Archaeological Site Investigations

GBG Australia staff have successfully used non-destructive GPR technology on Aboriginal Archaeological Sites, to locate and map possible graves and shell middens. Our staff includes a trained prehistory archaeologist and we have experience in dealing with relevant organisations and individuals such as Aboriginal Liaison Officers and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service. The culturally sensitive nature of these investigations is respected and confidentiality of results is observed. Often, there may be no photographs taken of the site at the request of the client.

While GPR data does not give definitive answers, areas of interest within the site are mapped and recommendation given as to the location of relevant features. These results may be used to plan further physical investigation such as pitting and trench excavations. This approach saves time and is more economically viable than destructive testing of the whole site.

Historical Sites

Physical investigations of an historical site of archaeological importance are usually employed to assess buried artefacts or construction features. These methods are labour intensive, time consuming, destructive and often limited by accessibility. GPR can continuously profile the subsurface without disturbing the stratigraphy, while providing accurate information on structures such foundations, pits, flooring and negative interfaces.Other geophysical methods such as magnetometry and resistivity are also justified in many circumstances, particularly when encouraged by specific expectations eg of kilns or voids.

GBG Australia can locate artefacts using metal detection and major buried landscape features can also be investigated using GPR, for instance the course of buried river channels under valley alluvium, or the depth of colluvium. These can have an indirect but crucial influence on the distribution of archaeological activity.

Results are presented in a comprehensive written report and as CAD drawings. Formats for visual presentation include plan views of the site, cross sections and 3-D modelling. Tight grid spacings can facilitate 3-D visualisation of the subsurface- a successful method for capturing the size, distribution and shapes of archaeological features.

Further Reading

Kopeykin, V., Morozov, P., Den, O., Schekotov, A. (2000) "Experience of georadar GROT application for mapping of a cultural layer on archaeological excavation," Proceedings of the 8^th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar SPIE Vol. 4084-08
Whiting, B., McFarland, D., Hackenberger, S. (2000) "Preliminary results of three-dimensional GPR-based study of a prehistoric site in Barbados, West Indies" SPIE Vol. 4084-47
Sharma, R., Vaish, J.N (2000) "Ground-probing radar investigations for foundation and other subsurface features at a historical site" SPIE Vol. 4084-55

GBG Australia have undertaken investigations of: