Methodology

While the standard methodology in archaeology continues to be the individual worker with a shovel or trowel, the modern age has brought additions and refinements. For instance, heavy machines such as backhoes are often utilized, especially where time is of the essence. A backhoe can quickly remove the overburden at a site, exposing the culture-bearing level below. Backhoes are also valuable when searching for unmarked cemeteries, as they allow the removal of topsoil, exposing the outlines of graves.

In today’s archaeology, remote sensing has become an important tool in many situations. Remote sensing techniques vary from aerial photo interpretation to ground penetrating radar and gradiometry. These techniques, because they do not require actual excavation, often provide cost-effective ways of suggesting how the archaeologist should allocate time and funds.