The Stratigraphic Continuity Mission
Archaeological excavation is a series of destructive data captures. This subsurface log is a digital cockpit for the field archaeologist to manage stratigraphic continuity with longitudinal depth. If you're managing your Context # through loose paper sheets or unreferenced field notes, you're risking the loss of the primary context that defines the site's history. Do you know the exact Munsell color code for the second layer of TP/STP/RTP/MTP # 402? Can you verify the pH and Consistency of the soil across four distinct contexts without cross-referencing multiple binders? Without a centralized, high-fidelity database of Depth, Texture, and Composition, your excavation record is a series of fragments that won't satisfy a rigorous archaeological audit.
This template is a digital teknik gatekeeper for the professional excavator. It standardizes the forensic documentation of soil profiles, ensuring that every centimeter of depth is a documented, verifiable chapter of the earth's history.
The Soil Matrix
The strength of this system is its commitment to granular sedimentology. It doesn't just record "dirt"; it captures the entire mechanical and chemical profile of the stratum. You track up to four distinct contexts, logging the Depth (From) and Depth (To) for each. The system includes exhaustive multichoice lists for Colour (e.g., Yellowish, Reddish), Consistency (Loose to Cemented), and Texture. This allows for a standardized description that is essential for comparing units across a site or even across different projects. The Inclusions, Freq & Size field provides the necessary data for identifying anthropogenic activities or natural taphonomic processes.
Field Evidence & Georeferencing
The ultimate value of this system is the integration of visual and spatial data. By verifying Photo/s in Avenza and capturing a Sketch Stratigraphy directly into the record, you build a multi-layered audit of the excavation. Whether you are collecting Aboriginal, Historic, or Soil samples, the database provides a clear chain of custody. You move from "digging holes" to mastering the data-driven science of stratigraphic recording, ensuring that every Project No. represents a documented, valued, and permanent record of our subsurface heritage.