Archaeology Field Survey

The main objective of every RCAHMS survey is to enhance Canmore,  the national database of Scotland’s Places. Our survey work records archaeological sites and monuments that range in date from the late upper Palaeolithic period (c.13,000–10,000 BC) right up to the present day. Recorded monuments can range from a single standing stone to a fort occupying many hectares, and they can be as diverse as Neolithic chambered cairns, medieval castles and redundant armoured vehicles used as targets on military ranges.

Landscape Survey

Field archaeology projects involve the survey of selected areas of Scotland, in which previously unrecorded monuments are searched for, noted and mapped, while known sites are reassessed. Surveys are also carried out in partnership with other organisations, including the National Trust for Scotland and Defence Estates.

Site Survey

RCAHMS undertakes detailed survey of individual monuments either as special surveys or as part of larger projects. Special surveys may be undertaken if a specific threat to a site has been identified, if an external request has been received, or if through the survey of a site the RCAHMS database will be significantly enhanced. In the context of a larger project, detailed site surveys are undertaken to illustrate reports and publications, provide staff training, develop survey methodologies and standards, and enhance the RCAHMS database.

Techniques

The ability of RCAHMS to survey Scotland’s archaeological sites to a consistently high standard relies on the experience and expertise of staff who are able to apply appropriate recording techniques to particular projects. RCAHMS has an active development programme that seeks new and better ways of recording the field archaeology of Scotland, managing this information, and presenting it to a very broad spectrum of users. This last objective is achieved by easy access to the RCAHMS database, creating exhibitions, undertaking lectures and promoting a very active programme of publication.