Rescue archaeology

[2] Conditions leading to rescue archaeology could include, but are not limited to, road and other major construction, the floodplain of a proposed dam, or even before the onset of war.

The focus of early work was to set up organisations to undertake rescue excavations shortly before an area was disturbed by construction equipment.

Common conditions required by planning authorities are archaeological field surveys, watching briefs, shovel test pits, trial trenching, and excavation.

Guidance and standards of practice in the UK are largely monitored through the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

[4] Contract or commercial archaeology services have sprung up to meet the needs of developers and to comply with local laws and planning regulations.