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Aims of the course

The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the principal surveying techniques employed by field archaeologists and provide training in undertaking a detailed survey of archaeological remains using a Total Station and dGPS; together with writing and interpreting the resultant survey in a broader archaeological context.ÌýThe module will teach modern surveying techniques using Total Stations and dGPS techniques. The module will take place during the first Reading Week, with follow-up sessions to process your survey data at the Institute. During the module you will learn how to undertake a topographic survey using total stations and dGPS, how to process the data in a GIS package forÌýanalysis and presentation.Ìý The final survey will be what Historic England define as a "Level 3" hachure plan.

Objectives of the course

This course is designed to give students:

1. An overview of the issues involved in archaeological surveying.

2. Practical understanding and experience in topographical surveying.

3. The opportunity to develop teamwork skills along with the ability to prioritise and structure tasks within a set time period.

4. The ability to undertake the production of maps and images of the topographic survey.

5. Experience of combining other archaeological information with the survey to produce a written report and discussion of the site.

6. The basic knowledge from which to critically assess the applicability of individual methods to specific survey situations, and assess survey data presented by others.

7. A sharpened awareness of the processes involved in presenting the results of an archaeological survey, through the completion of a written report.

Teaching Methods

ÌýThe greater part of the course will be taught during reading week in Term 1, Ìýincluding a field element.Ìý ÌýThe first day to be taught at the Institute will be spent introducing the course, discussing the equipment to be used and training in setting-up the total station. The following four days will be spent in the field undertaking a detailed survey.Ìý The site is within daily commuting distance. The students will be divided into small groups, each with its own total station.ÌýÌý

After the field course there will be a computing practical allowing you to process the data and begin creating the maps you need for the assignment.Ìý During following weeks there will be a two-hour "drop-in" session each week for you to come and work on your assignment and get help with the computing elements.