Historic England
FISH Event Types Thesaurus
Terminology used for recording archaeological and architectural investigative, data collection exercises; from intrusive interventions to non damaging surveys.
Building Elevation Survey
Building Plan Survey
Building Recording
Cross Sectional Building Survey
Building Survey
A descriptive survey involving the systematic measurement and recording of the dimensions or features of a building. Where the survey is accompanied by systematic investigation and analysis, use Architectural Survey.
Contour Survey
Topographic Survey
The controlled measurement of natural and artificial landscape features to produce a measured plan or a 3D data set reading as a plan. Features are depicted by either hachures, symbols or contour lines.
Infra Red Aerial Photography
Infrared Aerial Photography
Aerial photography using infrared sensitive film or sensors to reveal soil and vegetation characteristics not apparent in photographs derived from conventional aerial photography.
Infra Red Line Scan Aerial Photography
Infrared Line Scan Aerial Photography
A specific type of Infrared photography that uses an airborne scanning infrared sensor to record differential spectrums of features both extant and buried.
Infra Red Thermography Survey
Infrared Thermography Survey
An investigative method using an infrared camera to detect temperature differences in the ground. The thermal camera does not record the actual temperature of the object in question. Instead the camera records the infrared radiation emitted by the object.
Salvage Excavation
Rescue Excavation
Controlled investigation, recording and removal of archaeological deposits under threat of destruction from building development. A pre PPG 16 activity, usually under strict time constraints.
Side Scanning Sonar Survey
Side Looking Sonar Survey
Bottom Classification Sonar
Side Scan Sonar Survey
Underwater investigation of the seabed, using side-looking sonar device that emits fan shaped acoustic pulses down toward the seafloor. The intensity of the acoustic reflections from the sea floor are recorded as an image of the seabed.
Strip And Record
Strip Map And Sample
An excavation technique that involves the machine stripping the topsoil/subsoil from the area to be excavated, plotting observed features onto a site plan and then partially or fully excavating those features.
Subsoil Test Pit
Geotechnical Test Pit
Test pits dug by geotechnical engineers or engineering geologists to obtain information on the physical properties of soil, sediments and bedrock around a site to design earthworks and foundations for proposed structures.
Surface Collection
Fieldwalking
Topsoil Artefact Survey
Systematic Fieldwalking Survey
The systematic study of ground surfaces and collection of visible archaeological material. Fieldwalking can be carried out as line-walking, grid collection and transect or quadrant sampling. Any material recovered is logged and stored by sample unit.
Unsystematic Fieldwalking Survey
The unsystematic study of ground surfaces and collection of visible archaeological material.
Seismograph Survey
Seismic Survey
An acoustic method which involves the creation of a shock wave through the ground. By recording the time interval between the initial shock and the reflected or refracted shock waves it is possible to define subsurface deposits.
Electrical Resistivity Imaging Survey
Resistivity Profile
Electrical Resistivity Tomography
A geophysical technique for imaging subsurface structures in cross section from electrical measurements made at the surface, or by electrodes in one or more boreholes.
Resistivity Survey
Earth Resistance Survey
Electrical Survey
Geophysical Resistivity
Earth Resistance (Resistivity) Survey
Examination, recording and plotting of variations in the electrical resistivity of soils in order to locate and define buried features.
Photogrammetry
Photogrammetric Survey
The measurement of a surface, either in elevation or plan, determined from measurements derived from two or more photographic images taken from different positions; this allows three dimensional viewing of the surface to be mapped.
Grid Excavation
Box Trenching
A system of excavation, developed by Mortimer Wheeler, whereby a site was uncovered by means of a grid of square trenches with baulks between them to aid the recording of the stratification of all four sides of each trench.
Targeted Trenches
Sample Trenches
Trial Trench
Archaeologically excavated trench, either hand of machine dug, as part of a sampling programme to evaluate the presence/absence, nature, preservation, age and extent of any buried archaeological features.
Geophysical Magnetic Susceptibility
Magnetic Susceptibility Survey
The extraction of samples from selected features on a site to identify a characteristic magnetic response from sediments derived from the features in order to predict the response that similar features would produce. Also used to prospect for sites.
Geophysical Magnetometer
Magnetometry Survey
Survey using a magnetometer, a device capable of detecting variations in magnetic susceptibility between topsoils, subsoils and rocks, can also be used in a maritime context to detect variations in the magnetic field of seabed sediments.
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground Penetrating Radar Survey
A technique that measures the amount of time it takes pulses of electromagnetic energy sent into the ground, from a transmitter, to reflect back from the interfaces between layers and other subsurface features in order to produce a subsurface profile.
Test Pits
Test Pit Survey
Sondage
Test Pit
Systematically positioned hole, or holes, utilised in all studies that aim to sample the nature of the topsoil and subsurface deposits.
Metal Detectors
Systematic Metal Detector Survey
Metal Detecting Survey
Structured & carefully executed scanning of the ground surface with a metal detecting device in order to recover surface scatters of metal objects & plot them spatially within the study area as part of an archaeological survey or metal detecting rally.
Visual Inspection
Field Observation (Visual Assessment)
A site visit to ascertain the nature and extent of the site and its surrounding environs by means of a visual inspection from which a written and/or photographic record is made.
Airborne Lidar Survey
Airborne Laser Scanning
Airborne Laser Scanning (Lidar) Survey
Light detection and ranging is a type of aircraft based remote sensing which records reflected laser pulses. The data can be used to produce very accurate digital elevation models. For ground-based work use LASER SCANNING SURVEY.
Grab Survey
Grab Sampling
A maritime technique which involves the simple process of bringing up surface sediments from the seafloor for analysis usually using mechanical apparatus. As the process recovers a mixture of sediments it cannot be used to characterise stratigraphy.
Burial Ground Survey
Graveyard Survey
The systematic survey and recording of graveyards and burial spaces recording the position of individual grave markers and the detail of any inscriptions.
Conventional Aerial Photography
Capturing visible spectrum photographs or images of monument features or character using still or motion cameras from an aircraft or other airborne vehicle or apparatus. Covers both digital and film-based cameras.
Aerial Photography
The taking of photographs from above using photographic equipment mounted on, or used from an aircraft or other airborne vehicle.
Aerial Reconnaissance
Airborne survey to discover, record and monitor archaeological sites and other heritage assets. Sites will usually be recorded by aerial photography.
Satellite Imaging
The capture of imagery using an orbiting satellite. The type of imagery is very varied including visible light photography, infrared and multi spectral photography as well as imagery derived from radar and lidar data.
Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle Survey
A technique utilised in maritime recording; a remote operated vehicle (ROV) is a tethered underwater robot. ROVs have been used to locate and inspect a number of historic shipwrecks in depths beyond the reach of human divers.
Terrain Mapping From Aerial Photography
Use of images from an aircraft to create a 3D model of the ground surface. This includes use of conventional aircraft or remote controlled aircraft (drones).
Remote Sensing
Survey using photographic or other recording equipment mounted on or used from either an aircraft or other airborne vehicle or a maritime vessel/submersible craft.
Field Observation (Monitoring)
Periodic visits being made to a site by an archaeologist to record archaeological deposits and recover finds that have come to light since the previous visit. An archaeological presence is not maintained during groundwork as it is with a watching brief.
Salvage Recording
The monitoring of the excavation of a hole made by a non-archaeologically trained person. Any archaeological evidence that comes to light is recorded by the archaeologist during the course of the work although he/she cannot suspend the groundwork.
Watching Brief
A formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons that may damage archaeological deposits. This will be within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater.
Geoarchaeological Investigation
Geoarchaeological field surveys are aimed primarily at gathering data with which to understand human-landscape relations with the aim of constructing integrated sequences and models of human landscape systems through time.
Archaeological Intervention
Any activity, undertaken by professional archaeologists or experienced amateurs, that has a physical impact, actual or potential, upon the archaeological resource, substituting the physical resource with recorded information.
Salvage
The recovery of items, including cargo, structural components and fixtures and fittings from the wreck of a vessel or crash site of an aircraft.
Intrusive Event
Architectural Survey
Recording and analysis of built structures utilising close observation as well as manual or electronic survey equipment such as GPS and REDM (Reflectorless Electromagnetic Distance Measurement). Includes research, fieldwork and a report.
Bosing Survey
A subsurface detection method performed by striking the ground with a heavy wooden mallet or a lead-filled container on a long handle.
Dowsing Survey
The supposed detection of subsurface features by employing a twig, copper rod, pendulum, or other instrument. Discontinuous movements in these instruments are believed by some to record the existence of buried features.
Measured Survey
A dimensional check on a building or site giving detailed measurements.
Geomorphological Survey
Field survey undertaken to investigate land formation processes often carried out in association with, or in the vicinity of, an archaeological site, or as part of a wider landscape project.
Photographic Recording
The taking of photographs during informal site visits, which may be undertaken by amateur archaeologists or architectural students. More formal, detailed surveys should be termed Photographic Survey.
Analytical Earthwork Survey
The accurate survey and analytical depiction of earthworks and their relative chronological relationships by means of hachures and related symbols.
Hedgerow Survey
The assessment of the age of a hedge based on its nature, condition and the number and type of woody plant species present. Most surveys make use of Hooper's hypothesis which states that for every 27m a new woody species invades a hedge every 100 years.
Walkover Survey
A planned programme of investigation conducted within a defined area aimed at identifying and surveying previously unrecorded sites and checking the condition of known sites.
Underwater Survey
The non intrusive processes by which information is collected about the location, distribution and organisation of past human activities that are now submerged by water. The approaches can be either extensive or intensive depending on the objectives.
Field Survey
The collection of information relating to the location, distribution and organisation of past human activities involving field or site-based investigation of a certain geographic area.
Airborne Laser Scanning Interpretation
The interpretation of information on airborne laser scanning (lidar) usually resulting in records of archaeological sites and landscapes. For mapping projects use 'aerial investigation and mapping'.
Aerial Investigation And Mapping
The interpretation of information on aerial photographs &/or airborne laser scanning (lidar) resulting in the production of maps & records of archaeological sites & landscapes. Many sources of aerial images may be consulted for a single analytical survey.
Arborglyph Survey
Survey to locate identify and record carvings into the bark of trees.
Survey
The non intrusive processes by which information is collected about the location, distribution and organisation of past human activities. The approaches can be either extensive or intensive depending the objectivies that need to be addressed.
Auger Survey
Transect or area-based arrangements of drilled auger-holes used to describe deposits and collect samples.
Dendrochronological Survey
The extraction of wood samples for dating analysis. Tree ring dating is the science of dating cultural and environmental events in the past by comparative study of the growth rings in trees and aged wood.
Timber Sampling
The extraction of a limited quantity of wood for scientific analysis.
Environmental Intervention
Intervention into the archaeological resource intended to gather information about past ecologies and economies, formation processes, and to retrieve material for scientific dating purposes.
Casual Observation
The unplanned observation of archaeological features or the recovery of artefacts of interest, for example either random finds by members of the public or the unplanned observation of archaeological features during the course of unmonitored developments.
Non Archaeological Intervention
Any activities, that have a physical impact upon the archaeological resource where the purpose is not primarily archaeological research.
Borehole Survey
Type of survey involving the drilling of deep and narrow shafts in the ground used to describe deposits, understand stratigraphy and collect cores amples.
Open Area Excavation
Controlled investigation, recording and removal of archaeological deposits according to the principles of strategraphic excavation. The size of an open area can range from holes to examine pile foundations to extensive trenches of 100 square meters.
Research Excavation
Controlled investigation, recording and removal of archaeological deposits in targeted areas in order to answer specific questions relating to a particular archaeological site or landscape. Usually undertaken by university departments or amateur groups.
Underwater Excavation
Controlled intrusive fieldwork which examines, records and interprets archaeological deposits, features and structures and, as appropriate, retrieves artefacts and ecofact remains within a specified underwater area.
Antiquarian Excavation
Late post medieval unscientific excavations the goal of which was the collection of artifacts, curiosities and treasures usually for private display.
Excavation
Controlled intrusive fieldwork which examines, records and interprets archaeological deposits, features and structures and, as appropriate, retrieves artefacts and ecofact remains within a specified area or site on land or within the inter-tidal zone.
Gravity Core
A maritime coring technique which penetrates the ground due to the force of gravity. Since the speed of penetration is the same as the sampling speed, it barely disrupts the sedimentary layers. A cable attached to the ship is used to recover the core.
Vibro Core
A maritime coring technique which uses vibration to facilitate ground penetration. With the force of gravity, and sometimes a piston, it can penetrate much deeper layers although the vibration provokes a slight mixing of the sediments.
Core Sampling
The retrieval of samples for laboratory analysis from buried features that have been sampled using boring equipment.
Monolith Sampling
Removal of a sample from a vertical section generally using a U sectioned tin to extract an intact column of the observed stratigraphy. Used in the study of pollen, diatoms etc.
Archaeomagnetic Sampling
Removal of samples from insitu deposits for dating analysis by studying the remnant magnetism contained within the deposit.
Environmental Sampling
Removal of samples from deposits, including archaeological contexts to recover information about past environments and economies, retrieve material for scientific dating and for the investigation of the deposits themselves e.g. formation processes.
Desk Based Assessment
A programme of assessment of the known or potential archaeological resource within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater by the consultation and collation of existing written, graphic, photographic and electronic data.
Environmental Impact Assessment
An information gathering exercise to facilitate an understanding of the potential environmental impact of a development proposal; includes the collation of specialist reports from a variety of disciplines.
Management Survey
A field and desk based assessment of heritage asset condition and vulnerability so that informed decisions can be made regarding how best to manage the resource.
Historic Area Assessment
An overview of the historical and architectural development, character and heritage assets of a settlement or area. An HAA may result in the creation, at varying levels of intensity, of individual site-based records informed by area context.
Thematic Survey
The investigation of heritage assets along thematic lines, usually to inform the production of a thematic study. Such studies bring specialist insights to bear on the particular area of study, but may not address other aspects of the site's significance.
Conservation Area Appraisal
An objective analysis of the elements which together define the special architectural or historic interest of a specific area.
Post Excavation Assessment
An initial synthesis of the data collected from an excavation.
Condition Survey
Programmes of investigation which assess and record the condition of heritage assets.
Documentary Research
Programmes of research or investigation involving the examination of primary documentary material to inform the understanding of heritage assets.
Building Fabric Analysis
The recording and analysis of the fabric of a structure or bnuilding
Heritage Assessment
Programmes of research or investigation which seek to identify the significance of a heritage asset, often to inform proposals for change
Historic Urban Characterisation
A holistic approach to urban character, using GIS to map areas of urban character and historical development, as a tool for managing future change in ways that are appropriate and sustainable.
Landscape Survey
An overview using multiple techniques to determine the archaeological & historical & development, character & heritage assets of a landscape or defined area. This may result in the creation, at varying levels of intensity, of individual site-based records.
Automated Object Detection
A range of semi-automated techniques using computer vision and machine learning to recognise potential archaeological features from airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) and satellite products.
Data Assessment
An assessment of data collected during surveys and/or investigations.
Assessment And Analysis
Programmes of research that seek to identify the archaeological and/or architectural significance of a site or landscape.
Underwater Evaluation
A limited programme of intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified underwater area.
Evaluation
A limited programme of intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land or within the inter-tidal zone.
Non Intrusive Event
Fieldwalking Survey
Phosphate Survey
The systematic collection of samples from a defined study area analysed for phosphate content. Elevated concentrations of phosphate are a generalised signature of human activity.
X Ray Fluorescence Survey
The systematic use of portable X-Ray Fluorescence equipment to retrieve information on the different chemical elements present in the soil.
Geochemical Survey
The taking of samples at regular intervals from the surface of a study area in order to retrieve information on the different chemical elements present.
Microgravity Survey
A sensing technique that consists of measuring minute variations in the gravitational pull of the Earth in order to detect gravity anomalies arising from voids and cavities within the earth.
Acoustic Ground Discriminating System
An extra processing unit which can be used in conjunction with single beam echo sounders to determine the roughness and hardness of the seafloor. Mainly used for marine biology, but has been used in archaeology.
Electromagnetic Survey
Technique using electromagnetic fields to map subsurface electrical conductivity anomalies. Can be used as a high-sensitivity metal detector.
Geophysical Survey
Ground-based or marine subsurface mapping of archaeological features using different sensing technologies. Most commonly applied are magnetometers, electrical resistance meters, ground penetrating radar, side scan sonar, and electromagnetic conductivity.
Multi Spectral Aerial Photography
Recording using specialist equipment that allows discrete wavelengths in the visible spectrum and beyond to be recorded. The combination of different spectral bands allows features to be identified that would not be visible to the naked eye.
Metal Detecting Use
The hobby of using a metal detector to hunt for buried coins or artefacts; alternatively the use of a metal detector to locate metal artefacts on an archaeological excavation that otherwise would go unnoticed.
Rectified Photographic Survey
Systematic recording of building facades that produces a seamless mosaic of digital images by identifying control points and defining limits to each image. The rectified mosaic can then be introduced into a CAD environment.
Photographic Survey
Detailed survey using photographic images to record archaeological and architectural sites or features of interest. Record photography is an important aspect of recording such features before they are destroyed.
Sub Bottom Profiling Survey
Used to identify and measure various sediment layers that exist below the seabed. A sound source emits a signal vertically downwards and a receiver monitors the return signal that has been reflected off the seafloor and sub seabed sediment layers.
Single Beam Echo Sounder Survey
An underwater technique that records bathymetric (depth) data by generating point depths in a line directly beneath the transducer mounted on a vessel as it progresses along the acquisition line.
Bathymetric Survey
A maritime investigation that records depth data which can be used to map submerged topography utilising echo sounders which emit a short acoustic pulse. Depth is calculated by measuring the time taken for the pulse to be reflected back to the transducer.
Multi Beam Echo Sounder Survey
An underwater technique used to create 3D terrain models and to record objects on the seabed through the comparative analysis of reflections from high frequency sound waves emitted in multiple beams allowing large swathes of the seabed to be surveyed.
Sonar Survey
Active sonar systems are based on the behaviour of sound waves in water; acoustic energy is transmitted and the time for the returning echo is measured to allow submerged seabed features to be mapped. Use specific type where known.
Antiquarian Observation
Observations made by antiquarians (Those who studied sites and landscapes prior to archaeology and architectural history becoming established disciplines in the 19th century) and reported through publication or from unpublished manuscripts.
Field Visit
Observations made by an archaeologist or architectural historian as the result of a field visit to a site or monument.
Diver Inspection
An assessment of a known wreck or underwater archaeological site through diving.
Observation
Laser Scanning Survey
The recording of a surface, or surfaces, using scanning technologies, to create a 3D model of the target structure/object.
Geotechnical Survey
Any subsurface investigation conducted to assist with the technical rather than archaeological aspects of a proposed development or extraction scheme.
Historic Landscape Characterisation
An holistic approach to landscape, using GIS, which maps diversity of landscape character as a means to managing future change in ways that are appropriate and sustainable.
Historic Seascape Characterisation
A map-based understanding of coastal and marine historic character; its GIS and linked texts extend Historic Landscape Characterisation principles to give a common framework of baseline information for the sustainable management of change from land to sea
3D Seismic Survey
A maritime technique similar in theory to sub bottom profilers, however for 3D seismic surveys the receiver array is more complex involving multiple receivers so that a volume of sediment is studied rather than a single 2D line.
Aerial Photograph Interpretation
The interpretation of information on aerial photographs usually resulting in the production of maps and records of archaeological sites and landscapes. Many aerial photographs may be consulted for a single analytical survey.
Airborne Laser Scanning Survey
The interpretation of visualisations derived from Airborne Laser Scanning, or LiDAR, data usually resulting in the identification of archaeological features and landscapes.
Descriptive Buildings Record (Level 2)
Visual and descriptive record of a building, usually interior and exterior. Equivalent to Historic England Level 2.
Analytical Buildings Record (Level 3)
Visual, descriptive and analytical record of a building, usually interior and exterior. Equivalent to Historic England Level 3.
Comprehensive Analytical Buildings Record (Level 4)
Visual and descriptive record of a building, drawing on the full range of sources and including consideration of significance. Equivalent to Historic England Level 4.
Visual Buildings Record (Level 1)
Visual record of a building, usually exterior only. Equivalent to Historic England Level 1.
Buildings Investigation (England)
The process of investigating and recording historic buildings for the purposes of historical understanding.
Buildings Recording And Investigation
Includes the processes for investigating and recording historic buildings. Differences in terminology may apply to the recording of buildings due to the approach taken. As such, concepts in this hierarchy may be country specific.
Buildings Appraisal
A preliminary assessment of a building or structure, often carried out as pre-application work, including an archive assessment, a general description of the structure, photographs and an annotated ground plan.
Basic Building Survey (Level 1)
A written description of the structure including archive assessment supported by drawn and photographic evidence including a ground plan.
Enhanced Building Survey (Level 2)
A written, drawn and photographic record, including a ground plan and elevations to produce an adequate record of the structure.
Detailed Building Survey (Level 3)
A descriptive account of the building supported by detailed archive research, annotated measured plans and elevations and a detailed photographic record.
Comprehensive Building Survey (Level 4)
A comprehensive written report drawing together the evidence from the recording programme, archive research and consideration of the historical and landscape context supported by measured plans and elevations and a thorough photographic survey.
Buildings Investigation (Scotland)