Archaeological Overview Assessments
Last updated on February 12, 2024Archaeological Overview Assessments compile existing knowledge about recorded archaeological site locations, historical First Nations' land use, along with cultural and environmental constants or changes in the area likely to affect site location.
This information is used to build a model of where archaeological sites are expected to be located.
Archaeological Overview Assessments (AOAs) cover a broad spectrum of studies, ranging from the review of small properties to determine the need for detailed archaeological studies, to forest district-wide mapping of archaeological potential to assist strategic and operational planning.
Archaeological Overview Assessment guidelines
Updated in November of 2023, the Archaeological Overview Assessment Guidelines (PDF 851 KB) now
- explain the difference between desktop AOAs and GIS-based AOAs, as well as their respective uses, strengths, and limitations
- supplement the requirements for Desktop AOAs provided in the Archaeological Impact Assessment Guidelines (PDF 415 KB)
- outline the requirements for developing, documenting, analyzing, evaluating, and reporting on GIS-based AOAs
The Archaeological Overview Assessment Layer: Study reports and metadata
The archaeological overview layer is viewable by authorized Remote Access to Archaeological Data (RAAD) users and authorized B.C. government staff. Please refer to the BC Data Catalogue for further information about the AOA layer.
Each AOA study in the layer consists of a written report and maps showing areas with archaeological potential. Downloadable copies of these individual assessment studies, along with the metadata referenced in the layer, are available below. The following two maps may help identify which AOA you are looking for.
Map of AOA Study Location IDs in Northern B.C. (click image to enlarge)
Map of AOA Study Location IDs in Southern B.C. (click image to enlarge)
Arrow TSA (1996)
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Boundary TSA (1997)
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Campbell River FD (2007)
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Capital Regional District (CRD) (2008)
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Cassiar-Iskut-Stikine LRMP (1998)
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Central Coast LRMP (1999)
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Central Coast TFL 25 (2000)
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Checleset Bay and Outer Kyuquot Sound (1995-)
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Chilcotin Forest District (now Cariboo-Chilcotin FD) (1998)
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Chilliwack Forest District (1999)
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Coldwater-Spius LU, Cascades Forest District (2008)
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Columbia Forest District (now Selkirk FD) (2006)
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Cranbrook TSA (2003)
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Ditidaht Traditional Territory (2001)
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Fort Nelson Forest District (1998)
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Fort St. James Forest District (now Stuart-Nechako FD) (2004-2008)
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Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group (2005)
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Johnstone Strait – TFL 47 (2002)
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KFD 2 (2006)
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Kispiox Forest District (now Coast Mountain FD) (1999)
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Kootenay Lake Forest District (now Selkirk FD) (2006-2007)
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Kootenay Lake Forest District (now Selkirk FD) (2009)
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Langford, City of (2007)
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Lillooet Forest District TSA (now Cascades FD) (1999)
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Merritt TSA / Upper Similkameen (2008)
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Morice TSA (1998-2007)
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MOYIE LAKE (2007)
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North Coast TSA (2000)
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Northeast (OGC) (2000-2005)
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Northern Secwepmec Traditional Territory (1998)
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Okanagan TSA (1997)
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Peace River Forest District (now Peace FD) (2008)
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Port Alberni, South Island Forest District - TFL 44 (2009)
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Quesnel Forest District (2008)
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Rocky Mountain Forest District (2008)
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Squamish Forest District (now Sea to Sky FD) (1997)
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Williams Lake Forest District (now Cariboo-Chilcotin FD) (1998)
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Heritage Conservation Act
Report an archaeological find
Request archaeological data
Contact information
Contact us if you have questions about archaeological impact assessments.
250-953-3334