ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELD EVALUATION 1 Description

3.1.1 Objective

The objective of the archaeological field evaluation is to supplement and verify the specified predictive model that resulted from the desk-based assessment. This is done by fieldwork designed to acquire (additional) information on known or expected archaeological values within a survey area. This covers the presence or absence, the nature and character, the quantity, dating, integrity and preservation and the relative quality of the archaeological values. The result is a report with a valuation and, if prescribed in the Project Outline, (selection) recommendations which can be used to take a policy decision (usually a selection decision). This means that the field activities are carried out to the level at which this decision can responsibly be taken. In other words, the archaeological field evaluation must be carried out in a way that is not more destructive than necessary.

3.1.2 Determining the survey method

In the case of the archaeological field evaluation, a distinction is made between an exploratory, a mapping and a valuating phase. The objective of the exploratory phase is to acquire an insight into the geomorphologic landscape units in so far as these are related to location choices in the past. This can take the form of a visual inspection, as well as a geo- archaeological borehole survey. The objective is to exclude low-potential zones and select high-potential zones for the following phases. If sufficient detail is already known about the landscape, this phase can be omitted. During the mapping phase, the study area is examined systematically for the presence of finds and/or features. Following on from this, a more dense observation grid can be used during the valuating phase in specific parts of the study area, in order to determine the nature, size, conservation and relative quality of sites. Additional methods can be used to collect missing information for a valuation.

A crucial factor for the archaeological field evaluation is the choice of the survey method with which the archaeological expectation arrived at in the desk-based assessment – and the Project Outline based on that expectation – can be tested in the field.

There is no ideal survey method which can provide an answer to all questions. A variety of methods is used for the various types of archaeological find-spots which have to be prospected or valued. Sometimes, field walking is sufficient while in other cases boring to a depth of 5 m or a trial trench will be necessary. If the survey method is not prescribed in the Project Outline, the selection of the most effective and efficient method will be left up to the expertise of the executing body (the archaeological contractor). Requirements will have to be imposed on the (scientific) substantiation of this choice:

1. A specification of all the information used on which the choice is to be based.

2. The presumed characteristics of the expected archaeological sites with regard to depth, size, archaeological indicators, spatial distribution within the site.

3. The manner in which the selected survey strategy can demonstrate the presence or absence of archaeological values (or the presumed characteristics) in a sufficiently reliable manner. The basis for the choice has to be that, in relation to the Project Outline, the least destructive method is chosen in order to minimise the damage to the values before any decision is taken to protect or excavate. The aim is therefore not a complete absence of ambiguity but sufficient reliability.

The survey methods are listed below classified according to the extent to which they disrupt archaeological values. The methods can be subdivided into:

a. non-destructive methods:

• geophysical methods: electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic methods, possibly in combination with remote sensing techniques.

b. slightly destructive methods:

• field walking; • borehole survey;

• test pits (pits of 1 m2 _max.). c. destructive methods:

• trial trenches. 3.1.3 Process

The archaeological field evaluation process comprises the following subprocesses: 1. preparation of archaeological field evaluation;

2. implementation of archaeological field evaluation; 3. interpretation of archaeological field evaluation.

A decision can be taken to carry out the entire preliminary process (as a desk-based assessment and archaeological field evaluation together) – in phases and as a single assignment. In this case, the standards and guidelines relating to desk-based assessments and archaeological field evaluations will be combined.

In principle, the desk-based assessment is intended to result in clear and verifiable statements on the above elements in the form of a specified predictive model. Known archaeological values and a specified predictive model constitute the archaeological points of departure of the Project Outline, that must be approved by the competent authority so that the archaeological field evaluation can be put out to tender.

Preparing the archaeological field evaluation

The preparation work relating to the archaeological field evaluation comprises all the work that is necessary in order to be able to implement the archaeological field evaluation. The archaeological field evaluation is, in principle, implemented on the basis of the work plan about which agreement has been reached in the PO or contract.

Implementing the archaeological field evaluation

The implementation of the archaeological field evaluation means executing the fieldwork activities, in so far as such has been agreed in the contract.

Interpretation of the archaeological field evaluation

The interpretation of the archaeological field evaluation has to provide answers to the research questions stated in the Project Outline. The findings and the valuation are recorded in a final report that has to be approved, after which the project can be concluded. If prescribed in the Project Outline, recommendations for selection can also be issued.

3.1.4 Actors

Archaeological field evaluation Job Junior Archaeologist Medior Archaeologist Senior Archaeologist Junior Specialist Senior Specialist Junior Field Technician Senior Field Technician Excavation Worker

Non-archaeological Specialist Land Surveyor

3.1.5 Process diagram for archaeological field evaluations and accompanying description

General description of the archaeological field evaluation process

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