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Computers and Statistics in Archaeology: Week 4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 2
Computers and Statistics in Archaeology: Week 4. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - 2
STATISTICS IN
ARCHAEOLOGY
Week 4. Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) - 2
© Richard Haddlesey www.medievalarchitecture.net
Aims
WEEK 4
Examine the differences between vector and raster graphics
Discuss which data types are best represented by each
Examine how ArcGIS treats vector graphics
Outline vector data sources
Create new vector themes by digitising in ArcGIS
WEEK 5
Discuss the use of photography and satellite date in GIS
Outline raster data sources
Load and geo-reference aerial photographs in ArcGIS
Examine different display options when using raster images in ArcGIS
Key text
Conolly J, Lake M 2006. Geographical Information
Systems in Archaeology: Cambridge Manuals in
Archaeology. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge
Downside:
• Fixed resolution (not multiscalar)
• It’s difficulty in representing discrete
entities (too blocky)
• Limited ability to handle multiple
attribute data through a DBMS
Image processing
Aerial and satellite integration
Image processing
• Aerial and satellite integration
• DBMS integration
Line/Polyline
Area/Region/Polygon
Text ABC
Database linkage
Map objects = attributes
Mapping to Database
Most mapping applications are intimately
linked with a database of objects:
Attributes
• Territories
• Historical records
• Sites
• Museum objects
• Features
• Excavated/collected artefacts
Graphical objects
Layers / themes
Why themes?
Logical breakdown of data - related
objects in each theme
Assemble maps for different purposes
by combining themes
Examine interaction between themes,
create new themes
Paper maps use symbolism to distinguish
between layers, to compensate for the
limitations of the technology
Data collection (1)
Conventional databases
• Point data
• Attributes for line & area objects
Digital vector data sources
• Geographically referenced
– Worldwide, DCW
– BGS
– National (e.g. Ordnance Survey)
– Other e.g. Developers plans etc
• Drafting / surveyors’ plans (DXF)
Data collection (2)
Map digitising
Considerations:
• Accuracy, costs, heads-up/down
• Projection, geodetic system, topology
• Topographic / projected
• Plans / unprojected
• Historical maps & plans
Data collection (3)
EDM, GPS & conventional survey
• Architectural survey
Field survey & recording
• Sites
• Survey units / material count
• Individual artefact locations
Surface collection
Excavation
– Units & features as objects
– 3D / volumetric systems / voxels
• Vastly increased data requirements
– Artefacts