How do archaeological survey strategies differ prior to the 1960s?

Question

How to archaological survey strategies differ today from those executed prior to the 1960s? Thanks!

Answer 1

Most archaeology is conducted by professionals working in environmental consulting - within an industry commonly referred to as 'cultural resource management'.  In the 1960s, this was a fledgeling industry.  Today it is the largest employer of archaeologists in the USA.  The emergence of this industry has lead to more standardization of survey procedures than we had in the 1960s, but field work has changed surprisingly little.  Survey strategies today still depend on the questions that are applicable to the project and/or site, but typically include systematic sampling with shovel tests, careful historic background research and use of cartographic tools to locate objects and sites on maps.  If anything, we've become more efficient, more accurate and more sophisticated in our research designs that we were in the 1960s.

Answer 2

The rapid development and advances of technology and an overall more professional approach has radically changed the way archaeological sites are mapped and excavated immensely.

In my field of Egyptology you cannot actively be involved on an archaeological site unless you are a professional that is, having University qualifications.

The days of the rich philanthropist funding the eager young archaeology buff who has a hunch, are long gone.

They have been replaced by many months of filling out required forms and applying for permits, preparing detailed presentations outlaying intentions and acquiring adequate insurance..The progress of the site is monitored followed by regular inspections by the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt to ensure all is "above board", or as above board as you can possibly get in Egypt.

The use of video logs, geophysical mapping and forensics to mention just a few of the advances in archaeology methods would have been totally unthought of in the 1960's.  

One can only marvel at the great work done by the Fathers of our field,many who had no formal training,and who went into a dig with little more than a sketch book,a few tools and a lot of inspired determination to seek and find the truth. .