Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology / Edition 1

by James Conolly, Mark Lake

Overview

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly developing archaeological method which is moving from the domain of the computer specialist into that of the broader archaeological community. This comprehensive manual on the use of GIS in archaeology explores the concept of GIS and illustrates how it can be adapted for practical use. Examining issues such as spatial databases, data acquisition, spatial analysis, and techniques of visualization, the book is an essential tool for both students and professional archaeologists.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521797443
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/04/2006
Series:	Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.81(w) x 9.49(h) x 0.79(d)

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