1. Further test trenches at Kerkenes Daš will be needed to test the results of geophysical survey.
2. Trenches might also determine the function of particular types of buildings.
3. If suitable locations can be identified from geophysical survey, trenches should be dug to obtain charcoal for dendrochronology.
4. Evidence for the environmental impact of the city remains a research goal that could only be retrieved through a program of trenching and flotation combined with wider geomorphological studies.
Such trenches will need to be very carefully sited to obtain evidence that addresses the major problems in coming to an understanding of how the city functioned.
Test trenches are backfilled in order to preserve the remains. The collapse of structures in the trenches excavated by Schmidt in 1928 demonstrates the need to backfill. Layers of stone are added to the tops of surviving walls, both to preserve them and to enhance their visual impact on the visitor.
