INRAP / PreventiveReport Application
Report Application
Archaeological Excavation
Digitize your archaeological fieldwork. Assessment, excavation, inventory - field sheets, photos, PDF report.
Free 7-Day TrialOperation Types
Assessment
Trial trenches, potential evaluation.
Excavation
Preventive, research-based.
Watching Brief
Works monitoring, accompaniment.
Survey
Pedestrian, aerial, geophysical.
Building
Building archaeology.
Underwater
River, maritime.
Documentation
Context Sheet
Stratigraphic unit, description.
Inventory
Finds, ceramics, lithics.
Drawings
Plans, sections, elevations.
Photos
Context, detail, scale.
GIS
Geolocation, site boundaries.
Harris Matrix
Stratigraphic relationships.
Features
Field Sheets
Contexts, features, structures.
Geolocated Photos
Timestamped documentation.
Inventory
Finds, samples.
Sketches
Drawings, annotated sections.
Offline Mode
Work on-site.
PDF Report
Final report, standardized sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an archaeological assessment mandatory?+
The archaeological assessment is prescribed by the regional prefect (DRAC) during the review of development or building permits, if the project is located in a zone of presumed archaeological prescription (ZPPA) or concerns a significant ground area. Trigger thresholds are set by prefectural decree (often >=500 m2 in sensitive urban areas). INRAP or an approved operator conducts the assessment.
Who pays for archaeological excavations?+
The assessment is funded by the Preventive Archaeology Fee (RAP) paid by the developer during the building permit (0.40 euros/m2 beyond 5,000 m2). Preventive excavations (if prescribed after a positive assessment) are at the developer's expense (article L.523-5 of the Heritage Code). Costs vary considerably: from 100,000 euros to several million depending on the area and complexity. The FNAP (National Fund for Preventive Archaeology) can subsidize certain projects.
What is the difference between an archaeological assessment and excavation?+
The assessment is an exploratory survey (mechanical trenches on 5-10% of the area) to detect the presence of remains. Duration: a few days to a few weeks. The excavation is the comprehensive study of the site prescribed if the assessment reveals significant remains. It involves complete stratigraphic excavation, recording of all structures and artifacts, and drafting of a final report. Excavation can last several months.
What to do in case of accidental discovery of archaeological objects?+
Article L.531-14 of the Heritage Code requires reporting any accidental discovery to the mayor within 24 hours. Work must be stopped in the discovery area. The mayor informs the regional prefect (DRAC). Objects must be left in place and protected. The landowner and the discoverer share ownership of movable objects (article 716 of the Civil Code), unless the land is public.
Which operators can conduct archaeological excavations?+
INRAP (National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research) is the public reference operator. Local authorities can create approved archaeological services. Private operators (archaeological consultancies) can be approved by the Ministry of Culture for 5 years (articles R.522-7 et seq. of the Heritage Code). The choice of excavation operator belongs to the developer (competitive bidding possible).