Why Teach Kids About Archaeological Surveys?

At Get Kids into Survey, we’re always looking for fun, adventurous ways to show children how exciting the world of geospatial science can be. One of the coolest ways to do that? Archaeological surveying — the perfect mix of ancient history and cutting-edge tech. Because what kid wouldn’t get excited about buried treasure, lost cities, dinosaur bones, or secret tombs… especially when they realise people like surveyors are the ones helping to find them?

When we talk about archaeological surveys, we’re not just talking about dusty old digs with shovels. Today’s archaeologists rely on modern surveyors to do incredible things — like scanning hidden ruins with lasers, flying drones over jungles to uncover ancient cities, using radar to “see” underground, and even sending underwater robots to explore shipwrecks. These tools aren’t just futuristic gadgets — they’re essential in helping us understand and protect the past. And better yet, they show kids that real-world science is just as exciting as anything they see in movies or games.

Teaching children about archaeological surveying helps them connect with history in a whole new way. It sparks curiosity and shows them that discovering the past isn’t about memorising dates — it’s about exploration, problem-solving, and storytelling through science. When kids see how surveyors work with archaeologists to uncover Roman mosaics in a British field, or map ancient pyramids without laying a finger on the stones, they begin to see how powerful and important geospatial work really is.

The best part? It helps open their eyes to real-life careers they may never have heard of — and shows them that they could one day be part of this world too. Whether it’s working in a museum, flying drones across deserts, or helping preserve Indigenous cave art, surveyors are the quiet heroes behind so much of what we know about the past. And kids love heroes with cool gadgets.

That’s why are creating a brand-new Archaeological Surveys Poster — to bring all of these ideas to life in full, colourful, cartoon glory. From Roman ruins and dino digs to medieval castles and sunken ships, the poster is packed with scenes that show how technology and teamwork help uncover the secrets of the past. We’ll also be adding a free Q&A activity sheet to help kids explore each part of the scene, ask big questions, and learn how different tools are used to map, measure, and protect history.

We believe that if you plant the seed of curiosity early, amazing things can grow. A child who learns about archaeological surveying today could become a preservationist, geospatial engineer, drone pilot, or the one who scans a long-lost city tomorrow. That’s why we do what we do — to inspire, to educate, and to show kids that surveying is more than maps and measurements. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, to uncover the stories of the past, and to shape the future too.

So join us in digging a little deeper. Let’s show the next generation just how exciting and important surveying can be — one poster at a time.