The design of archaeological surveys

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Abstract
Archaeological survey design is viewed as a problem in choosing techniques for site and artefact discovery that are most cost‐effective given the particular archaeological and environmental characteristics of the study area. Uncontrollable factors of the study area discussed are abundance, clustering, obtrusiveness of archaeological materials, and visibility and accessibility. Both purposive and probabilistic techniques for varying discovery probabilities are examined within the framework of recovery theory. In addition, other considerations involved in survey design are reviewed, including field crews, site definition, recording procedures, surface collecting and testing. Finally, a three‐stage survey programme is outlined, wherein stress is laid on acquiring the knowledge needed for making decisions about survey techniques.