I have to agree with and confirm everything that Martin Roe has suggested in his email.
Regarding GPS. In the May/June issue of British Archaeology is an article on page 39 on GPS Mapping. Using a Garmin
Etrex Vista handheld GPS (which you can see on the following link http://www.globalpositioningsystems.co.uk/p5 ) and the free software GPS-Mapper (available by download from http://www.astronomy.crysania.co.uk ), one person can generate a remarkably accurate map in minutes by recording waypoints, and no bulky surveying equipment is required at all.
Regarding Geophysical surveys, the cost of a resistance meter has been way out of the reach of many societies - a full blown data logger costing in the region of £5000. Exactly the same thing can now be purchased for £800 from TR Systems - part of the Council for Independent Archaeology. And they are now producing a magnetometer for a similar price. Take a look at the resistivity meter on http://www.trsystem.demon.co.uk/html/resistance_meter.html . I purchased one for the use of North Devon Archaeological Society on the basis that other groups in North Devon could have access to the machine including the Combe Martin Silver Mine Research and Preservation Society. The machine has been producing surveys almost continuously over the last 12 months (all passed to the HER) and it is the best money ever spent!
I am just completing the third year of a part-time degree course in archaeology (you are never too old). This years module has been on Landscape Archaeology and boy, has this work opened my eyes! I have spent 7 years wandering the hills around Combe Martin and must have done so with my eyes shut. This module has opened my eyes to issues I just had not thought about. Archaeology is not just about digging holes (and brushes are not allowed on my site). It is also about unobtrusive archaeology which uses documentary research, maps, aerial photographs, geophysics, GPS and the whole gambit of specialisations to gain information about what lies beneath the landscape we see with our eyes, without having to raise a spade or shovel. I firmly believe this is the way forward.
Many thanks for the offer Martin - it would be good to share.
Kindest regards,
Trevor
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