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Practical, field-based archaeological survey and recording is a core component of teaching and research within the Department of Archaeology & Anthropology. To support this, the department has a dedicated storeroom that houses an impressive array of the latest survey equipment. We pride ourselves on allowing our students to use the equipment as much as possible in order for them to gain vital skills to enhance their career and graduate opportunities, as well as contributing to departmental research projects domestically and overseas

Survey grade GNSS

We have 4 Leica GS15 instruments within the department. Using the latest GPS technology, these can capture individual 3D coordinates of anywhere in the world with an accuracy of 1-3cm and a precision of <1cm. The instrument can be used for rapidly recording archaeological excavations, elevation changes on the ground surface and measuring the position of forensic evidence.

3D laser scanner (long range)

Our Leica C10 3D Laser Scanner is capable of collection 50,000 individual three dimensional data points per second at a range of up to 100m. The data can be used for rapid recording of archaeological remains, landscape modelling and virtual reconstructions. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ projects include the monitoring of erosion rates of prehistoric earthworks in Dorset, the identification of clandestine graves, and the 3D visualisation and interpretation of Skorba Prehistoric Temple on Malta.

3D laser scanner (short range)

Our Next Engine short range laser scanner is capable of collection 150,000 individual three dimensional data points per second at a range of up to 5m. The scanner is used extensively in the heritage sector for virtual reality object modelling and reconstruction. Department led projects include the 3D visualisation and interpretation of Roman Imperial portraits and the analysis of footprints for archaic hominid identification.

Total Station Theodolite

We have a 5 Leica TS06 Total Stations and 1 Leica TS15 Robotic Total Station. These instruments capture individual three dimensional points at a range of up to 1km with an accuracy and precision of less than 1cm, as well as measuring angles and distances. The data can be used for plotting artefact locations for archaeologists, mapping evidence from crime scenes and for measuring topographic changes in the ground surface.

Magnetic Fluxgate Gradiometers

Our department has 6 fluxgate Gradiameters: 4x Bartington 601 duel sensor gradiometers; 1x Geoscan FM256; 1x Geoscan FM36. These instruments are used for measuring minute variations in the magnetic field that are caused by hidden anomalies in the ground such as archaeological disturbances, geological features, pipes, cables, waste drums, unexploded ordnance, and other signs of human activity. The instruments are used extensively for archaeological prospection and forensic investigation.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV; drones)

The department has 4 drones (3x DJI Phantom 3 Pro; 1x DJI Mavic 2 Pro) which are used to capture vertical and oblique photograph as well as high resolution video, from elevations up to 120m. The UAV can be used in a variety of different roles, such as a prospecting tool to detect buried archaeology, for rapidly recording archaeological features under excavation and for creating 3D digital surface models. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ projects include the Durotroges Big Dig in west Dorset, The DEMELZA project in Cornwall and the the Vlochos Archaeological Project in Western Thaessaly, Greece.

Earth Resistance Meters

The department has two types of resistance meters: a Geoscan RM15 and a GeoScan RM85. These instruments are used for archaeological prospection by detecting small changes in the resistance of soil below the ground surface. This can help identify archaeological remains such as walls, ditches and graves.

Auto Level

We have 8 Leica NA720 Auto Levels which our students use to learn the basics of measured survey. The instruments can measure relative height difference, distances, and angles, and are an essential tool within archaeological fieldwork.

Magnetic Susceptibility meter

The department has 2 Bartington MS2 Meters- one for field use, and one for laboratory use. The field instrument can be used to undertake a rapid assessment of top soil magnetic enhancement, a strong indicator of anthropogenic activity, and is therefore an excellent tool for identifying archaeological sites. More detailed analysis of soils from different archaeological deposits can be undertaken using the laboratory based instrument. Department projects involve identify medieval mining activity in Cornwall, understanding the social use of space in Bronze Age Houses in Scotland, and characterising ancient agricultural surfaces in Malta.

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

The department operates a MALÅ Ramac X3M Ground Penetrating Radar system and is widely used in both teaching and research. The GPR uses either 250mhz, 500mhz or 800mz shielded single-channel antenna and can be deployed in either sled or cart configurations. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) utilises electromagnetic waves to identify changes in substrate below the ground surface – from natural variations in soil type and geology to changes caused by human activity. The electromagnetic waves are emitted from the antenna which reflect off the subsurface back to the ground surface, and are received by a separate antenna. By comparing the amount of time it takes for the waves to be received by the instrument and the soil characteristics, the approximate depth of any anomalies can be determined. GPR is the most common geophysical technique used for the detection of buried human remains, particularly in forensic searches, as an intensive survey produces high-resolution 3-dimensional data. However, the technique is often used more widely in archaeological research projects to help characterise buried deposits identified using other geophysical techniques.

Electromagnetic induction (EMI)

Electromagnetic induction instruments rely on changes in the conductivity and physical characteristics of subsurface material. The department has 2 EMI instrument – a Geonics EM38 and a CMD Mini Explorer. These instruments use transmitting and receiving coil(s) to generate, and measure changes, in magnetic fields to measure the apparent magnetic susceptibility and resistivity or conductivity of materials. EMI is used in archaeogeophysical surveys, alongside other geophysical techniques, to identify large archaeological features such as ditches or building foundations. ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ also use instruments which allow for survey at multiple depths and real-time GPS-tracked data collection.

Portable X-ray florescence (pXRF)

Our two Niton XL3t GOLDD+ analysers provide reliable, non-destructive real-time data for geochemical analysis. These handheld portable devices can analyse 30 elements including light elements (from Mg to U). There is a helium purge adapter for increased accuracy of light elements and a portable test-stand for laboratory based analysis. The GOLDD technology provides lowest limits of detection and fastest measurement times. These analysers have a high performance x-ray tube and speed detector. pXRF analysis is used in archaeology for materials analysis such as establishing provenance and composition and well as site survey, for example site prospection.