When an individual or corporation proposes to build a new building or overpass they seek permission from the county or state. Upon receiving the request, individuals in the planning department search archaeology files for sites within the demolition area. If no sites are found and all requirements are met, the permit is administered without objection. If, however, it is discovered that an archaeological site is in the path of demolition, a planning department may notify archaeologists for contesting. Planning and zoning departments cannot notify archaeologists of sites that are not recorded as being special areas.
Prior to making a final decision, archaeologists and planners must determine the significance of the site. While planners may not know the importance of a site, archaeologists should be capable of determining whether an area is significant enough to be sustained. Whereas archaeological sites having important historical roots are typically preserved, those with little to no significance are usually demolished. If a site is ruled as highly significant, a developer may work with archaeologists to modify plans in order to preserve the area.
Archaeologists strive to preserve old sites and develop new historical areas. Upon finding potential artifacts, researchers analyze the discovery based on a number of factors. A pyramid appearing to be from ancient Egypt must be compared with other pyramids from the time period in order to determine authenticity. If, upon careful analysis, it is determined that a site carries historical significance, archaeologists will register the area with the regional government and educate the public about the discovery. While registering the site protects it from demolition, educating the public provides knowledge about the time period and promotes preservation efforts among commoners.
There are instances where a site must be destroyed to make room for urban development. Such instances frequently occur during freeway and apartment building constructions. In these times of new development, technology makes it possible for archaeological sites to be preserved. Instead of demolishing the site and losing all its historic value, archaeologists may take pictures of the area using digital photogrammetry. In addition to providing a picture of the site, digital photogrammetry allows individuals to upload the image to a computer and create a three dimensional virtual replica of the area. Such a replica can be disbursed to the general public by way of the Internet or museums.