Evaluation
The majority of the work undertaken by GSB Prospection is in advance of proposed development. Geophysical investigation is often required as a condition of a planning application, perhaps to delimit areas of known archaeological importance, or to assess the likelihood of archaeology within apparently 'blank' areas. Typically these projects include building developments, mineral extraction sites, new pipelines and road improvement schemes. These can vary in size from less than a hectare to several square kilometres.
Such projects require highly competent and qualified archaeological geophysicists who can satisfy the client's need for a professional approach to their problem. Normally the deadlines for carrying out evaluation work are tight, often the result of the scheduling of planning meetings. With the ability to operate up to five survey teams in the field at any one time, GSB is in the unique position to overcome most problems in a prompt, efficient and above all, a professional manner.
Research
GSB Prospection contributes to many areas of academic research. Rarely are these merely of interest only to academics: our research into computer interpretation of anomalies is in response to the need for consistent assessment of data captured during large surveys; the systematic evaluation of our gradiometer database has helped us to advise our clients on the suitability of the technique under specific conditions. Our research work on depth determination and 'activity indicators' helps to assess the suitability of novel techniques or methods for use in evaluation.Our research is also involved with selected sites that are under no immediate threat from development. These sites are chosen to address specific problems of technique development, data capture, display or interpretation. These are often within larger integrated strategies, occasionally supported by university departments or national research groups. Some of our projects have helped investigate earthwork and aerial photographic interpretations, while routinely they have been used to influence excavation policy and promote the understanding of the buried site.
In addition to archaeological evaluation, geophysical techniques are frequently used in the study of historic buildings, and more generally in environmental and industrial contexts.
