A technique to recover artefacts or identify archaeological features by systematic searching of a field.

The systematic recovery and recording of artefacts recovered from ploughed field surfaces. The study of the resulting assemblage can give an indication of the location of new sites or help to define the limits or chronology of a particular site.

A form of evaluation that provides details of surface features visible during a physical search of the site area and is a systematic observation of the ground surface during. The recovery of artefacts that may indicate periods of occupation is also an important part of this evaluation (also termed walkover survey)