Abstract

In August 1998, an archaeological survey was conducted on Scatary Island, southeast of Cape Breton, to locate twelve fishing properties established subsequent to land grants in 1718. The properties led to permanent settlement on the island. Two years before the exploration, archival research had been conducted in Canada and France. The examination of sectors that had previously been evaluated through aerial photography made it possible to produce a computerized map, with the assistance of Professor Gerard Mackinnon of the GIS/GPS Centre at the University College of Cape Breton. Sites that were located were positioned the first week of observation. Potential sectors were photographed in detail so that the evaluation of the landscape could continue off the field and future work could be planned. During this brief exploration, it was possible to locate the 18th-century properties and other sites that have been occupied since the mid-19th century.