A10 / A120 Corridor, Herts: Aerial Investigation and Mapping Project
Author(s): Cara Pearce
The A10/A120 Corridor Project sought to map and record archaeological features from aerial sources across an area of approximately 90sq km. Features from the prehistoric period to 20th century were mapped and 474 records were either added or extensively edited in the Hertfordshire Historic Environment Record (HHER); 383 records were newly created (MHT39927-40305, MHT40314-19) and 92 records were amended. Highlights include the identification of a length of Roman road partially visible as an earthwork which is recommended for assessment for scheduling and the identification of the level of earthwork preservation, in certain locations, in a landscape thought to be extensively ploughed and devoid of upstanding remains. The project area has been previously assessed as part of a National Mapping Programme (NMP) pilot project in the 1990s. This report identifies that the outputs of the original pilot project are not suitable for modern heritage protection needs. The project identifies that there are a range of contributions a ‘remapping’ project might make to the archaeological record: in particular the wide scope of current guidance for Aerial Investigation and Mapping (AI&M) projects; the contributions of newer source types (orthophotography and lidar); the metric / measurable nature of the resultant mapping and the systematic system of specialist recording to enhance the Historic Environment Record (HER). Of note is the contribution of the Cambridge University Collection of Aerial Photography (CUCAP) archive to the original pilot project and how lack of access to this archive has impacted the project results.
- Report Number:
- 85/2024
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 46
- Keywords:
- Lidar Survey Cropmark Earthwork Aerial Investigation and Mapping
