sites in Italy and Turkey. The book offers an essential reference guide for students and scientists in archaeology, geophysics, architecture, and the engineering disciplines, as well as specialists.

This volume presents over 90 papers from the 13th International Conference on Archaeological Prospection 2019, Sligo. Papers address archaeological prospection techniques, methodologies and case studies from 33 countries across Africa, Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America, reflecting current and global trends in archaeological prospection.

Anyone who has tried to archive archaeological geophysics data will have wondered what might be the most comprehensive and practical approach. This question is addressed by this Guide’s extensively revised 2nd edition, which systematically explores what should be included in an Archive, illustrated with relevant examples. A conceptual framework is developed that allows assembling data and meta-data so that they can be deposited with an Archiving Body. This framework is also mapped onto typical database structures, including OASIS and the English Heritage Geophysics Database. Examples show step-by step how an Archive can be compiled for deposition so that readers will be able to enhance their own archiving practice. Geophysical data are sometimes the only remaining record of buried archaeological features when these are destroyed during commercial developments (e.g. road schemes). To preserve them in an Archive can therefore be essential. However, it is important that data are made available in formats that can still be read in years to come, accompanied by documentation that gives meaningful archaeological context. This Guide covers the creation of the necessary metadata and data documentation. There is no point preserving data if they cannot be used again; therefore this Guide is essential for anyone using geophysical data.

The Proceedings of 12th International Conference of Archaeological Prospection draws together over 100 papers addressing archaeological prospection techniques, methodologies and case studies from around the world.