Case Study: Network Archaeology Delivering High-Accuracy Archaeological Recording for One of Europe’s Largest Infrastructure Projects
- GeoMax UK
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The Client
Network Archaeology Ltd, a leading single-source archaeological service provider specialising in major infrastructure, utilities, power and transport projects across the UK.
With nearly 30 years of experience, their teams are currently working on one of the largest infrastructure developments in Europe, conducting extensive pre-construction archaeological excavations across sites with histories dating back thousands of years.
The Problem: Getting High-Accuracy Archaeological Recording
On a project of this scale and historical importance, Network Archaeology faced several key challenges getting high-accuracy archaeological recording:
1. Large, complex sites with deep historical layers
The excavation areas cover vast landscapes with artefacts and features spanning multiple time periods. Recording must be precise, fast, and consistent across a large workforce.
2. High accuracy required for all finds
Every artefact, feature and context needs to be captured with survey-grade positional accuracy to ensure reliable analysis, reporting and heritage management.
3. High-volume data collection
Thousands of observations, including measurements, images, notes and metadata must be recorded, organised and stored without creating bottlenecks or data losses.
4. Seamless integration into their historic digital library
Data must flow directly from the field into Network Archaeology’s long-term archive and GIS systems, maintaining traceability and compliance.
Their traditional recording workflow of paper, manual uploads, and disjointed systems risked being too slow, prone to error, or incapable of handling the project’s sheer complexity.
The Solution: Full GeoMax Portfolio + X-PAD Ultimate
To meet the demands of the project, Network Archaeology deployed the entire GeoMax ecosystem, including:
Zenith60 Pro GNSS
Zenith06 Pro GNSS
GeoMax field controllers
X-PAD Ultimate Survey
This integrated digital workflow has transformed how the excavation teams record and manage archaeological data.
Their workflow now allows for:
1. Accurate recording of artefacts & features
Field archaeologists use the Zenith60 Pro and Zenith06 Pro to capture centimetre-accurate positions for each find, even in challenging environments or under canopy.
2. Images and metadata captured in real time
Using X-PAD Ultimate, the teams can record the coordinates and link photos, descriptive notes, metadata, context information, feature and trench data all in one place. Everything is captured on site, and with X-Photo any additional information can be retrieved from the data.
3. Seamless data integration
All observations flow directly from X-PAD Ultimate into Network Archaeology’s historic digital library, ensuring:
No manual transcription
No lost data
Consistent formatting
Instant accessibility for specialists and project managers
4. Scalable, standardised workflow
The GeoMax tools allow multiple teams to work simultaneously across the project while maintaining identical standards of accuracy and documentation.
The Results
Faster, more accurate recording: High-precision GNSS ensures every artefact and feature is mapped reliably and quickly.
A complete digital chain from field to archive: Data captured in X-PAD Ultimate becomes part of the company’s long-term heritage record with no additional processing.
Improved collaboration across large teams: Standardised workflows ensure consistent, high-quality results across all excavation zones.
Reduced project delays: Instant access to verified archaeological data supports quicker decision-making for engineers, planners and heritage specialists.
By adopting the full GeoMax hardware and X-PAD Ultimate software suite, Network Archaeology has created a unified, modern archaeological recording system that meets the enormous demands of Europe’s largest infrastructure work.
Their single-source service model and a seamless digital workflow ensure that thousands of years of history are recorded with accuracy, efficiency and long-term integrity.
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