Pedestrian Survey
Pedestrian survey allows archaeologists to identify archaeological sites and establish site boundaries based on what they observe on the ground surface. Evidence for possible human activity may take the form of portable artifacts like projectile points or ceramic sherds or non-portable artifacts (called features) such as walls or storage pits. In the Permian Basin, archaeological features may include cooking hearths or concentrations of fire-cracked rock or caliche. Pedestrian survey helps archaeologists decide where to focus subsequent excavations and provides data to answer research questions.
Why do we do this?
Pedestrian survey allows archaeologists to identify archaeological sites and establish site boundaries based on what they observe on the ground surface. Evidence for possible human activity may take the form of portable artifacts like projectile points or ceramic sherds or non-portable artifacts (called features) such as walls or storage pits. In the Permian Basin, archaeological features may include cooking hearths or concentrations of fire-cracked rock or caliche. Pedestrian survey helps archaeologists decide where to focus subsequent excavations and provides data to answer research questions.
Process
Archaeologists walk parallel lines, or transects, spaced no more than 49 feet apart. As they walk, they observe the ground and the surrounding landscape. Archaeologists record the location of artifacts and features using either a handheld Global Position System (GPS) or an electronic/optical device called a Total Station. Artifacts and features are also measured, photographed, and drawn.
An artifact found
Total Station
SEARCH archaeologist Rachel Chaney describes how a Total Station is used as part of the archaeological process.
Gallery
