Due Diligence/Records Review & Reconnaissance
Typically, the first step in a cultural resources study is to conduct background research to determine what archaeological and historic properties may have already been recorded within the area of interest. Referred to as a desktop review, due diligence, or simply background research, a records review involves searching various databases to determine if any archaeological or historical investigations have occurred and if any resources have been previously recorded in and near the project area. In addition, we check historic maps, aerial imagery, and other documents to review the land-use history to help gauge the potential for the presence of unidentified archaeological resources within the area of interest.
For some Records Review projects, Southern Research also often conducts a site visit and/or reconnaissance survey of the project area as well. Because many areas have never been subjected to an archaeological or historical survey, whatever resources that may be present will not show up in the Records Review simply because they have not been surveyed. A site visit involves visually examining the project area, while reconnaissance survey includes visual inspection and/or judgmentally placed shovel testing. Brief field visits to the project area at this stage allow us to check for any obvious archaeological sites, such as a historic house site, as well as providing a sense of the potential for the project area to contain archaeological sites not visible on the surface, affording the client a better understanding of cultural resources within the project area in the early stages of a project.
Over the years, Southern Research has conducted hundreds of these projects, performing historic document research, site visits, reconnaissance surveys, and producing a report of findings. Based on the reconnaissance survey, some of the proposed development sites have required Phase I Cultural Resources Surveys, which Southern Research has also performed. This allows for continuity and understanding between clients and our dedicated staff.