YMAC FACT SHEET
Heritage survey types & levels of recording This information is intended for reference when identifying and contracting heritage survey requirements for planned works on Country. When completing the YMAC Heritage Notice, this fact sheet will assist with selecting the appropriate methodology.
Heritage survey types An archaeological survey is the active investigation and assessment of a landscape for archaeological evidence, i.e., physical evidence of human culture. It involves both desktop research and on-site fieldwork conducted by a professional archaeologist. Desktop research involves reviewing published and unpublished archaeological reports and relevant site files. On-site archaeological fieldwork is conducted by the archaeologist in consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners, or Knowledge Holders. Fieldwork is usually done via pedestrian transects (i.e. walking the area), but may also include inspection from a vehicle. This kind of survey interprets the ‘tangible’ landscape to examine, identify, record, and evaluate cultural materials within a physical area, through the applicable archaeological research and fieldwork methodologies. An ethnographic survey assesses the cultural, environmental, spiritual, historical, and geophysical views of a landscape for ethnographic evidence. It involves desktop research and on-site fieldwork conducted by a professional anthropologist. Desktop research involves reviewing published and unpublished ethnographic research literature, previous reports, and relevant site files. On-site ethnographic fieldwork assessments are conducted by the anthropologist in consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners, or Knowledge Holders. This kind of survey interprets the ‘intangible’ landscape to examine, identify, record and evaluate the cultural properties within a physical area, through the applicable ethnographic research and fieldwork methodologies. Any proposed works must be subject to both archaeological and ethnographic surveys, with results and related recommendations resolved before works proceed. UNESCO* defines: tangible elements of the landscape as those physical objects associated Aboriginal cultures, including instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces; and intangible elements as the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – associated with Aboriginal cultures.
* See, UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] website: https://ich.unesco.org/en/convention