Providing the evidence base needed to inform planning decisions before intrusive archaeological work begins. Archaeological desk-based assessments typically include:
- Review of existing information – examining historic maps, geological maps, previous archaeological investigations, aerial photographs, LiDAR data, Historic Environment Records (HERs), published literature, and other relevant datasets to establish the archaeological and geoarchaeological potential of a site.
- Assessment of archaeological potential – identifying known and potential archaeological remains, palaeoenvironmental deposits, and geoarchaeological resources that could be affected by a proposed development.
- Recommendations for further work – advising whether additional investigations, such as geophysical survey, geoarchaeological boreholes, trial trenching, environmental sampling or specialist analyses, are likely to be required.
- Reporting to planning standards – producing a formal report suitable for submission to support discussions with the Local Planning Authority and archaeological advisors.