Urban and Brownfield Sites

Compared to other sites such as rural and historic areas, evaluations undertaken in towns, cities and other urban regions make different demands on archaeological prospection. Depths of deposits are often more considerable; the stratigraphy is complex, and the surface conditions can be challenging. While magnetometry can still be used on specific locations, ground penetrating radar is the most favoured technique as it can provide both plan and depth information.

 

What can I expect a SUMO geophysics survey to detect?

 

While our geophysics technology can locate a range of anomalies typically associated with urban and brownfield areas such as utilities, underground infrastructure, voids and other engineering-related features; from an archaeological perspective, the technique can also identify: -

 

• Historic building foundations

• Industrial archaeological features like kilns

• Town ditches and walls

• Former road surfaces

 

What are the benefits of a SUMO Geophysics Survey?

 

Reduced risks

 

As a non-intrusive method of surveying, potential archaeology can be located without the need for ground excavation, which may result in damage to existing infrastructure. Thus, both time and budgets can be reduced.

 

High-quality data and reporting

 

SUMO Geophysics is a Registered Organisation with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). All our surveys are carried out to the CIfA and the English Heritage professional guidelines as a minimum standard.   

 

Rapid results

 

Our team of experienced field surveyors and data interpreters have a proven track record of working to tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of geophysical surveying and reporting.