Why it matters
Without AI, discoveries can be inconsistently reported, lead to missed coroner obligations, delayed PAS submissions, and unresolved finds that complicate post-excavation assessment and archive deposition.
From design to safety
Design
AI assists initial find triage
Reading context sheets, known artefact libraries, and written scheme of investigation inputs to flag potential treasure or reportable finds for early planning and coroner liaison. Expanded data feeds from metal detector logs and PAS liaison calendars.
- Sieve basket
- Portable XRF analyzer
- Tag-and-bag bin
Build
AI supports on-site finds workflow
Monitors field notes, context mapping, and interim recording (Harris matrix) to generate provisional context links and advise immediate sorting priorities. Adds real-time sorting priorities cross-check against archive deposition plan.
- Sorting tray
- Sieve basket
- Portable XRF analyzer
Operation
AI streamlines reporting cadence
Cross-references find quantities, PAS guidance, and coroner thresholds to auto-suggest reportable items and generate draft entries for context sheets and HER log. Incorporates provisional curation notes and officer sign-off trails.
- Finds storage box
- Plastic sample bags
- Sieve basket
Maintenance
AI sustains archive readiness
Maintains provenance trails, updates post-excavation assessment inputs, and flags items for archive deposition and PAS archiving procedures. Verifies long-term accessibility of context links and digital records.
- Finds storage box
- Coroner reporting folder
- Tag-and-bag bin
Safety
AI guides compliance checks
Verifies burial context integrity, ensures proper witnessing for reportable finds, and flags discrepancies for the finds liaison officer to sign off. Checks against site risk register and welfare records.
- Sieve basket
- Portable XRF analyzer
- Finds storage box
Part by part
- 1
Sieve basket
- Watch for
- Wear pattern indicates fine mesh distortion risking loss of small artefacts during sieving.
- AI action
- Detect sieve clog and alert operator to switch to larger mesh before recovery.
- 2
Portable XRF analyzer
- Watch for
- Fluctuating readings on elemental signatures suggesting contamination or miscalibration.
- AI action
- Trigger calibration check and flag anomalous results for technician review.
- 3
Sorting tray
- Watch for
- Cross-contamination risk between artefact classes during on-table sorting.
- AI action
- Recommend separate lanes and generate an audit log of transfers.
- 4
Finds storage box
- Watch for
- Inconsistent labeling or missing provenance identifiers.
- AI action
- Prompt automated context link association and generate a chain-of-custody note.
- 5
Plastic sample bags
- Watch for
- Undocumented sample identifiers or bag lot mismatches.
- AI action
- Validate bag IDs against context and trigger reconciliation workflow.
- 6
Tag-and-bag bin
- Watch for
- Tags becoming detached or illegible during transport.
- AI action
- Issue re-tag request and update tracking sheet with new tag IDs.
Worked example
A 0.8 ha development reveals unknown metallic assemblage
Illustrative scenario with sample data.
A trench yields possible coin and ingot fragments after late-stage deposition. Findings trigger coroner reporting and PAS consultation.
Signal in
site: 0.8 ha; period: later Bronze Age; artefacts: 3 coin fragments, 2 ingot fragments; context sheets: TS-12, TS-14; PAS liaison: pending; coroner criteria: coinage with high fineness.
System out
Draft coroner notice generated; PAS record created; context linkage established; archive deposition plan proposed.
Human sign-off: Finds liaison officer signs off the draft coroner notice and PAS record; project manager approves the deposit plan and reporting timetable.
How to roll it out
Phase 1
Weeks 1 to 4
Baseline data feed from design phase integrated with field devices and PAS contact lists.
Phase 2
Weeks 5 to 12
Thorough validation of reporting templates; calibration checks and procurement triggers for archive submission.
Phase 3
Weeks 13 onward
Live operation with archival-ready outputs and audit-complete provenance trails.
Where people stay in charge
- All decisions on coroner reporting, PAS submissions, and archive deposition must be signed off by a Finds Liaison Officer or equivalent qualified person.
- AI outputs must be reviewed against the Written Scheme of Investigation and context sheets before any legal or curatorial action is taken.
- Data handling and provenance must comply with HER requirements and CIfA standards, with verifiable audit trails.
Questions owners and crews ask
How does AI help identify treasure versus ordinary finds during field processing?
AI cross-references artefact morphology, context, and cataloged Treasure items to flag potential treasure while preserving non-treasure finds for standard recording and retrieval.
What triggers a coroner report in an excavation?
AI evaluates artefact class, provenanced context, and statutory thresholds to propose a coroner report, which linups with liaison officer and curator sign-off.
How are finds and PAS records generated and kept for the archive?
AI creates draft entries linked to context sheets, provisional context details, and PAS item IDs, then routes for officer approval and deferred deposition to archive.
Who approves the final PAS submission and archive deposition plan?
The Finds Liaison Officer in conjunction with the project manager approves PAS submissions and archive deposition plans, ensuring compliance with HER and planning conditions.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Report TreasureFinders' steps and deadlines for reporting treasure to the coroner.
- Treasure Act 1996Statutory definition of treasure and the coroner's reporting duties in full.
- GOV.UK: Treasure Act 1996 Code of PracticeCode of practice on valuation and archaeologists' responsibilities for treasure finds in excavations.
- GOV.UK: National Planning Policy FrameworkPlanning policy on archaeological interest and recording requirements for development sites and their conditions.
- CIfA: Standards and GuidanceStandards and guidance for excavation, finds, and archives, including written schemes of investigation.
- Chartered Institute for ArchaeologistsProfessional practice guidance on accreditation and record-keeping expected of archaeological organisations.
- Archaeology Data ServiceDigital archive deposition guidance, data standards, and grey literature for long-term accessibility.
- MOLA: ServicesCommercial post-excavation services covering assessment, finds, and archive preparation after fieldwork.
- HSE: ExcavationsTrench collapse, shoring, and buried service hazards for excavation safety on construction sites.
- HSE: ConstructionSite welfare duties and construction health and safety guidance for excavation workers and supervisors.
- Historic EnglandHistoric Environment Record guidance on recording finds, sites, and planning archaeology.