Research Methodologies

The following research techniques have been employed by the Centre of Archaeology team during its work at Treblinka:

Desk-based research

  • Archival research to collect documentary, photographic and cartographic sources
  • Aerial photographic analysis and interpretation
  • Geographical Information System (GIS) analysis
  • LiDAR analysis and interpretation
  • Landscape profiling drawing on forensic archaeological principles

Original Interviews

  • Interviews with survivors of Treblinka I and II
  • Interviews with survivors of the Warsaw Ghetto
  • Discussions, debates and interviews with Holocaust historians

Site identification and recording

  • Visual inspection
  • Close contact, systematic walkover survey
  • Taphonomic indicator identification (drawing on forensic archaeological principles)
  • Mapping and recording of identified sites (using GPS and Total Station survey)

Detailed investigation

  • Detailed recording of specified identified sites (Differential GPS survey, Total Station recording, photography, illustration)
  • Topographic mapping of the surrounding landscape to create Digital Terrain Models (using Differential GPS)
  • Non-intrusive geophysical survey (Ground Penetrating Radar, resistance survey and electrical imaging)
  • 360 degree photography of the modern landscape
  • Targeted excavations in some areas
  • 3D Visualisation of various evidence types