Reconnaissance-level architectural survey

The following overview is adapted from our Guidelines for Architectural Survey. Download the full guidelines for further instruction and details.

Introduction

Reconnaissance-level surveys are the first level of identification and documentation for planning surveys. They involve the following survey steps:

  1. Designing the survey
  2. Conducting research
  3. Conducting fieldwork and recordation

However, reconnaissance survey work stops at this level of background detail and fieldwork. A reconnaissance-level survey cannot be used to determine eligibility or meet regulatory requirements.

Parts of a reconnaissance-level survey

Our Guidelines for Architectural Survey describe reconnaissance-level survey parts in greater detail. However, they generally include:

  1. Research Design
  2. Justification of Survey Boundaries and Scope
  3. Historical Overview
  4. Data Summary
  5. Survey Forms

Designing the survey

Survey design is an essential first step in survey work. According to the National Park Service (NPS),

The purpose of the research design is to define the proposed scope of the documentation work and to define a set of expectations based on the information available prior to the research. Generally, the research design also ensures that research methods are commensurate with the type, quality and source of expected information.

Therefore, it should account for the following:

  • Needs of the survey sponsor
  • Available funding
  • The nature of historic properties in the survey area

At minimum, the research design should include:

  • Objectives of the identification activities.
  • Methods the survey will use to obtain the information.
  • Expected results and the reasoning behind those expectations.

Defining the survey area

At this level of survey, boundaries are tied to the jurisdiction of the sponsor(s). This is usually limited by political boundaries. Within this jurisdiction, the survey may include either of the following:

  • All residential, commercial and industrial neighborhoods or communities within the limits.
  • A more focused study area based on population growth or economic influences. These examine particular neighborhoods or development patterns within the county or municipality.

Researchers should define the survey area with the aid of a qualified professional. The survey report should include the researcher’s rationale for using those boundaries. Surveys may need to spread out work across multiple phases due to the limitations of the project.

Types of properties to include

Property types should reflect the survey area’s character and development history. Surveyed properties normally must reach an age threshold of 50 years or older to be historic. However, some newer resources meet National Register criteria consideration g, exceptional significance. Researchers usually identify these through background research and recent histories.

Generally, include any of the following if they meet either threshold:

  • Districts
  • Buildings
  • Sites
  • Structures
  • Objects

NPS describes property types in greater detail in their bulletin Guidelines for Local Surveys: A Basis for Preservation Planning (former NRB 24).

These properties are not limited to those visible from public roads. Surveyors should reference aerial photographs and historic maps as needed. Put a special focus on properties that convey local, state or national significance.

Publications of the National Register of Historic Places (NPS)
Publications of the National Register of Historic Places (NPS)

Download National Register Bulletins and more.

Levels of research

At this level of survey, the main research goal is to create a historic overview. Extensive research is not required here, but it will be in an intensive-level follow up. Then, researchers will need deeper and more specific targets. Thus, the design phase should include research strategies for the entire survey process. This ensures that research is effective and integrated throughout the survey project.

Historic overview

This narrative improves our understanding of the survey area by developing context.

It examines the area’s economic development and physical evolution. The focus is not on specific resources, but broader trends and events that shaped the survey area. These can include local or regional trends that deviate from statewide history. These themes should include:

  • Development of modes of transportation and their systems.
  • Development and roles of various community and economic institutions.
  • Ethnic customs and neighborhoods.
  • Prominent local personalities.
  • Other relevant themes to the community or region.

The main focus is on broader patterns, but the context should include local examples. Identify these through the survey’s findings. They can represent architectural styles and construction history consistent with local history. Examples are not restricted to standing structures, either. Non-extant properties may still be useful for building context for extant properties.

Selecting properties for intensive-level survey

After completing fieldwork and recordation, the surveyor identifies properties for further research. National Register criteria and criteria considerations guide this selection. Resources only need to be potentially eligible to advance to the next level. Surveyors should also identify any potential historic districts. The final reconnaissance-level survey records and summarizes these recommendations.