Resistivity - Geophysical surveys

Site Scan (Archaeological) Ltd utilises a TR Sytems Resisitivity Meter. This technique is most useful when attempting to locate building foundations, structural features and ditches etc.

An electrical current is passed between two mobile probes which measure the ground resistivity, whilst two further static probes measure the electrical potential difference. The ground resistivity is processed in ohms, which is then used to produce a resistivity image that facilitates the interpretation of both geological and man-made features in the soil.

Applications

1. Archaeological site evaluation prior to acquisition or development.
2. When test-pitting is required due to planning policy (PPG16), an
   accurate locating of test-pits can be achieved.
3. Academic research of archaeological sites.
4. Integral element of Desk-Top and Environmental Impact Surveys in
   association with land management projects.

Advantages

• Cost effective in relation to both data produced and time scale.
• Excellent response to building remains.
• Produces data on a range of differing bedrock types.
• High definition of archaeological features
• Traditional test-pitting methods only cover a small percentage of the site, whereas geophysical surveys can cover the entire site. This leads to greater security of corporate investment in development projects.
• A non-invasive method of data retrieval.