Spatial Technology And Archaeology

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and related spatial technologies have a new and powerful role to play in archaeological interpretation. Beginning with a conceptual approach to the representation of space adopted by GIS, this book examines spatial databases; the acquisition and compilation of data; the analytical compilation of data; the analytical functionality of GIS; and the creation and utilization of critical foundation data layers such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The ways in which GIS can most usefully facilitate archaeological analysis and interpretation are then explored particularly as a tool for the management of archaeological resources. Formal analysis of archaeological material, and the use of trend surface, contouring and interpolation procedures are considered along with predictive modeling analysis of visibility and intervisibility. Finally there is a discussion of leading-edge issues, including three-dimensional GIS, object-oriented GIS, the relationship between GIS and 'Virtual Reality' technologies, and the integration of GIS with distributed systems and the Internet. The approach is light, and technical detail is kept to a minimum, recognizing that most readers are simply interested in using GIS effectively. The text is carefully illustrated with worked case-studies using archaeological data. Spatial Technology and Archaeology provides a single reference source for archaeologists, students, professionals, and academics in archaeology as well as those in anthropology and related disciplines.

This set of papers by European and North American archaeologists explore the interface between new spatial technologies and areas of theoretical concern in spatial archaeology. Differing aspects of landscape, such as vision, perception and movement, are explored through a series of case studies that focus on how spatial technologies can influence archaeological interpretation and to what extent these new technologies can be manipulated to take us beyond 2-dimensional maps. Individual site-based analyses and new applications of predictive modelling are also presented and assessed together with the wider questions of spatial technologies within heritage management.

The GIS session entitled Go your own least cost path Spatial technology and archaeological interpretation: as presented at the September 2009, European Association of Archaeologists 15th Annual Meeting in Riva del Garda, Italy. Contents: Preface (P. Verhagen, A. G. Posluschny, A. Danielisova); 1) Incorporating GIS Methodological Approaches in Heritage Management Projects (J. H. Altschul et al); 2) GIS and the Evaluation of Natural and Cultural Sites during the Planning Process. The Eskilstuna Project (W. Bondesson et al); 3) Reconstruction of the Early and Middle Neolithic Settlement Systems in the Upper Dvina Region (NW Russia) (A. Mazurkevich, E. Dolbunova); 4) Pollen and Archaeology in GIS. Theoretical Considerations and Modified Approach Testing (A. Danielisova, P. Pokorn); 5) Following Roman Waterways from a Computer Screen. GIS-based Approaches to the Analysis of Barcinos Aqueducts (H. A. Orengo, d C. Miro i Alaix; 6) Sherds on the Map. Intra-site GIS of the Neolithic Site of Bylany (Czech Republic) (P. Kvetina, M. Koncelova).

The archaeology of space and place is examined in this selection of papers from the 34th annual Chacmool Archaeological Conference.

The use of GIS is the most powerful technology introduced to archaeology since the introduction of carbon 14 dating. The most widespread use of this technology has been for the prediction of archaeological site locations. This book focuses on the use of GIS for archaeological predictive modeling. The contributors include internationally recognized researchers who have been at the forefront of this revolutionary integration of GIS and archaeology, as well as first generation researchers who have begun to critically apply this new technology and explore its theoretical implications.

Effective spatial analysis is an essential element of archaeological research; this book is a unique guide to choosing the appropriate technique, applying it correctly and understanding its implications both theoretically and practically. Focusing upon the key techniques used in archaeological spatial analysis, this book provides the authoritative, yet accessible, methodological guide to the subject which has thus far been missing from the corpus. Each chapter tackles a specific technique or application area and follows a clear and coherent structure. First is a richly referenced introduction to the particular technique, followed by a detailed description of the methodology, then an archaeological case study to illustrate the application of the technique, and conclusions that point to the implications and potential of the technique within archaeology. The book is designed to function as the main textbook for archaeological spatial analysis courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level, while its user-friendly structure makes it also suitable for self-learning by archaeology students as well as researchers and professionals.

Geographical Information Systems has moved from the domain of the computer specialist into the wider archaeological community, providing it with an exciting new research method. This clearly written but rigorous book provides a comprehensive guide to that use. Topics covered include: the theoretical context and the basics of GIS; data acquisition including database design; interpolation of elevation models; exploratory data analysis including spatial queries; statistical spatial analysis; map algebra; spatial operations including the calculation of slope and aspect, filtering and erosion modeling; methods for analysing regions; visibility analysis; network analysis including hydrological modeling; the production of high quality output for paper and electronic publication; and the use and production of metadata. Offering an extensive range of archaeological examples, it is an invaluable source of practical information for all archaeologists, whether engaged in cultural resource management or academic research. This is essential reading for both the novice and the advanced user.