Starting a Career in Archaeology? 5 Resources to Make a Long Dig Easier in the UK

Matt | May 28, 2015 | 0 Comments

The time just after leaving university is an exciting one and many graduates look forward to landing the perfect job. If you are going to do any work in the field of archaeology, there are some things you may wish to invest in to make a long dig easier on you as well as the team. Whether you are working under someone or have landed a contract dig, these can literally pay for themselves during the course of a dig because of the benefits and time-saving features they offer. Here are five resources to make a long dig easier in the UK.

1) Portable Solar Panel Station

For just a little more than a couple hundred pounds you can buy a portable solar panel station that has a continuous load of up to 400 watts (some handle greater loads) and is able to power all your electronics. These are so much cheaper to run than petrol generators because the only cost is in the station when you buy it. Many are able to be expanded with additional panels for higher power at a really cheap cost, mostly under £50 per panel, and cheaper than that as well!

2) Large Potable Water Tank

Drinking water can often be a problem if you are in a remote location of the country and the time and cost involved of bringing in drinking water can set you back dearly. There are potable water tanks on the market that keep out sunlight that promote the growth of algae and are capable of holding sometimes as much as 30,000 litres of fresh drinking water. This saves time and expense bringing it in daily if it’s a large crew.

3) Portable Buildings for Housing People and Electronics

Some people have caravans they bring along with them but these are often not suitable for certain locations. If there is an abundance of large technological equipment, portable buildings, which can be hired from companies like this, would be a better choice. These can be purchased or hired and when you consider the safety they offer your equipment (and people!) they are well worth the cost. If buying them to take on future digs, they can often be assembled and disassembled quickly to be transported. Some may even be transported as a single unit. Capable of being fitted with climate control and electrical wiring, these are ideally suited for lab work and office space as well setting up a command post/communications centre.

4) Power Packs

Portable power packs are a must! Reasonably priced and easily re-charged after use, they become an indispensable part of your equipment when out in the field. What happens if your digital camera battery suddenly dies, or one of the many meters and scopes you are likely to carry? Keep them with you during the day and recharge them at night to be ready for the next morning’s hike to the part of the site where you’re working at the moment.

5) Dehydrated Foods

One of the major expenses when out in the field is the amount of money you pay to eat. Sometimes there is a town nearby where you can go in the evenings to get a bite to eat and other times you are, for all intents and purposes, out there on your own. Have you considered those huge containers of dehydrated foods that many people buy as survival kits? You can find everything from complete meals to single items in bulk and this is something that is quick to re-hydrate and cook over an open flame. After all – they are survival foods!

You may be starting an archaeological crew on your own or working under the direction of a leading university professor. In either case, these are five resources that can make your life on a dig a whole lot easier. If you aren’t the one making the purchase, bring these ideas to the boss. They’re well worth the money and can provide benefits to the entire team. Investing now can save down the road so take the time to explore your options before heading out to the site.

Tags: archaeolgy