A Rapid Technique for Three-Dimensional Site Mapping

Abstract

Archaeological methodology contains a crucial gap between surficial reconnaissance and intensive excavation. Detailed, pre-excavation site testing is frequently essential to estimation of research potential, although our present techniques for carrying out this testing are often not very sophisticated. The usual approach is test pit excavation in an opportunistic, regular, or probabilistic pattern. Test pits, however, are dug slowly and relatively expensively and cannot offer an extensive view of sub-surface deposits unless they are dug in vast numbers. With such problems in mind, the present article proposes and illustrates a rapid, thorough, and inexpensive method for testing and three-dimensional mapping of archaeological deposits. The site used in illustration is from the Southwestern United States, although the approach is widely applicable.

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