A Basis for Preservation Planning. Since it is impossible to collect all information that may be available about a property or an area, data collection is inherently selective, especially given constraints of time and money. At a minimum, the data should be sufficient to determine whether the resources identified during the survey are of sufficient importance to be eligible for listing in the National Register, and what priority they might have in local planning. Information needed for other uses, such as decision-making about treatment or land use, may require the collection of additional data. To ensure flexibility and efficiency, survey data should be collected in a format which allows it to be analyzed and used for a variety of purposes, such as for a National Register nomination, for making a decision on a rezoning application, or in a publication.
Many historical resources have archaeological or historic landscape components.
Therefore, it is desirable for the survey team to consist of more than one professional discipline. Every survey should be based on a statement of objectives, or research design. Methods to be used to obtain the information. The expected results. More detailed information about research designs can be found in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Identification.