Cup-and-ring marked rock,
Allt Coire Phadairlidh,
Perth and Kinross.
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Our survey teams use photography, measured drawings and on-the-ground analysis to record the built environment of Scotland. The teams focus their efforts on three keys areas: field survey of archaeological sites and landscapes; aerial survey of all types of sites and buildings; and topographical areas. You can consult our policy on survey and recording for more information.
The archaeological remains of Scotland's rich and varied past are recorded during field-survey projects that take in areas large and small, from entire river catchments (Strath Don) to Hebridean islands (Eigg and Muck), or to much smaller areas or specific sites (Kirkcudbright Training Area and Cardean Roman Fort). Sites and monuments of all periods, ranging in date from the mesolithic to the 20th century, are identified and mapped in the field, while some are recorded in greater detail by measured survey and photography. A written description is prepared for each site, and all of this information is then available for public inspection. In many cases, the results of projects are published, either as a book, broadsheet or summary report, and highlights are illustrated in temporary exhibitions and on this website.
The archaeology survey teams are involved in a number of partnership projects, not only in support of desk-based studies (Historic Land-use Assessment and Traprain Law Environs), but also of field surveys (Eigg and Mingulay). The results of these projects are also made available to the public via the RCAHMS website, and selective publications are produced.
Aerial view of Tantallon
Castle, East Lothian.
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Aerial survey provides a unique opportunity to record traces of Scotland's past. As well as prospective sorties (investigative flights looking for traces of archaeological sites), flying is undertaken in support of RCAHMS projects, both archaeological and architectural. Low sunlight and faint coverings of snow can reveal structures barely visible on the ground, and, during the summer months, the differential growth patterns of arable crops (cropmarks) can reveal features now buried beneath the ground. For architectural and industrial subjects, the aerial view offers an unrivalled vantage point, allowing individual buildings and townscapes to be seen in their context. The results of each year's flying are added to the Canmore database, and the photographs themselves can be consulted in our public search room. Use the order form to purchase copies.
We fly from Edinburgh Airport in a small Cessna 172 single-engined aircraft, with room for the pilot and the photographer in the front and the flight director in the back directing and recording the photography.
Aerial photography for archaeological projects concentrates on summer crop marks, hill-forts, field systems, townships and changes in land use, while that for architectural projects looks at hospitals, castles and country houses, churches and cathedrals, farms, formal and ‘scenic’ gardens, football stadiums, industrial sites, defences and military sites. We also photograph high profile new buildings in the course of construction, including the new Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood in Edinburgh.
