Computer Applications And Quantitative Methods In Archaeology 1989

A study illustrating the use of computer applications and quantitative methods in archaeology.

Traditional methods of making archaeological data available are becoming increasingly inadequate. Thanks to improved techniques for examining data from multiple viewpoints, archaeologists are now in a position to record different kinds of data, and to explore that data more fully than ever before. The growing availablility of computer networks and other technologies means that communication should become increasingly available to international archaeologists. Will this result in the democratisation of archaeological knowledge on a global basis? Contributors from Western and Eastern Europe, the Far East, Africa and the Americas seek to answer this and other questions about the way in which modern technology is revolutionising archaeological knowledge.

Today, archaeologists are spending more and more time examining the past with the aid of computers. How does this increased dependence on technology affect the theory and practice of archaeology? Using Computers in Archaeology is a comprehensive review of computer applications in archaeology from the archaeologist's perspective. The book deals with all aspects of the discipline, from survey and excavation, to museums and education. Discussion covers the theoretical aspects of computer applications, with particular reference to GIS and the analysis of data, but technical jargon is kept to a minimum. With numerous illustrations, case-studies and examples, Using Computers in Archaeology is a timely introduction to this increasingly important area of archaeology, catering both for the student and the experienced archaeologist.

The nineteenth consecutive conference, CAA91, held at the University of Oxford, 25-27th March 1991. More than thirty papers are presented here, organised into four major groups: databases, GIS, statistics, images and graphics. Contributors include: Nick Ryan, Michael Heyworth, Neil Lang, Steve Stead, John Castleford, Clive Ruggles, Clive Orton, and many others.

This volume presents four techniques of multivariate analysis commonly used by archaeologists (principal component analysis, correspondence analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis). Employing "ordinary language" and real data sets, and including extensive literature reviews, the book illustrates how these statistical techniques can be applied to specific archaeological questions. A new introduction by the author updates his discussion in light of subsequent developments in the field of quantitative archaeology. Originally published by Edinburgh University Press in 1994.