Multi-Purpose Magnetic Data Sets in Archaeology and Archaeological Park Managment

Historic features and modern disturbance from public works and utilities are often viewed as sources of noise in archaeological prospection data sets from pre-historic sites. The identification and characterization of these sources have important implications for archaeological park management. Large scale geophysical data sets under such circumstances are multi-purpose and have the prospect of benefiting a variety of stakeholders. A large-scale total field magnetometer survey consisting of over 2000 traces covering over 15 hectares of space was collected at Ocmulgee National Monument, Georgia in the summer of 2011. The GPS guided magnetometer system allowed for rapid collection speed and the possibility of collecting data in a topographically varied landscape. A zero-median traverse filter was applied to each trace on a 10 meter rolling window to correct for diurnal drift and remove long-wave length variation in geological background and soil susceptibility. The survey was successful in satisfying the needs of both the archaeologist and the park administrators. The project recorded anomalies reflective of pre-contact cultural features, excavation units from the 1930s, historic structures only known from inaccurate maps and historic descriptions, and previously unknown water/sewer/utility lines.