Science Fair Project Encyclopedia Area of archaeological
potential Areas of Archaeological Potential and other terms such
as Area of High Archaeological Potential or Urban Archaeological
Zone are terms used to identify parts of the country where it is
known that buried archaeology is likely to survive. They are
primarily created and used in the planing process at act as
triggers that can alert planning officers to possible
archaeological disturbance caused by proposed new development.
They are often marked out on GIS databases and any application
for development within them is likely to be referred to the
County Archaeologist for comment and advice. This process is in
keeping with the UK government guidelines on archaeology and
planning, known as PPG16. Development in an area of
archaeological potential is likely to require archaeological
evaluation and possible mitigation work in advance of building
commencing. The areas are selected through study of past
excavation work and historical and academic sources i