In December 1998 the site was mapped and an intensive surface survey was conducted. The methods of the intensive survey reflect the approaches of Charels Redman and Patty Jo Watson (1970), Robert Whallon (1979, 1980) and Yuval Portugali (1982), being similar to the "Shovel-Test-Sampling" method (Krakker et al. 1983). The methodology aims at determining variations in size of settlements on tell sites and identifying the most efficient locations on the surface of the tell for later excavation. With the use of a Theomat, or computerized land survey equipment, data pertaining to the x, y, and z coordinates of particular points on the tell were collected.

This data was then inserted into a digital cartographic mapping program, Surfer being the specific program used for this project. Following this intensive mapping of the site, more than 70 collection units were identified over the entire tell surface. Units consisted of 3 meter diameter circles whose central point of origin had been measured and documented (the x, y and z elements) via the use of the Theomat. From these units all indicative artifacts were collected, pottery being the most widely represented. An excavation of the top soil, as suggested by Portugali (1982) was excluded because of the nature of the survey license. Once the analysis of these artifacts had been completed, the information and their corresponding time periods were inserted into a computer database created by Prof. Jim Bently of Withrop University. Prof. Bently then re-analyzed this information within the Surfer Program, allowing him to generate and display frequency distribution maps of potsherds from the various periods in which the tell was occupied. This ability to visually observe the distribution patterns permitted dig directors to estimate the extent of occupation within specific settlement periods, aiding in the location of future excavation areas.

The results of this survey, according to specific collection area, can be reviewed here.