In a typical large-scale archaeological survey, a single site can contain dozens of distinct "features"—from hearths and post-holes to complicated stone alignments—yet many researchers still rely on generic notes that lack the spatial precision required for modern statistical analysis. A feature without a coordinate is just a story; a feature with a UTM is data.

The Anatomy of a Feature

The "Feature Descriptions" template is designed for the high-precision researcher who needs to isolate individual components of a site for deep analysis. It moves beyond the broad site-level description to document the micro-geography of the landscape. By assigning a unique Feature Number and linking it to a specific Site Number, you create a relational hierarchy that is essential for complex reporting and digital mapping.

Precision in the Field

The structure of this library is built for the rigors of field recording, where consistency is the primary challenge.

  • Morphometric Data: The Feature Dimensions field ensures that the physical scale of the discovery is recorded immediately. Whether it’s a 20cm lithic scatter or a 5-meter foundation, the data is standardized.
  • Geospatial Anchors: Recording the UTMs (Universal Transverse Mercator) for every feature allows for the creation of high-resolution site maps back in the lab. It ensures that every hearth and cache can be precisely relocated, even after the ground surface has shifted.
  • Taxonomic Clarity: The Feature Type field allows for immediate categorization, facilitating rapid filtering of the database by functional or chronological criteria.

Linking Form to Artifact

The ultimate value of a feature is often defined by what was found within it. The Feature Description field provides space for qualitative observation—noting soil color changes, ash content, or structural details. By documenting the specific Artifacts associated with each feature, you create a direct link between the physical structure and the material culture it contains. This contextual data is what allows researchers to move from describing "what" a feature is to interpreting "how" it was used.

Power Feature: Global Search and Filtering

By utilizing Memento’s powerful filtering engine, you can instantly isolate specific types of discoveries across multiple sites. You can search for all features classified as "Hearths" with associated "Obsidian" artifacts across an entire county. It transforms a collection of isolated field observations into a dynamic, queryable research database, allowing patterns of ancient human behavior to emerge from the data.