Geophysics
The next stage of fieldwork involved two complementary elements: sub-surface mapping and the systematic collection of surface finds. When considered together these enable us to understand the spatial organisation of buried buildings and, to some degree, their chronology and function. The principal means of sub-surface mapping is provided by geophysical survey methods. In the United Kingdom the use of magnetometry and resistivity survey has become commonplace in recent years following the development of robust machines and computer-based data-loggers. Resistivity survey measures small scale variations in the electrical resistance of the soil: thus features such as walls show up as bands of higher electrical resistance. Magnetometry measures minor variations in the magnetism of the soil, again enabling features such as walls, roads hearths and kilns to be identified under appropriate conditions. In each case the key to success lies in being able to survey substantial areas using consistent methods of data collection, and mapping the results precisely in relation to the topographic information.
Resistivity survey in progress
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