What is a desktop review?
Desktop reviews, which are also called desktop studies, or desk-based assessments, are often the first step in any project. A desktop review is a type of preliminary literature review of an area of interest, conducted typically by a professional archaeologist. The data and literature reviewed are usually available digitized historical records and maps, which are used to determine the level or risk that cultural resources may be present in an area. They are completed to help with development budgets, to inform design proposals, or to evaluate potential risks related to wetlands or cultural resources. These are commonly done to support environmental projects involving coordination with government agencies at the local, state, and federal level.
When do I need a desktop review?
Desktop reviews are typically done prior to compliance work on a project or area. These reviews are relatively fast to complete, and provide a general overview of potential complications, risks, and costs associated with a specific area. These risks may include archaeological features, historical building foundations backfilled in the past, prior landscaping and ground disturbing activities, artificial ditching and drainage installations, and abandoned utilities.
What goes into a typical desktop review?
Desktop reviews are sometimes thought of as Phase Ia of the cultural resource management process (which is split into three phases). Phase Ib would be the reconnassaince or “boots on the ground.” Desktop reviews are not typically thought of as a replacement for a thorough literature review as compliant with most State Historic Preservation Offices. However, desktop reviews lay the foundation for evaluating what further work will be necessary related to wetlands and archaeological sites within a project. In general, reviews include elements of the following:
- An Abstract
- A review of available, relevant topographical, geological, and soils information
- A review and evaluation of historical atlases and aerial photography to assess prior land use histories
- An evaluation and identification of potential subsurface anomalies which may be archaeological sites, and previously reported archaeological sites or wetlands which may adversely affect the project design
- Recommendations to successfully mitigate adverse effects of archaeological sites to the project and vice versa
- Bibliographic references
How long does a desktop review take?
Depending on the size and scope of a project, desktop reviews can be completed in 1-2 business weeks. Every project is different, an factors like topographic complexity, the built environment, and availability of data and literature for evaluation can all affect the timeline for completion.
For inquiries about desktop reviews, LiDAR analysis, or other related remote analysis, please contact our executive director, Eric Olson, for more information. He can be reached at historicakron@gmail.com, or (330) 714-5554.