tel: +44 (0)191 334 1121 email: archaeological.services@durham.ac.uk

Geophysical Survey 

Geophysics is widely used in the support of planning applications. 

Geophysical survey is a cost-effective, non-intrusive and relatively quick way of detecting and assessing sub-surface features. Our geophysical survey service specialises in identifying potential archaeological deposits. We offer a range of geophysical techniques, which can be employed individually or together depending on site specific factors. 

Survey is followed by specialist analysis and interpretation of the data. Over the last 18 years our experienced survey teams have carried out surveys on a wide variety of projects, including: 

• Pre-development investigations for residential, commercial and public developments
• Pre-development investigations for road, pipeline, renewable energy and other infrastructure schemes across the UK
• Park and garden surveys for historic landscape projects
• Academic research around the world
• National and international heritage management projects

All work is carried out to national standards and guidance. The survey techniques we most commonly use are magnetometry, earth electrical resistance (resistivity) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). 

Our surveys are related to the Ordnance Survey National Grid using global positioning systems (GPS) with real-time kinematic (RTK) corrections typically providing 10mm accuracy. Survey data can be quickly processed and analysed and provided in a variety of formats, including full CAD integration.