Page 108 - Green - Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook. 2nd ed

Chapter 4
Conventional Survey
I. OBJECTIVES OF PREDISTURBANCE SURVEY
This chapter deals with the methods and techniques of survey that can be used after a site has been located. Subsurface survey is discussed in Chapter 5, photographic methods will be discussed in Chapter 6, and the presentation of the results in Chapter 15. This chapter deals with the prin- ciples of preliminary or predisturbance survey and the standard methods for measuring and recording sites. This work may have a number of differ- ent purposes: as part of a cultural resource management plan; as a site survey for archaeological recording purposes; as a predisturbance survey prior to excavation, preceding some form of archaeological sampling; or as a predisturbance survey prior to an exploratory test excavation. The type of survey possible will depend on the site conditions. For example, if the site lies in an area where there are very rough or turbulent conditions or where there is poor visibility, then only a very simple survey may be possi- ble. Conversely, if the site is in clear, shallow waters, a much more detailed survey could be considered. Apprised of the particular environmental con- ditions prevailing on the site, the archaeologist or the surveyor will have to decide what type of survey is required to provide the necessary informa- tion. In many cases the type of survey methods used will depend on the local conditions, and where there is good visibility, almost certainly, photo- graphic methods may well be best.
A good recording system is required to ensure that measurements taken are reliable and well recorded. Transcription errors can occur both under water when the operator notes the reading and, subsequently, when the field
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