The Archaeological Survey: A Defense

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Abstract
It is suggested that four major types of survey can be identified: (1) reconnaissance, which is extensive rather than intensive, and results in a catalog of sites; (2) survey which is done in conjunction with a specific program of excavation and is designed to increase the sample of material culture; (3) limited survey that is problem oriented and is conducted for a specific reason (this is usually the most successful type); and (4) survey that involves intensive study of a local area and is designed to extract all possible information from each site found. It is believed that the last type, despite a large expenditure of time and funds, provides much more information than other types of survey. Data from a survey of Cebolleta Mesa, New Mexico, are presented to document the value of the intensive archaeological survey.