20th August 2013, 08:56 PM
Jack Wrote:I think the dating issue with respect to analysis of palaeoenvironmental data is being confused in this discussion. Research is very different to commercial post-ex.
In the latter we only do what is reasonable or what needs to be done now, by us. We don't waste (the clients) money on engaging in programmes of research on material that can be stored for perusal by academia.
Commercial archaeology only mitigates any damage done.
You misunderstand, was suggesting making best use of the limited commercial budget - BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN NOT PURSUING RESEARCH GOALS, WSIs these days are supposed to make reference to relevent research agendas in the way they propose investigating the site, and to that end any sampling and dating programmes should presumably be tailored to the same ends, rather than being random (and often a pointless waste of what money was available)