Archaeological operations
Archaeological research is carried out on the ground, by uncovering the remains left by human occupation and then by their analysis and study. All this work constitutes the archaeological operation.
What is an archaeological operation?
An archaeological operation can be:
- prospecting,
- a survey or set of multiple surveys,
- a search,
- a collective research project.
An archaeological operation must be authorized. It is carried out under the scientific and technical control of the State. It systematically gives rise to a scientific report.
The different types of archaeological operations
There are two types:
- operations that make it possible to study an archaeological site in the long term: it is programmed archaeology;
- operations that aim to ensure the study of heritage when it is threatened by development work: it is preventive archaeology.
Programmed archaeology and preventive archaeology are motivated by scientific research objectives.