Day 8: Mike and his marvellous machines

The star of today’s blog is Mike, who takes care of the majority of hi-tech equipment we use on site. Having finished his Masters last year, Mike has worked in commercial archaeology during the last 12 months and is planning to start a PhD in the future. He is always on hand to aid and assist with the plethora of devices we use on site to investigate, record and analyse the features and finds we uncover. These include:

Resistivity Survey

Resistivity Meter

This year we will complete a geophysical survey of the entire monastic precinct, the first time this has been achieved. In addition to being extremely good exercise, walking up and down a field all day with a moderately heavy machine helps inform our interpretation of the site and is also essential in making sure our trenches are located in the best possible locations. 

iPads (other tablets are available)

The excavation aims to be as paperless as possible, and as a result most of our recording, including writing context sheets, is completed on iPads. Although they may take some getting used to, the use of iPads enable records to be backed up easily, changes to be made quickly and the onset of rain does not result in context sheets being transformed into papier mâché.

Total Station and GPS

Every find uncovered during the course of the excavation is plotted in three dimensions using a Total Station or GPS. This will enable future researchers to investigate particular scatters of material and interrogate depositional practices in a particular area. They are also essential tools when drawing features, as they mean are plans and sections can be located precisely on the ground rather than floating around in unlocated space.

 

Recording finds using Total Station (right) and GPS (left)

Quadcopter

This is our newest piece of kit, and definitely the coolest. By attaching a camera to our radio-controlled drone we are able to get aerial photographs of our trench which would otherwise be impossible. We are currently also working on ways of manipulating the resultant material to analyse the interpret the remains and, judging by the youthful smile of our directors when they operate it, it is also quite fun to fly!

View of Trenches N and P, courtesy of the quadcopter

Work has progressed well today, with a number of interesting finds including a lead mount in the form of a flower. However, for further details you will have to read tomorrow’s blog!