Geographic information systems (gis)

Definition

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are powerful tools used to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial or geographic data. They allow archaeologists to visualize and interpret data related to the physical landscape, making it easier to understand relationships between sites, artifacts, and environmental factors during excavation processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GIS technology allows for layering different types of data, such as topography, site locations, and artifact distributions, enabling more comprehensive analysis.
2. With GIS, archaeologists can create predictive models to identify potential excavation sites based on historical and environmental data.
3. GIS can assist in documenting changes over time by comparing historical maps with current geographic data.
4. The integration of GIS with other technologies like GPS enhances the precision of data collection during fieldwork.
5. GIS helps in visualizing archaeological findings, making it easier to communicate results and insights to both scholars and the public.

Review Questions

• How does GIS enhance the process of excavation and analysis in archaeology?
  • GIS enhances excavation and analysis by providing a systematic way to capture and analyze spatial data related to archaeological sites. It allows archaeologists to visualize the relationships between various elements such as site locations, artifact distributions, and environmental features. This spatial understanding can lead to better planning for excavations and a more informed interpretation of findings.
• Discuss how GIS can be integrated with other technologies in archaeological research.
  • GIS can be integrated with technologies like remote sensing and GPS to create a more robust approach to archaeological research. Remote sensing provides aerial views and detailed landscape information that can be mapped into GIS for analysis. Meanwhile, GPS ensures precise location tracking of artifacts and excavation sites, allowing for accurate data layering in GIS systems. This combination leads to enhanced accuracy and depth in research outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of using GIS on archaeological interpretation and public engagement.
  • The use of GIS has significant implications for archaeological interpretation by allowing researchers to uncover patterns and relationships that may not be immediately evident through traditional methods. This spatial analysis can lead to new insights about past human behavior and environmental interactions. Additionally, GIS facilitates public engagement by creating visually compelling maps and models that communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. This helps bridge the gap between academic research and public interest in archaeology.

Related terms

Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object or area from a distance, often through satellite or aerial imagery, used to analyze landscapes without direct contact.

Spatial Analysis: The examination of the locations and relationships of various features in space, used in GIS to uncover patterns and trends in archaeological data.

Topographic Mapping: The representation of the three-dimensional features of a terrain on a two-dimensional map, showing elevation and landforms that help in understanding site context.