Planned archaeology, also known as research-oriented archaeology, is carried out as part of a national research programme determined by representatives of the scientific community responsible for archaeology in France. It most often involves multi-year research programmes with highly specific goals covering the chronological and thematic field of the archaeological investigation. A planned excavation does not have to be undertaken at speed and takes a purely scientific approach not constrained by land development. It is carried out by professional archaeologists from universities, the CNRS, the Ministry of Culture, Inrap, local authorities and others, or by independent archaeologists who are members of voluntary organisations. All excavations are performed within a scientific framework and require specific technical skills. Investigations are authorised by the prefect based on scientific advice from the territorial archaeological research committee (CTRA).