Detailed geophysical data analysis to distinguish, classify, and map archaeological anomalies, for effectively supporting their in-situ protection for informing future permitting and heritage compliance.
GAIA is a permitting assessment that analyses marine geophysical datasets to provide a comprehensive and detailed evaluation. It identifies and delineates all surface—and, where necessary, subsurface—conditions to ensure that features or anomalies with ‘high archaeological potential’ are not left unidentified, unrecorded, or misinterpreted (e.g., as geological, environmental, or geohazard features).
The assessment is typically submitted to national custodian agencies as part of the permitting process prior to the development of phase subsea infrastructure projects such as cables, pipelines, and foundations.
We process and analyse marine datasets—SSS, MBES, SBP, MAG, and ROV footage—to identify features with archaeological potential or anomaly signatures.
We classify anomalies based on shape, reflectivity, and context to assess whether they present archaeological or heritage interest.
We map all interpreted features with georeferenced outputs and assess their potential heritage impact to guide mitigation and permitting requirements.
GAIA offers an integrated cross-disciplinary approach to efficiently secure archaeological clearance. It thoroughly assesses geophysical data, through delineating all surface—and, where necessary, subsurface—conditions and ensures that features or anomalies of ‘high archaeological potential’ are not left unidentified, unrecorded, or misinterpreted. Through the integration of innovative mitigation strategies, the output GAIA minimise the chances of engaging with additional time-consuming processes —such as sampling of artefacts— or additional intrusive work —such as excavation— that might cause significant project delays and thereby financially burdening developers and contractors.
