Commercial archaeology differs from academic archaeology in that historical finds are frequently unavailable to the general public. The field usually entails private companies investigating artifacts at construction sites or other locations. This type of archeology, which is usually focused on planning rather than research, is frequently supported by local and regional agencies, as well as private contractors. Things made as part of commercial activity to promote establishments such as motels, diners, and signs are sometimes studied through a form of commercial archaeology, which focuses on these from a cultural or historical perspective. x000D_
Researchers are frequently enlisted to look into areas that have been dug up during commercial operations. Small buildings are occasionally discovered and warrant further investigation, but commercial archaeology is frequently carried out anywhere the ground is dug up and past artifacts are suspected. Companies in England and Scotland frequently perform this type of work. Architects, construction companies, and property developers can all use the services of commercial contractors. x000D_
Commercial archeology specialists are often familiar with land surveying and excavation, as well as the interpretation and reporting required to gather the necessary data. Global Positioning Systems (GPS), ground excavation machines, and drilling tools are examples of technological equipment used in archaeology. Help with both small and large projects is frequently provided as part of the services. These can be done on the spot or in a professional office using historic maps, photographs, evidence, or other types of records.
Archaeologists are sometimes called in to examine historic structures in order to help with repairs and renovations. If a disturbance threatens to destroy historical materials, or if additional features from a specific era are suspected, they can be recorded. Commercial archaeology services can also provide an environmental analysis or the use of research equipment such as x-ray machines. Major discoveries can also be labeled and stored for future use; different artifacts can then be retrieved, and volunteers or educational initiatives may benefit.
In modern civilizations, cultural studies are also possible. In many places, commercial archaeology is defined as the study of commercial signs and advertisements, particularly those found along roadside. They can be evaluated in terms of both the amount of space used and the local economy. Researchers can study urban planning in this type of commercial archaeology, or photographs of stores, restaurants, or historic signs can be collected as part of art or museum collections, for example.