Excavation

Technical Equipment

Several tools were used to successfully survey, plan, and dig the site. These are all things used by professional archeologists around the globe.

Total Station

A camera capable of cataloging GPS coordinates down to the millimeter. We use it to log findings during digs.

Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR)

Allows us to map out the underground without destroying what could possibly be found.

Geographic Information System(GIS)

A central database of points detailing what was found and its properties on a map.

Spectra Ranger

This works together with the Total Station to log findings.

Of course, when digging, nothing helps like a good old shovel and spade.

Dig Process

As of now, there are two separate sites with trenches being excavated. The first site, EF1, is detailed here and EF2 is here.

Here you can find more about the general process of digging a trench, and the steps that were taken before either of them were started.

Research

Finding more about the site before digging is crucial. Knowing everything about the area can prepare you for what you might find, think of the best way to dig, and make the unforeseen foreseen.

Anything can help; geographical information about the site, historical documents(maps, land ownership, developments), various studies, etc. can help prepare for what you might find.

Survey

Using some of the tools mentioned above(and some good old string) the trench is mapped and marked out. Any visible features are logged with the total station.

Dig!

Time to break out the shovels! Maybe. Depends.

The trench is dug in levels of defined depth(determined by the archeologists). Great care is taken to not destroy the artefacts as they are unearthed. Without wasting too much time. Hopefully.

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