Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology

by James Conolly, Mark Lake

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139930949
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/04/2006
Series:	Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	15 MB
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About the Author

James Conolly holds the Canada Research Chair in Archaeology at Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario. His research interests include landscape archaeology, quantitative methods and the origins of early agriculture. He is co-editor (with Sue Colledge) of Early Neolithic Agriculture in South West Asia and Europe (forthcoming).
Mark Lake is a lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. His research interests include early prehistory and evolutionary archaeology. He is a contributor to Handbook of Archaeological Sciences (forthcoming) and a member of the editorial board of World Archaeology.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and theoretical issues in archaeological GIS; 2. First principles; 3. Putting GIS to work in archaeology; 4. The geodatabase; 5. Spatial data acquisition; 6. Building surface models; 7. Beginning exploratory data analysis; 8. Spatial analysis; 9. Map algebra, surface derivatives and spatial processes; 10. Regions: territories, catchments and viewsheds; 11. Routes: networks, cost paths and hydrology; 12. Maps and digital cartography; 13. Maintaining spatial data.

Editorial Reviews

'There is no stone unturned here - the manual contains sections for nearly every conceivable use of GIS, and each chapter illustrates the whys and how-tos in clear language with plenty of illustrations and supporting charts...an invaluable tool for both the novice and the experienced professional who seeks a better understanding of this important research tool.' Dirt Brothers.org

' … the book is well written, lavishly illustrated and attractively presented. The authors constantly demonstrate their considerable knowledge and skill in GIS, while making the technical, mathematical and computer issues easily comprehensible.' South African Archaeological Bulletin

From the Publisher