This is a preliminary report (the first substantial publication to appear) on the first four seasons' work of an archaeological survey project in Boeotia, central Greece, reinforced by the results of a further study season. After a brief general consideration of survey strategies, the article concentates on the specific conditions of the sample area chosen in western Boeotia. A full account is given of the field procedures adopted in the opening season (1979), with the changes introduced in subsequent years. The findings, based on the 21.5 sq km covered so far in this high-intensity survey, are then reported period by period, and a summary account of the nonarchaeological studies undertaken in collaboration with the expedition is appended. The article is supported by full tabulation of sites and periods.