YMAC factsheet – Survey Definitions – Heritage Survey Types and Recording Levels

Heritage survey types
An archaeological survey is the active investigation and assessment of a landscape for archaeological evidence, i.e., physical evidence of human culture. It involves both desktop research and on-site fieldwork conducted by a professional archaeologist. Desktop research involves reviewing published and unpublished archaeological reports and relevant site files. On-site archaeological fieldwork is conducted by the archaeologist in consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners, or Knowledge Holders. Fieldwork is usually done via pedestrian transects (i.e. walking the area), but may also include inspection from a vehicle. This kind of survey interprets the ‘tangible’ landscape to examine, identify, record, and evaluate cultural materials within a physical area, through the applicable archaeological research and fieldwork methodologies.