Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments for Heritage Planning

How do we protect historical landscapes and archaeological remains before development begins? Archaeological desk-based assessments are the critical first step in cultural heritage management, determining potential risks and guiding planning decisions. This course provides a clear, step-by-step introduction to researching, structuring, and producing professional-grade assessments that meet planning standards. You will transition from understanding basic heritage legislation to confidently synthesizing historical records, map regressions, and digital data into a structured assessment. By studying written examples and practical research methodologies, you will learn how to identify archaeological potential and assess the impact of proposed developments on heritage assets. What you'll learn: - Understand the core terminology, legal frameworks, and planning policies governing cultural heritage. - Research historical records using local environment archives and open-access databases. - Conduct map regression analysis to trace landscape changes over time. - Integrate modern digital mapping and GIS concepts to locate heritage assets. - Assess the significance of archaeological remains and the potential impact of development. - Write clear, structured desk-based assessment reports that comply with planning requirements. The course begins with foundational definitions of heritage assets and the planning policies that protect them. You will then progress through the research phase, data compilation, and the final report-writing process, using written scenarios to apply your knowledge. This course is designed for beginners, early-career archaeologists, planning consultants, and heritage enthusiasts, with no prior experience required. Start building your skills in cultural heritage management today.