Geophysical + Cultural Services
About STRATA
Archaeological expertise, geophysical technology, and responsible interpretation brought together to help clients understand what lies beneath the surface.
Our Company
Technical Investigation Grounded in Archaeological Context
STRATA Geophysical and Cultural Services provides archaeologist-led geophysical investigations and analytical services for archaeological sites, cemeteries, historic properties, development projects, universities, communities, and research institutions.
Our work combines ground-penetrating radar, magnetometry, electromagnetic conductivity, portable X-ray fluorescence, GIS, remote sensing, and archaeological interpretation. Each investigation is designed around the site conditions, anticipated targets, project constraints, and the specific question that needs to be answered.
STRATA does more than collect instrument data. We evaluate geophysical results alongside archaeological, historical, geological, spatial, and environmental information to provide clear findings, transparent limitations, and practical recommendations.
Who We Are
Woman-Owned. Archaeologist-Led.
STRATA is a family-owned professional services firm combining archaeological, technical, public-sector, and organizational experience. Our leadership brings together scientific investigation, cultural-resource expertise, community awareness, and practical project management.
Leadership
Experience Behind Every Investigation
Co-Founder and Business Operations
Sylvia Solis Daniels
Sylvia brings extensive public-sector leadership and organizational experience to STRATA. Her professional background includes housing, neighborhood services, community development, municipal programs, public administration, and the coordination of complex initiatives involving residents, agencies, consultants, elected officials, and community partners.
At STRATA, Sylvia supports business administration, organizational strategy, client service, community awareness, and long-term company development. Her experience helps ensure that STRATA’s technical work is supported by thoughtful communication, responsible management, and an understanding of public and community priorities.
Sylvia’s experience is especially relevant to projects involving municipalities, neighborhood planning, community collaboration, public properties, housing, and culturally sensitive places.
Principal Archaeologist and Geophysicist
James T. Daniels, Jr., PhD, RPA
James is an archaeologist and Registered Professional Archaeologist with nearly two decades of experience in cultural-resource management, archaeological geophysics, remote sensing, GIS, and archaeometry.
His work includes archaeological investigations, regulatory compliance, project management, cemetery studies, geophysical survey design, data processing, anomaly interpretation, and the integration of geophysical results with archaeological and geoarchaeological information.
James has conducted and managed investigations using ground-penetrating radar, magnetometry, electromagnetic conductivity, portable X-ray fluorescence, photogrammetry, and spatial analysis. His experience includes complex multi-method projects such as the Fletcher-Johnson redevelopment investigation in Washington, D.C., where geophysics, archaeology, geoarchaeology, historical research, and regulatory requirements were integrated into a coordinated investigation.
Our Approach
Methods Selected for the Site and the Question
Question-Driven
We begin by defining what the investigation needs to determine, rather than applying the same survey design to every site.
Multi-Method
GPR, magnetometry, conductivity, pXRF, GIS, historical information, and archaeological evidence may be combined when complementary datasets can strengthen interpretation.
Transparent
We distinguish measured anomalies from their possible causes and clearly communicate uncertainty, data quality, and methodological limitations.
Respectful
Investigations are conducted with care for cultural sensitivity, community priorities, confidential information, and the protection of archaeological resources.
Technical Capabilities
Integrated Tools for Subsurface Investigation
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Planning an Investigation?
Tell us about the property, site conditions, project objectives, and the subsurface questions you need to address.