How do I record archaeological contexts and finds?

Archaeological recording in TerraSitu supports both surface and subsurface assessment workflows. This guide covers setting up a context-based recording system for excavation or test pit work.

Overview of the archaeological workflow

In TerraSitu, archaeological recording uses the following hierarchy:

• Site — the area of investigation
• Survey — the specific assessment (e.g. "Test Pit Assessment — Stage 2")
• Sampling units — individual test pits or trenches
• Observations — contexts, finds, samples, and photos recorded within each unit

Step 1 — Set up the survey

1. Create the survey under your site
2. Click Configure Method
3. Select Test Pit Grid or Trench depending on your methodology
4. Configure the grid origin and spacing (for test pits) or trench coordinates and width
5. Click Generate Units — each pit or trench becomes a sampling unit

Step 2 — Build the context recording form

The form should mirror your site recording sheet. A standard context form includes:

Context section:

• Number — Context number (sequential per unit)
• Dropdown — Context type (Natural deposit, Made ground, Cut, Fill, Structural, Surface)
• Dropdown — Colour (using Munsell notation or plain description)
• Text — Texture and composition
• Dropdown — Compaction (Loose, Friable, Firm, Compact, Hard)
• Dropdown — Boundary clarity (Clear, Gradual, Diffuse)
• Text — Interpretation

Finds section:

• Checkbox — Find types present (Ceramic, Glass, Metal, Bone, Shell, Lithic, Organic)
• Text — Finds description
• Dropdown — Estimated period (if applicable)

Sample section:

• Checkbox — Samples taken (Soil, Charcoal, Pollen, Phytolith, OSL)
• Text — Sample reference numbers

Record:

• Photo — Context photos (surface, section, detail)
• Coordinates — Secondary GPS points for finds or features

Click Save Template.

Step 3 — Recording in the field

On mobile, navigate to the test pit or trench on the map. For each context exposed:

1. Tap Add Observation
2. Complete the context form
3. Add photos — always photograph the cleaned surface, the section face, and any significant finds in situ
4. Save the observation

Multiple observations per sampling unit is normal — record each context, find, and sample separately.

Step 4 — Chance finds

For unexpected significant finds (e.g. human remains, intact artefact deposits), use the Chance Finds feature:

1. Open the survey and tap the flag icon, or navigate to the Chance Finds section on the web portal
2. Record the find details, location, photos, and immediate action taken
3. The system creates a notification for your project lead

Chance find records are kept separate from standard observations and included in a dedicated section of heritage reports.

Step 5 — Review and reporting

1. Use QA Review to check context records for completeness before finalising the site
2. Use Coverage to verify all pits/trenches have been recorded
3. Generate your report — context data is included in the data export with full spatial attributes

Tip: Number your contexts consecutively across the entire site (not per pit) using a shared context register. Use the Number field for the context ID and note the pit/trench reference in the Text notes field.

Related Articles

• Survey methods — Test pit and trench method configuration
• QA review — Reviewing and approving observations before reporting
• Generating reports — Creating formal heritage assessment reports