Archaeological core sampling is an important surveying tool in the Netherlands. It is used widely to determine the archaeological content and value of the soil record. With the implementation of the Valletta Treaty the demand for this type of survey will even become higher, as it is a relatively cheap tool for site detection. Unfortunately, there is little documentation on the effectiveness of existing core sampling strategies for detecting and identifying specific site types. The paper will focus on the possibility of establishing optimal core sampling strategies for different site types, in particular through the use of simulations to predict the expected cost and benefit of each individual strategy. The simulations will be compared with the actual results of excavations of different site types in order to define the success rate of core sampling when it comes to determining content, size and value of an archaeological find spot.
Keywords: core sampling, simulations, field survey

Archeologisch Adviesbureau RAAP
Zeeburgerdijk 54
1094 AE Amsterdam
tel: 020 - 5611216 (direct doorkiesnummer)
020 - 4634848 (centraal nummer)
fax: 020 - 4634949
e-mail: ph.verhagen@raap.nl