The aim of this article is to describe and sicuss the use of archaeological survey in the Mediterranean area during recent decades. Emphasis will be placed on research conducted since world war II, and I will concentrate primarily on Greece and the Western Mediterranean. In this context, surveys centering on later prehistoric and historic periods will receive most attention. note that even within these areas of concentration, this article cannot claim to be exhaustive. It is my intention to discuss the highlights of this rapidly developing field.