Areas of archaeological potential and other terms such as area of high archaeological potential or urban archaeological zone are terms used to identify parts of the country where it is known that buried archaeology is likely to survive. They are primarily created and used in the planning process at act as triggers that can alert planning officers to possible archaeological disturbance caused by proposed new development. They are often marked out on GIS databases and any application for development within them is likely to be referred to the county archaeologist for comment and advice. This process is in keeping with the UK government guidelines on archaeology and planning, known as PPG 16.