Information Bulletin Number 22 - May 5, 2008

Enhanced Site Form Mapping Standards

Accurately reflecting archaeological site locations in the Provincial Archaeological Site Inventory is a key component in archaeological resource management. To increase the  accuracy of Provincial records,  the Archaeology Branch is now requiring that three site maps of differing scales must accompany newly submitted site forms.   These maps are a general location map, a mid-scale midrange map, and a detailed site map.

General Location Maps

Location maps are required to generally locate the site. Required standards are:

	1:20,000 TRIM or 1:50,000 NTS base mapping.
	Base map currency (Print date) and Map Sheet number.
	Site location indicated by a triangle and clearly identified temporary identifier (for new sites) or Borden number (for site updates).

Midrange Maps

Midrange maps aid in determining the exact site location by referencing land marks not found on location maps. 

Map standards are:

	1:15,000 to 1:5,000 mapping scale.
	Base map source and currency.
	Polygonal site location.

Mapping preferences include:

	Orthophotography base mapping.
	Site tied into landforms, cut block boundaries and other natural or artificial features.

Detailed Site Maps 

The detailed site map is the source information for site dimensions within the Provincial Archaeological Site Inventory.  The inventory is used as the basis for archaeological resource management decisions both within and external to the Provincial government and is a key component of the archaeological record.   Detailed site maps:

	Should be at the largest possible mapping scale, e.g. 1:1000 to 1:2000.
	Clearly indicate the reference GPS point where site coordinates are derived.
	Indicate true north, not magnetic north.

The above requirements are in addition to the mapping standards starting on page 19 of the BC Archaeological Inventory Site Form  Guide . These maps must also accompany shapefiles containing site location polygons as they are used to verify the digital information.