3.1 Desk Based Assessment and Survey Methods

This lesson introduces the methods used in the lead up to archaeological excavation, or to establish whether a full excavation is necessary in the first place. Each of the steps laid out here builds towards the picture we have of an area, what might be under the ground, and how best to approach it.

The Purpose of the Desk Based Assessment

Desk based assessment (DBA)The initial research phase of an excavation, involving the study of existing records, reports, maps, and databases to assess the archaeological potential of a site. is the first or one of the first stages in an archaeological excavation. The purpose is to uncover as much of the background information of a site as possible, making use of any available records and documents to gain as broad a picture as possible. DBA allows research into a site with minimal intrusion, damage, and risk to the archaeology itself. It can allow a more thorough and precise excavation that targets the most impactful and information-rich areas of a site.

A lot of archaeological work is conducted on small timescales, with strict and often limited funds. Conducting the most efficient excavation possible is thus incredibly valuable - and the time and resources a good DBA can save make it among the most important skills in an archaeologist's repertoire. DBA also serves as a baseline for the health and safety, risk assessment, and environmental assessments required before work can begin - if we are not conducting our work in a manner safe for the archaeologists, environment, and locals then we should not be doing it at all.