The first requirement is to determine the appropriate level of
Undertaking a standing building survey
The first requirement is to determine the appropriate level of recording needed. Level 1 is a basic visual record of a building’s exterior with some photographs and sketches. Next comes a more descriptive level, recording the interior and exterior with photographs and a basic plan. At Level 3 an analytical record is produced including a full survey incorporating external elevations with measured drawings and an attempt to phase and interpret the evidence. Finally a comprehensive professional-style survey may be commissioned. A student or fieldworker’s decision on an appropriate level will be determined by the demands of their assignment or project. In many cases Level 3 would be relevant. Next a visual observation should take place allowing familiarisation with key elements of the building. This should permit the structural development to be assessed, changes in building materials or construction techniques to be observed and initial inspection of wall alignments, additions to the original structure and blocked openings to be made. When conducting a measured survey, the general rule is to work from the whole to the part. In other words, it is good practice to establish the general plan and elevations before recording sections in detail. A site plan showing the layout and distribution of building(s) being studied can be created from a base line using the offset method of measuring techniques. Plans and elevations start as sketches on graph paper always labelled appropriately for future reference. Then move to a more formal approach by recording the outside of the building. Run a tape around the building and take measurements at key points along it rather than relying on individual measurements of features and the gaps between them. Then move inside to draw plans remembering that these are horizontal slices through your building and one will be needed for each floor. The diagonals of each room or space should be recorded and attention given to wall thicknesses both internal and external. Elevations are trickier to complete but must be based on a datum – a fixed level around the entire building from which measurements can be taken vertically both up and down to significant features. Note that the ground surface outside the building is not an appropriate choice for use as a datum as it will, in most circumstances, not be entirely level. Extending measuring sticks and poles can be used for these vertical measurements and windows on upper storeys can provide access to the external fabric if great care is taken. Alternatively, attention can be paid to stone blocks or brick courses of uniform size enabling these rows to be counted and heights calculated. Finally, drawings should be completed using suitable scales and accepted drawing conventions. Hutton (1986) and English Heritage (2006) provide detailed guides to this process. Further reading P. Wilkinson (2007) Archaeology (Oxford: Archaeopress). A good introduction to field techniques including survey and excavation produced by the Kent Field School. It is well illustrated and covers most of what you would need for a first project.
P. Drewett (1999) Field Archaeology – An Introduction (London: UCL). This is more detailed and aimed at the undergraduate or practising archaeologist and covers all aspects from desktop to health and safety on site. It is particularly strong on setting out sites and on recording. BAJR have a superb series of field guides available as PDFs on their website including professional advice on planning, dealing with finds and some specialist types of excavation.
The first requirement is to determine the appropriate level of recording needed. Level 1 is a basic visual record of a building’s exterior with some photographs and sketches. Next comes a more descriptive level, recording the interior and exterior with photographs and a basic plan. At Level 3 an analytical record is produced including a full survey incorporating external elevations with measured drawings and an attempt to phase and interpret the evidence. Finally a comprehensive professional-style survey may be commissioned. A student or fieldworker’s decision on an appropriate level will be determined by the demands of their assignment or project. In many cases Level 3 would be relevant. Next a visual observation should take place allowing familiarisation with key elements of the building. This should permit the structural development to be assessed, changes in building materials or construction techniques to be observed and initial inspection of wall alignments, additions to the original structure and blocked openings to be made. When conducting a measured survey, the general rule is to work from the whole to the part. In other words, it is good practice to establish the general plan and elevations before recording sections in detail. A site plan showing the layout and distribution of building(s) being studied can be created from a base line using the offset method of measuring techniques. Plans and elevations start as sketches on graph paper always labelled appropriately for future reference. Then move to a more formal approach by recording the outside of the building. Run a tape around the building and take measurements at key points along it rather than relying on individual measurements of features and the gaps between them. Then move inside to draw plans remembering that these are horizontal slices through your building and one will be needed for each floor. The diagonals of each room or space should be recorded and attention given to wall thicknesses both internal and external. Elevations are trickier to complete but must be based on a datum – a fixed level around the entire building from which measurements can be taken vertically both up and down to significant features. Note that the ground surface outside the building is not an appropriate choice for use as a datum as it will, in most circumstances, not be entirely level. Extending measuring sticks and poles can be used for these vertical measurements and windows on upper storeys can provide access to the external fabric if great care is taken. Alternatively, attention can be paid to stone blocks or brick courses of uniform size enabling these rows to be counted and heights calculated. Finally, drawings should be completed using suitable scales and accepted drawing conventions. Hutton (1986) and English Heritage (2006) provide detailed guides to this process. Further reading P. Wilkinson (2007) Archaeology (Oxford: Archaeopress). A good introduction to field techniques including survey and excavation produced by the Kent Field School. It is well illustrated and covers most of what you would need for a first project.
P. Drewett (1999) Field Archaeology – An Introduction (London: UCL). This is more detailed and aimed at the undergraduate or practising archaeologist and covers all aspects from desktop to health and safety on site. It is particularly strong on setting out sites and on recording. BAJR have a superb series of field guides available as PDFs on their website including professional advice on planning, dealing with finds and some specialist types of excavation.
