By utilising the services of the DVAS geophysical survey team, any previously hidden archaeology can be pinpointed and recorded before development so that any possible disruption may be avoided. Archaeological digs can also benefit enormously from the incorporation of a geophysics survey into the project.

The two main survey techniques are:

Resistivity survey - This works by passing an electrical current through the ground and measuring any difference in the resistance. Features are highlighted as the electric current passes more easily through moist deposits than through dry. Resistance survey is particularly suited to the definition of buried archaeological remains that are the result of past human actions that have altered the ability of the deposits to hold moisture. The foundations of a stone wall hold considerably less moisture than the organic-rich fill of a ditch or pit. Consequently the resistance values of a pit or ditch may be expected to be significantly lower than those of a stone wall.

Magnetometry. - DVAS uses a Flux-gate Gradiometer that utilises two sensors to measure external magnetic fields. The upper sensor is positioned to detect the earth's magnetic field while the lower sensor detects the earth's magnetic field plus any other magnetic field resulting from below the ground anomalies which may be identified as features.