Forming The Rapid Survey Interdisciplinary Team with Multiscalar Tradecraft: a Plea in the Backdrop of the Anthropocene

Abstract

This is a short note/plea to colleagues in various disciplines to tackle more diverse and interdisciplinary research questions in the face of the Anthropocene and its avalanching havoc on biodiversity and the environment due to human-induced climate change. The contemporary fast-paced world and the field site are rapidly changing and there may be a need to rethink purely archaeological or anthropological fieldwork. There is a compelling need to create interdisciplinary teams that can capture as much data as possible while in the field. Fieldwork by any specialist undoubtedly brings the researcher face to face with facets of the projects that her/his specialization does not encompass. This paper advances the utility of forming interdisciplinary teams with multiscalar toolkits to cater to the dynamics of the field site. This type of project could be undertaken by research universities, research museums, and both government and non-government organizations. The toolkit includes the use of satellites, remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS), and ground-truthing technologies. The approach promises efficient use of time and resources. This proposal may have further applications in other regions around the world.