Topographical Surveys
This service quickly collects detailed and
accurate topographical data. The use of
topographical surveys within archaeology are an
effective method of recording the extent and shape
of archaeological features. The technique
accurately records earthen monuments by record,
where the topography, if appreciable, can be
mapped, often prior to excavation. This record aids
landscape understanding and future archaeological
interpretations. Discrete, potentially unrecorded
features, with a low topographical profile can also
be revealed.
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By taking a series of closely spaced
measurements, over a defined area, a
detailed topographical map can illustrate
minute variations in the ground surface.
For example, where a low topographical
profile monument, such as a barrow, lies
beneath a masking cover of vegetation,
topographical surveys in effect can strip
off the vegetation to reveal the
underlying monument and previously unseen
detail or elements associated with it.
These changes can highlight the location
of buried archaeological remains and
reveal changes in elevation that could
affect archaeological use or future
construction plans.
Earthsound offers differential Global
Positioning System survey (DGPS) and total
station surveys. These allow us to
undertake topographical surveys in a range
of different circumstances and locations
facilitating all archaeological needs.
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Datasets such as aerial photographs,
construction and excavation layouts can be overlaid
on the topographical data, aiding understanding of
the landscape. Geophysical and Geochemical data can
also be overlaid with topographical data, providing
an interactive element between topographical and
geophysical anomalies.
Topographical data can be displayed in a variety
of graphical formats including a Digital Elevation
Model (DEM) and a Digital Terrain Model (DTM).
The DEM of a fulachta fiadh presents data in a
3-dimensional wire mesh, x, y and z coordinates are
displayed as national grid easting, northing and
elevation above sea level. The viewing angle of the
DEM can be altered in a horizontal or vertical
plane to highlight different elements/features.
The DTM of the same fulachta fiadh combines two
graphical display options; a colourscale plot and a
3-D wire mesh (DEM). The colourscale plot presents
data as pixels on a linear colour shaded scale. By
combining the two plotting styles, the
topographical data can be viewed as a digital
terrain model, adding a colour reference to
emphasise the data.
The presence of an artificial light source can
also vary the perception of data, creating shadows
in depressions for example.
Topographical Data Collection
Two different types of topographical data
collection methodologies can be used; coarse sample
interval surveys and high resolution detailed
survey.
Coarse Sample Survey
A
coarse sample interval will provide data indicating
broad topographical trends of a particular site or
number of sites. Generally used for large-scale
topographical surveys using a wide survey interval,
this type of assessment enables the contours of an
area to be mapped, aiding construction plans and
viability surveys.
High Resolution Survey or Micro-Topography
A detailed survey methodology captures data at
regular closely spaced sampling intervals,
providing high resolution of earthworks,
archaeological sites and local site topography.
Survey Requirements
If you would like to contact us to discuss your
requirements so that we can develop a project plan
and quotation, it would be useful to have the
following information:
- Size and shape of survey area
- Purpose of survey
- Survey location
- Ground conditions - pasture, crop etc
- Other useful information includes map of the
site, the location of any structures or field
boundaries in the survey area
Contact Details
Earthsound Archaeological Geophysics
Prospect House
Drumagh
Claremorris
County Mayo
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0) 94 936 2228

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