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Historic Sites:
Survey Types
Architectural surveys fall into two general classifications: intensive and reconnaissance levels. Both types have a place, depending on the amount of information to be collected, the time and budget available, and the geographic dispersion of the resources.
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance (also called windshield surveys) surveys are visual or predictive surveys that identify the general distribution, location and nature of cultural resources within a given area. A reconnaissance survey of the built environment generally entails the field identification of resources that appear to meet broad survey requirements. 
Documentation at this level rarely exceeds property address, observational information on architectural style and features, and photographic information. However, it may be possible to discern if the property appears to be a unique resource based on the observations of the overall survey area and this information should be recorded in the “Statement of Significance” section of the database. Reconnaissance surveys are often conducted to establish the boundaries for intensive surveys to follow.
Reconnaissance surveys literally consist of driving around a community and noting the general distribution of buildings, structures, and neighborhoods representing different architectural styles, periods and modes of construction. Reconnaissance level survey forms must still be completed on the electronic DAHP Historic Property Inventory Database. Because reconnaissance surveys record only observable information, they may not provide sufficient information with which to make determinations of eligibility beyond architectural significance.
A reconnaissance level survey should include the following:
- all of the location information including UTMs for each property inventoried
- surveyor and survey name, but not necessarily the owner information for the property (current and historic)
- the “Resource Status” should at least include “survey/inventory”, but if the National, State or Local Register information is not known, that need not be researched
- the current use of the building should be noted since it is observable from the street, although historic use does not necessarily need to be researched
- all observable architectural information should be completed within the database
- the Description of Physical Appearance section on the Narrative must be completed
- a concise "Statement of Significance" based on the knowledge of the surveyor (usually related to the architecture of the building) must be completed
- a Determination of Eligibility (based solely on the architectural qualities of the structure)
- a best guess date of construction
- digital image(s) of the resource
A reconnaissance level survey does not need to include the following:
- National, State or Local Register status
- ownership information – either historic or current
- the historic use of the property
- the historic or common name of the property (unless its discernable from the street)
- the Study Unit Theme
- the architect/engineer/builder
- an in-depth Statement of Significance,
- a bibliography (unless sources were consulted by the surveyor)
Intensive Level
Intensive level survey and evaluation combines a reconnaissance survey with an evaluation by a trained professional. Intensive survey involves in-depth archival research and field-work to record properties in the survey area. For all types of intensive survey and evaluation projects, the objective is to gather sufficient information to recommend proposed significance or non-significance of the investigated properties and develop historic contexts in terms of National Register of Historic Places listing. An intensive level survey should include the completion of all of the fields on the database and would consist of research on the property beyond what can be noted from the street.
A intensive level survey should include all of the information required for a reconnaissance level survey plus the following:
- an accurate built date based on research
- historic images if found
- the name of the architect or builder
- a bibliography
- a Determination of Eligibility by a trained professional
- the historic use of the property
- ownership information
- historic or common name of the property
- the study unit theme
- and a through, in-depth statement of significance section based on the history of the resource, its context, and eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places.
For further information on filling out the statewide survey form see:
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Megan Duvall at 360-586-3074 or at Megan.Duvall@dahp.wa.gov.
Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
1063 South Capitol Way, Suite 106
Olympia WA 98501
Phone: 360-586-3065
Fax: 360-586-3067