Visualising the sub-surface: problems and procedures for areas of deeply stratified sediments

Archaeological investigations of deeply stratified sedimentary sequences in major river valleys commonly include geoarchaeological investigations of borehole and geophysical data. These data sources are often provided by geotechnical ground investigations or purposive geoarchaeological studies. The increased number of geoarchaeological investigations in recent years and the large quantities of data available in databases such as those held by national geological survey groups such as the British Geological Survey suggest that consideration should now be given to standardising electronic database systems to store and use such data. Currently a range of computer software systems exist that are suitable for this purpose however the structural limitations of the software systems and costs of purchase have prevented the widespread adoption of such systems in archaeology. This paper examines some of the considerations that need to be taken into account prior to selecting software systems for the storage and manipulation of geoarchaeological data and illustrates two distinct approaches to the problem. These problems are illustrated by reference to recent investigations in the Lower Thames Valley, UK. The findings of this study are considered applicable to many areas of the world containing deeply stratified sedimentary sequences.