Services

Planning authorities or developers frequently require baseline archaeological and historical data on a site for planning purposes.
Developers may also want to know the potential archaeological implications of purchasing a site.

Desk-based information gathering is typically the first stage of an archaeological assessment. Assessments typically compile and analyse data from different sources, for example:

• Local & national archaeological, artefactual, architectural databases
• Historical mapping
• Aerial & satellite imagery
• Bibliographical and local historical information
• Published, peer-reviewed archaeological research
• Unpublished excavation reports
• Geophysical and geotechnical reports
• Any other relevant datasets

All our initial constraint studies include a comprehensive site inspection to assess current site condition as well as other possible constraints. Once the desk-based study is complete, other stages may be necessary, for example, geophysical survey, testing, monitoring and excavation.

Archaeological geophysics refer to a number of proximal, non-intrusive electromagnetic investigation techniques that can map buried archaeological deposits.

Currently, we use a dual magnetic gradiometer to quickly identify magnetic signatures associated with buried archaeological features. This allows us to  target our test trenches on specific archaeological features. If other types of geophysical investigation are required, we can help there too.

Planning authorities often seek additional information on archaeological potential beyond that contained in desk-based or geophysical studies.

The next stage of the process usually involve the excavation of test trenches. In Ireland, any excavation for archaeological purposes must be agreed
in advance with the National Monuments Service. Trench layout is generally informed by the extent of a proposed development or based on the results desk-based research or geophysical survey. We typically try to investigate >10% of a site to provide assurance to planners, managers and developers on the archaeological remains within a site.

Our 2 m wide trenches are mechanically excavated in spits to the top of the first archaeological layer encountered (or to subsoil).
Our trenches are dug by experienced archaeologists who make detailed records on the extent, depth and nature of any archeological features they encounter.

Based on the outcome of test trenching, additional works may be necessary.

Excavation is usually required where a proposed development encounters archaeological remains that cannot be preserved in-situ.
In such cases, the National Monumnets Service will issue a licence to excavate, and preserve by record, all archaeological features impacted by development.

Excavation is the systematic removal of archaeological material in a structured and fully-documentet manner.
Site records (written, photographic, digital) are ultimately archived with the National Monuments Service, while finds are deposited with the National Museum of Ireland.

The stratigraphic, artefactual and palaeo-environmental evidence is compiled, analysed and interpreted and outlined in a detailed, illustrated report.

Archaeological monitoring may be required as a stand alone condition, may be recommended following an archaeological assessment, or as additional mitigation following test trenching or excavation. Monitoring involves observing groundworks during construction stage (topsoil stripping, foundation/ trench excavation).

It may also be necessary during certain forestry operations. Typically an archaeologist will observe groundworks until the risk of
exposing archaeological material passes. Monitoring is carried out by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

Excavation is usually required where a proposed development encounters archaeological remains that cannot be preserved in-situ.
In such cases, the National Monumnets Service will issue a licence to excavate, and preserve by record, all archaeological features impacted by development.

Excavation is the systematic removal of archaeological material in a structured and fully-documentet manner.
Site records (written, photographic, digital) are ultimately archived with the National Monuments Service, while finds are deposited with the National Museum of Ireland.

The stratigraphic, artefactual and palaeo-environmental evidence is compiled, analysed and interpreted and outlined in a detailed, illustrated report.

We provide topographical surveying services to record and reproduce detailed 3D models of archaeological sites & monuments.

We use drones for wide-area photogrammetric surveys, and to create high resolution orthomosaics of our works at different stages.

Using GIS and photogrammetric software, we can quickly create accurate topographic plans, contour surveys, hillshade and local topography models to help identify low-visibility, potential archaeological sites.

Photogrammetry allows us to extract 3D information from photographs.  We use a drone to fly a pre-programmed path taking hi-res photos at every degree of a circle to completely record a building, bridge or feature.

Post-processing involves converting these JPEGs  into 2D or 3D digital models to create a model which can be used in AutoCad as it is tied in to ITM points.
Photogrammetry is often used by surveyors, architects, engineers, and contractors to create topographic maps, meshes, point clouds, or drawings based on the real-world.