Archaeological Geophysics

GBGMAPS Archaeological Geophysics

GBGMAPS, formed in 2008, is a joint venture between GBG Australia and McMullen Nolan Group (MNG). The partnership brings GBG’s advanced subsurface investigation techniques together with MNG’s industry leading survey and spatial information services.

Through a process of consultation and pre-project planning, GBGMAPS can tailor a geophysical solution to provide enhanced structural or subsurface information to add value to almost any geotechnical, engineering or remediation project including:

• Miningandinfrastructure• Marine• Environmentalandgroundwater• Archaeology• Structuralandnon-destructivetesting

The application of appropriate geophysical methods carried out by trained and experienced personnel makes GBGMAPS a leader in subsurface geophysical solutions.

About Us

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Geophysical methods have been proven to aid in archaeological investigations. Through ongoing consultation with our clients, GBGMAPS can provide tailored geophysical solutions to archaeological investigations.

GBGMAPS have the experience, personnel and specialised equipment necessary to provide enhanced subsurface information which when combined with traditional archaeological methods can greatly improve coverage and data confidence while minimising ground disturbance. GBGMAPS can provide both marine and land geophysical solutions to aid in a range of archaeological investigations including:

• Buriedremnantstructures• Gravesitelocation• Culturalheritage• Marinearchaeologicalfeatures

Archaeological Geophysics

GBGMAPS Archaeological Geophysics

Remnant Structures

The identification and delineation of remnant structures of archaeological significance such as earthern floors, footings and walls is often required, particularly when construction is planned in the vicinity of historic sites. The use of geophysical methods to accurately locate these structures has been shown to enhance traditional archaeological methods and allows for a more targeted approach to excavations. This combination of geophysical and traditional methods, reduces project cost and timing while increasing subsurface coverage and site confidence.

Geophysical methods such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electro-magnetics (EM) and magnetometer can be utilised for:

• Identificationanddelineationofstructuresizeandorientation• Differentiationbetweenmodernandremnantstructures• Planviewsubsurfaceimageryforoverlayontosurveydrawings• 3Ddataanalysisandimaging

3D GPR imagery for a subsurface assessment of a historic burial site

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Geophysical methods, in particular GPR has been proven to be the most accurate and cost effective technique for the location and delineation of gravesites.

GBGMAPS provide high resolution subsurface imaging for unmarked graves and has been successfully used for historic cemeteries, modern burial plot delineation, forensics and aboriginal interments.

• Locationofunmarkedgraves• Depthandorientationofburials• Depthtobedrockandareasofhardsubsurface

materialthatmayinhibitexcavation• Activeandhistoriccemeteries,privateburials

andAboriginalsites

3D GPR image for unmarked graves at a historic cemetery site

Gravesite Location

GPR survey to locate the remains of Captain Thunderbolt, Uralla NSW

GBGMAPS Archaeological Geophysics

The responsible management of cultural heritage sites is of great importance to ensure their preservation for future generations. Due to the sensitive nature of these sites careful planning must be undertaken.

GBGMAPS provide a suite of geophysical techniques that are designed to minimize ground impact whilst accurately mapping features of cultural importance. Our services have been shown to assist with a wide range of archaeological problems within cultural heritage areas by:

• Locationanddelineationofburialsites• Mappingofareasofpreviousoccupationandstructures• Identificationshallowstratigraphicsequencesfortargetedinvasiveinvestigations• Locationofartifactsandmiddens

Culture Heritage

Shallow stratigraphic mapping at an Aboriginal heritage site

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Marine Archaeological Investigations

Accurate delineation of seafloor features of archaeological significance is often vital for the preservation of these features as well as the risk management of associated engineering works.

GBGMAPS offer a full range of marine geophysical services which can assist in the identification and delineation of archaeological sites in port and harbour, transition zone, and in river and lake environments. Such investigations have been proven useful in identifying and imaging the extent of marine wreckage sites as well as missing objects such as anchors or debris from flooding events.

Developed to improve upon traditional marine archaeological site assessment, GBGMAPS provides the following marine geophysical services:

• Highresolutionseafloorimagingusingsidescansonar• Magneticgradiometerforlocatingburiedferrousdebris(anchors

andunexplodedordnance)• Marinearchaeologicalsurvey(shipwrecks)

Side scan sonar image of a shipwreck

Marine magnetic survey used to locate a missing anchor

www.gbgmaps.com.au

GBGMAPS Contact GBG Australia ContactLevel 1, 2 Sabre Crescent 18 Fennell StreetJandakot WA 6164 North Parramatta NSW 2151PO Box 3526 T: +61 (2) 9890 2122Success WA 6964 E: info@gbgoz.com.auT: +61(8) 6436 1599 W: www.gbgoz.com.au E: info@gbgmaps.com.auW: www.gbgmaps.com.au