Archival Review & Project Planning: ORA reviews and follows appropriate regulations and standards established by the unique nature and scope of each project investigation. We research relevant archaeological data and historic materials related to standing-structures and cultural resources. ORA also examine published literature, historic atlases, plat books, maps, and historical imagery for the project area of potential effect. This process develops a database of for information regarding historic people, events, places, and recorded archaeological sites to guide the project investigation. 

 

Field Survey & Monitoring: ORA develop specific research designs and field survey methodologies tailored to each project. Typically, the requirements of an investigation include the documentation of historic and prehistoric archaeological sites, to ensure that cultural resources within the project area are photographed, documented, and evaluated for significance. A field survey inspects for prehistoric and historic archaeological cultural resources. This inspection can include subsurface testing and remote sensing to identify sub-surface materials and buried cultural resources that could potentially affected by the project. When archaeological sites are likely to be encountered, ORA can train project personnel and provide qualified archaeological monitors to assist.

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Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry: ORA in-house capabilities include non-invasive Geophysical methods, utilizing Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Gradiometery (Magnetometry), and Electrical Conductivity (Resistivity) systems to detect for buried resources and investigate for archaeological materials and features. Our current equipment list includes: the Bartington 601-2, the Geoscan RM-85, and the GSSI UtilityScan operated with the TerraSurveror, Geoplot, and RADAN software packages. ORA can also provide aerial photogrammetric surveys to generate data and visualize locations for analysis utilizing Agisoft PhotoScan Pro and Pix4D 3-D rendering software suites. When applied properly, these Geophysical remote sensing techniques can assist in locating archaeological resources and is a cost-effective method to focus investigations and provide value to our client's projects. 

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Reporting & Consultation: Following archival review and field survey phases of an investigation, a comprehensive report for the project is authored and prepared for submission to the relevant permitting agency, if required. Often, lead regulatory agencies direct the report to a State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or require the applicant do so. The lead review or permitting agency may either accept ORA’s finding and recommendations described within the project report, or provide comments or propose guidance in cases where further investigation and evaluation is required. ORA works closely with agencies and regulators to develop and execute plans that efficiently protect cultural resources and successfully complete project goals.