APSS Archaeological Prospection Service of Southampton

APSS undertake a wide range of geophysical and topographic surveys in Britain Europe, the Near East and North Africa. It also undertakes desk-based assessments, evaluations, consultancy work and large-scale integrated survey projects. All work results in full archaeological reports including interpretation of the results, written to publication standards.

Archaeological Prospection Services of Southampton (APSS) were established in 2001 to provide a centre for applied archaeological survey techniques within the Department of Archaeology. The service has since developed an international reputation, undertaking commercial geophysical and archaeological survey contracts, promoting and advancing research in the discipline of applied archaeological geophysics, and providing a focal point for the teaching of courses related to survey methodologies in the University, and to members of other institutions. Our client-base includes universities, local government bodies and commerical companies in the United Kingdom, but also academic institutions, government organisations and professionals all over Europe, including clients in Belgium, France, Spain and Italy.

Since 2001 APSS have also been involved in a collaborative initiative with The British School at Rome (BSR), working together with a focussed team at the BSR dedicated to geophysical and topographical survey. This has enabled survey methods to be deployed on research projects associated with the British School at Rome as well as on a range of projects of Italian and foreign institutions within Italy. The wide distribution of geophysical work over much of Italy is testimony to the diversity of the commissioning bodies; a number of Soprintendenze, Italian and foreign Universities, Province, Regiones and local Comune.

We aim to provide an efficient, high quality service for archaeologists and other professions. We partake in research fieldwork in Britain and on the continent, setting high standards in fieldwork and research, assisting and supporting field projects from their conception to publication. Also, in collaboration with the consultancy at the Archaeological Computing Research Group (ACRG) we are able to provide in-house, GIS, reconstruction modelling and preparation of interactives and client reports in addition to geophysical survey and field survey, meaning that the client can take advantage of a wide range of surveying and computing experience in one place.

Contact: Kris Strutt, Sophie Hay