Explore Arthian’s integrated archaeology and heritage survey services—from historic landscape analysis and geophysical surveying to built heritage assessment across the UK and Ireland.
At Arthian, we deliver comprehensive archaeology and heritage surveys that support planning submissions, Environmental Impact Assessments, and risk management across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Our team evaluates both buried and built heritage—whether visibly apparent or obscured beneath modern landscapes—ensuring your project accounts for all relevant constraints and historic values from the outset.
We work at the intersection of archaeology, landscape, ecology and planning policy. Our interdisciplinary approach ensures early identification of heritage risks, allowing mitigation strategies to be embedded into project design—saving time, cost and potential rework.
Whether your site contains registered assets or is undergoing preliminary screening, our surveys are proportionate, practical and compliant with national standards.
Survey Methods and Capabilities
We tailor each survey to reflect project needs, regulatory expectations and local context. Our consultants combine archival research, digital modelling and on-site inspections to provide clear, evidence-based outputs.
Our heritage and archaeological survey services include:
- Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) Categorising land based on historic usage to support strategic landscape management and planning decisions. Presented as maps, spatial models or written reports.
- Landscape Sensitivity Surveys Assessing heritage landscape settings, including designed sites and character areas. We work closely with ecology and LVIA specialists to identify historic tree lines, hedgerows and green corridors.
- Built & Buried Heritage Surveys Recording architectural features, subsurface remains and associated settings. This includes walkover surveys, photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
- Geophysical Surveys Using magnetometry, resistivity or ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to detect archaeological features below ground. Particularly useful in undeveloped or agricultural areas.
- Remote Sensing & Aerial Analysis Reviewing LiDAR datasets, aerial photography, historic mapping and digital terrain models to understand potential buried remains and historic landforms.
- Field-Walking & Visual Inspection Rapid site assessments to identify surface artefacts and ground features requiring further investigation or protection.
- 3D Landscape Modelling & GIS Analysis Used to visualise potential constraints and integrate heritage data into wider environmental assessments.
All survey outputs are delivered with accompanying advice for planning integration, including recommendations for further work, mitigation or consultation. Where required, we liaise directly with local planning archaeologists and heritage officers.
Why Choose Arthian
- Full-spectrum heritage survey services across UK and Ireland
- Proven track record supporting complex infrastructure and rural developments
- Embedded interdisciplinary workflows with ecology, archaeology and planning teams
- Scalable surveys suited to sites of all sizes and sensitivities
- Compliant with national guidance including the NPPF, Scottish Planning Policy, and Irish Heritage Legislation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do your surveys cover both built and buried heritage? Yes—we assess the full spectrum of heritage assets, including buildings, landscapes, archaeological sites and subsurface remains, adapting methods accordingly.
- When is a heritage or archaeological survey required? Surveys may be triggered by a site’s historic designation, planning conditions, or pre-application consultation. We offer screening advice to determine necessity and scope.
- Is geophysical surveying always necessary? Not always. Geophysical methods are used when subsurface remains are suspected or known. We help determine if they’re appropriate based on site conditions and planning requirements.
- Can you help align survey outputs with EIA or LVIA chapters? Absolutely. Our reports are formatted to integrate with wider environmental assessments and planning documentation, including graphics for public consultation.
