JMA performs a wide range of geo-scientific services to support archeological and architectural projects. Our professional geo-scientific staff includes geoarcheological and geospatial specialists that have the expertise to support projects ranging from geomorphological assessments to geophysical prospecting and geospatial analysis. Archeological projects may employ these services at any phase of work. The capability to integrate geo-scientific analyses and data into cultural resource projects results in a unified approach to illuminate archeological data, enhance and support archeological interpretations, and provide an additional foundation for understanding the archeological record. Geo-Scientific Services – Geoarcheological Investigation – Paleoenvironmental and Paleogeographic Reconstruction – HAZMAT Conditions Investigations – Ground-Penetrating Radar Survey – Metal Detector Survey – Geographical Information System Analysis and Integration – Global Positioning System Mapping and Survey – Predictive Modeling for Archeological Sites – 3D Laser Scanning and Virtual Visualization – Aerial Image Interpretation Representative Projects   U.S. 113 North/South Study Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware Delaware Department of Transportation JMA created a database for cultural resource records located within a 220-square-mile project area associated with U.S. 113. This database forms part of a GIS-based environmental inventory; archeological sensitivity models developed from these data are used to assist in the determination of alternate routings for new roadway construction. Example of GIS-generated sensitivity map for cultural resources (Image: JMA).     Geophysical Survey, Ebenezer Cemetery St. Mary's County, Maryland Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration A ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted on portions of the historic Ebenezer Cemetery associated with the widening of MD 237. The GPR survey identified over 100 anomalies potentially indicating marked and unmarked graves. The SHA developed a construction alternate to avoid the cemetery based on the results of the geophysical survey.   No, that's not a lawnmower: ground-penetrating radar survey in progress in Ebenezer Cemetery (Photo: JMA).     Geophysical and Archeological Survey, Bridge No. 10043 over Bens Branch Frederick County, Maryland Maryland Department of Transportation, State Highway Administration JMA conducted a ground-penetrating radar survey of terrain historically associated with a gristmill and sawmill, as based on historic maps. The geophysical survey resulted in the identification of the gristmill, headrace, and tailrace. These findings were then used to guide Phase I and II excavations at the mill site.   Ground-penetrating radar cross-section showing mill headrace location (Image: JMA).     New Bedford Harbor Superfund Site New Bedford, Massachusetts Foster Wheeler Environmental Corporation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District To prospect for buried archeological sites, 1,700 auger tests were emplaced within the fringing inter-tidal marshes of New Bedford Harbor. The sensitivity-based testing strategy, derived from a paleoenvironmental, geomorphological, and historical reconstruction of the project environs, resulted in the identification of seven archeological sites below the inter-tidal marsh.   The inter-tidal zone in New Bedford Harbor was subjected to auger testing, shown here (Photo: JMA).     Geoarcheological Evaluation, Keystone Boulevard Project Montgomery County, Pennsylvania URS Corporation JMA conducted a geomorphic evaluation of landforms within a proposed redevelopment project. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify the presence or absence of deeply buried landforms within the project area. This evaluation revealed that the landforms did not contain deeply buried deposits that could have supported prehistoric occupation.   A backhoe excavates a trench to facilitate geoarcheological examination of soils and stratigraphy (Photo: JMA). To Top