archaeological survey

Also known as: archaeological reconnaissance

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Archaeological survey, also known as reconnaissance, is the initial phase of archaeological research focused on discovering and recording sites and human-created features. This process can involve walking the countryside, studying old records, and mapping known and new sites. Modern techniques significantly enhance this work, including aerial photography, which reveals sites through variations in soil or crop growth, and geophysical prospecting methods like electrical conductivity and magnetic field detection to locate subsurface features. Remote sensing technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar, further aid in identifying buried structures. The systematic collection of surface artifacts during a survey helps determine a site's age, spatial relationships, and social functions.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

anthropology
Archaeology
These include archaeological survey (reconnaissance), excavation, and detailed analysis of recovered artifacts. Survey, or the discovery and recording of archaeological sites or other human-created features, such as roads and irrigation systems, is usually the first phase of archaeological research. Archaeological survey often employs aerial photographs and satellite…
Read More
These include archaeological survey (reconnaissance), excavation, and detailed analysis of recovered artifacts. Survey, or the discovery and recording of archaeological sites or other human-created features, such as roads and irrigation systems, is usually the first phase of archaeological research. Archaeological survey often employs aerial photographs and satellite…
Read More