Surveying ancient sites in Shandong, China Our study was the first full-coverage survey in northern China, and, we believe, in China as a whole. This method of survey has proven essential to investigations about the rise of complex societies in areas such as Mexico. It is used by scienitists to identify changes in patterns of settlement over time, such as the growth or decline of regional centers. Interpreting the nature of social changes that took place must involve data about whole regions, rather than just isolated sites. Gary Feinman and Linda Nicholas have over 25 years of experience doing this kind of survey in Mexico, and they have taught our team by these successful methods.