In-The-Field:

Truro, MA - Collaboration

Archeologoy Mapping

Collaboration of Archeogeophysicist and Architectural Historian

Project:	Use of non-invasive geophysical survey methods to investigate standing structures and their surrounding environment.
Location:	Truro, Massachusetts
Property:	Circa 1800 full cape (builder unknown) and surrounding property
Collaborators:	Margaret S. Watters, Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. Barbara A. Mitchell, BRW Tom Watson & Francie Randolph, Homeowners
	The goal of this study is to assess the value of using a non-invasive technique such as ground penetrating radar to gain information that is not visible. For example: establishing information on how filled doorways or windows appear in the GPR record based on wood density, moisture content, and dimensions; the owners have fished 100-year old artifacts (tools, tangled fish hooks and line) from the very nasty attic insulation. Survey of the ceiling just below this should locate any other artifacts of this nature. The basement had a traditional round basement (a root-cellar type opening excavated below the kitchen) that has now been expanded into a regular cut-out basement on one side of the house. GPR investigations into the floor and walls of the original round basement may reveal voids or buried artifacts.

Plot Plan of Property		Circa 1920s
		2000 (view from the east)

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) was used to collect radar profiles on the interior and exterior of the house, as well as on the surrounding grounds. On the interior, survey data was collected above the fireplace and on the floor of the living room from the hearth across the room. On the exterior of the building, data were collected along the eastern wall at the location of a previously existing and documented doorway.