Research
Request Permission
Recover
Record
Retain
Request Permission
Recover
Record
Retain
Research
This alone is the most important factor in identifying possible long-lost archaeological sites resulting in a consistently successful recovery outcome when out in the field.
The research is carried out using several sources and resources; from documentation; both physical and electronic, to LiDAR.
A team meeting, usually via Skype, enables the team to carefully examine the attributes of each potential site, and may aid in the choice of a site visit.
Request Permission
Once a potential site is chosen by the team, the landowner is then traced and a request for permission to carry out a survey is made. Once commissioned, and during the first visit, the survey site area may be modified in size after consultation with the landowner.
Recover
This is perhaps the most complex part of the operation and involves a multitude of challenging technical and geological hurdles to overcome. These challenges will be explained in greater detail using this link.
We use the internationally accepted and accurately structured archaeological fieldwalking techniques but enhanced with the use of state-of-the-art metal-detection equipment.
Our surveys are classed as "fieldwalking 4 inches deep", "3-Dimensional Fieldwalking" or "Tri-Dimensional Fieldwalking".
Indeed, we are now referred to as "Detectologists" by the team of professional archaeologists at the renowned and game-changing archaeology company - DigVentures.
We are also recognised as professional detectorists by esteemed members of the archaeological world due to the intense approach we utilise.
Our surveys are often carried out on newly drilled (seeded) land as this is of great benefit when looking for surface objects such as pottery, fossils and other historical evidence. Following the lines of newly emerging seedlings ensure a disciplined linear search pattern and provides an accurate start/stop point for future return visits.
GPS is used to lock-in grid references and a full report with HD images then submitted to the landowner.
A new angle is our first foray into the world of photogrammetry - 3D photography!
We also utilise a mobile grid where necessary that covers 600 sq ft (56 sq mtr).
Areas are accurately measured in order to calculate survey timelines and accessibility.
For a reconnaissance survey to quickly assess a potential site we use the Zebra method.
This utilises the tractor lines that are used to spray the crop and are usually 24 metres apart.
If an area is identified using this method we will revert to the standard side-by-side fieldwalking pattern.
Although we take this structured approach to the whole process of artefact recovery, we have fun in doing so.
Recording
Being self-recorders for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) enables timely updates to the British Museums' database. Records, once published, are freely open to study by academics, world-wide.
All objects are carefully cleaned, professionally photographed and uploaded to PAS and Flickr.
Retain
All recovered objects are retained either by the landowners, museums if requested, or by our team.
Artefacts held by the Priscan Archaeology team are always accessible and available to landowners and archaeologists for further study or examination if required.
This alone is the most important factor in identifying possible long-lost archaeological sites resulting in a consistently successful recovery outcome when out in the field.
The research is carried out using several sources and resources; from documentation; both physical and electronic, to LiDAR.
A team meeting, usually via Skype, enables the team to carefully examine the attributes of each potential site, and may aid in the choice of a site visit.
Request Permission
Once a potential site is chosen by the team, the landowner is then traced and a request for permission to carry out a survey is made. Once commissioned, and during the first visit, the survey site area may be modified in size after consultation with the landowner.
Recover
This is perhaps the most complex part of the operation and involves a multitude of challenging technical and geological hurdles to overcome. These challenges will be explained in greater detail using this link.
We use the internationally accepted and accurately structured archaeological fieldwalking techniques but enhanced with the use of state-of-the-art metal-detection equipment.
Our surveys are classed as "fieldwalking 4 inches deep", "3-Dimensional Fieldwalking" or "Tri-Dimensional Fieldwalking".
Indeed, we are now referred to as "Detectologists" by the team of professional archaeologists at the renowned and game-changing archaeology company - DigVentures.
We are also recognised as professional detectorists by esteemed members of the archaeological world due to the intense approach we utilise.
Our surveys are often carried out on newly drilled (seeded) land as this is of great benefit when looking for surface objects such as pottery, fossils and other historical evidence. Following the lines of newly emerging seedlings ensure a disciplined linear search pattern and provides an accurate start/stop point for future return visits.
GPS is used to lock-in grid references and a full report with HD images then submitted to the landowner.
A new angle is our first foray into the world of photogrammetry - 3D photography!
We also utilise a mobile grid where necessary that covers 600 sq ft (56 sq mtr).
Areas are accurately measured in order to calculate survey timelines and accessibility.
For a reconnaissance survey to quickly assess a potential site we use the Zebra method.
This utilises the tractor lines that are used to spray the crop and are usually 24 metres apart.
If an area is identified using this method we will revert to the standard side-by-side fieldwalking pattern.
Although we take this structured approach to the whole process of artefact recovery, we have fun in doing so.
Recording
Being self-recorders for the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) enables timely updates to the British Museums' database. Records, once published, are freely open to study by academics, world-wide.
All objects are carefully cleaned, professionally photographed and uploaded to PAS and Flickr.
Retain
All recovered objects are retained either by the landowners, museums if requested, or by our team.
Artefacts held by the Priscan Archaeology team are always accessible and available to landowners and archaeologists for further study or examination if required.