Earth Search, Inc.-Marine Archaeology Division (ESI-MAD) was formed to augment its existing cultural resource management services for our clients. ESI-MAD is fully insured for Longshoremen and Harbor Worker Act and Jones Act policies and provides professional staff and services in marine archaeological research and submerged cultural resources management for federal and state agencies and the private sector. Strategically located in New Orleans, Louisiana, ESI-MAD is capable of responding to any services requests along the entire Gulf Coast and abroad.

ESI-MAD is proficient with marine archaeological remote sensing surveys and data interpretation utilizing magnetometer, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and fathometer devices. ESI-MAD’s Project Managers are USACE-certified Working Divers experienced with dive planning, oversight, and execution involving Surface Supplied Air (SSA) diving techniques. Also, ESI-MAD has developed a diving program based on USACE work requirements for “Diving Operations” detailed in Section 30 of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Safety and Health Requirements Manual, EM 385-1-1, dated September 15, 2008, allowing for exemplary diving practices under a strict safety regimen. While ESI has investigated and recorded historic shipwrecks in Louisiana, ESI-MAD's marine archaeologists have prior experience of locating and recording submerged prehistoric and historic cultural resources in inland river, coastal, and offshore locations throughout the eastern U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico. ESI-MAD's Project Managers are demonstrated leaders that coordinate well-organized, efficient, and above all, safe projects, ensuring that we complete all tasks thoroughly and satisfactorily. We pride ourselves on our strict adherence to budgeting and deliverables requirements while providing excellent service to our clients.

 

Archival and Site File Research

Diver Evaluation of NHRP Significance for Submerged Cultural Resources

Hurricane Debris Surveys

Impact Minimization Analysis

Pipeline Hazard Surveys

Remote-Sensing Surveys and Data Analysis

Submerged Cultrual Resources Probability Modeling

Underwater Target/Anomaly Relocation and Identification

The Architectural History staff at Earth Search, Inc. has expertise in all phases of built resource management.  Our experienced architectural historians execute survey, evaluation, and management studies to support local, state, and federal preservation mandates.

Earth Search offers a range of analytical specializations and has the capability to conserve artifacts from marine and terrestrial sites.  Our 3000 sq. ft. archaeology lab has the capacity to process and store artifacts from multiple large-scale archaeology projects simultaneously.  The lab space is protected by a computer-integrated security and fire-detection systems. 

Our staff is experienced with analyzing both historic and prehistoric artifacts.  We have on-staff specialists in ceramic analysis, lithic analysis, human osteology and zooarchaeology. 

Earth Search's wet lab houses silt-trap connected washing sinks and purpose-built drying stations.  Earth Search is also equipped with a custom-designed flotation tank for separating heavy and light fractions of materials from soil samples.

The dry lab contains a library of analysis resources and nine networked computer stations.  Earth Search maintains a specially designed software system for tracking artifacts and interpolating archaeological site data.

Earth Search provides services for the stabilization and conservation of archaeologically recovered wood, textiles, leather, bone, iron, copper, and copper alloys.  Our electrolytic reduction equipment has the capacity to process a range of metals and large-scale metal artifacts (up to three cubic feet).  Earth search uses conservator-quality microcrystalline waxes for post-electrolysis sealing of stabilized metal artifacts.  We have the capacity to conserve water-logged organic materials using polymer infusion and freeze drying.

Earth Search Inc. has an extensive computer laboratory utilized in all stages of cultural resource management—from feasibility studies to report production.   ESI’s well-trained staff has experience in CAD/GIS systems, Access, Excel, Word, Photoshop, and other computer programs necessary to collect information, interpret data, and produce reports efficiently and accurately.

Collecting Information:

ESI‘s GIS/ CAD technicians commence, from stage zero, the process of data collection.  Previous archaeological investigations, historic structures, shipwrecks, historic maps, geographic landforms, and geomorphic changes are all plotted or georeferenced onto existing satellite, aerial, and topographic maps.  This database of information is invaluable in the creation of predictive models for locations of unfound historic resources–an important asset for archaeological and architectural field crews.  In the field, crews utilize GPS units, total stations, and remote sensing technology to collect additional information which is post-processed, added to the databases, and analyzed back in the computer lab.

Interpret Data:

We make use of spatial statistics, such as buffers and viewsheds, to better understand the extent and significance of discovered cultural resources.

Report Production:

Our GIS/ CAD technicians meticulously digitize maps created in the field in order to generate professional report graphics.  This data is used to accurately depict and document historic resources within the project area.