Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology

by James Conolly , Mark Lake

• ISBN13: 9780521793308
• ISBN10: 0521793300
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-05-29
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

List of figures	xii
List of tables	xvii
List of boxes	xix
Acknowledgements	xx
Introduction and Theoretical Issues in Archaeological GIS	1	(10)
About this book	1	(2)
Theoretical issues	3	(7)
Conclusion	10	(1)
First Principles	11	(22)
Introduction	11	(1)
The basics	11	(5)
Cartographic principles	16	(8)
Data models and data structures: the digital representation of spatial phenomena	24	(7)
Conclusion	31	(2)
Putting GIS to Work in Archaeology	33	(18)
Management of archaeological resources	33	(3)
GIS and excavation	36	(5)
Landscape archaeology	41	(4)
Spatial and simulation modelling	45	(5)
Conclusion	50	(1)
The Geodatabase	51	(10)
Introduction	51	(4)
Designing a relational database for attribute data	55	(2)
Spatial data storage and management	57	(4)
Spatial Data Acquisition	61	(29)
Introduction	61	(1)
Primary geospatial data	61	(16)
Secondary data	77	(9)
Map rectification and georeferencing	86	(2)
A note on spatial error and map generalisation	88	(2)
Building Surface Models	90	(22)
Introduction	90	(1)
Interpolation	90	(1)
Global methods	91	(3)
Local methods	94	(3)
Interpolation with geostatistics: kriging	97	(3)
Creating digital elevation models	100	(11)
Conclusion	111	(1)
Exploratory Data Analysis	112	(37)
Introduction	112	(1)
The query	112	(10)
Statistical methods	122	(13)
Data classification	135	(13)
Conclusion	148	(1)
Spatial Analysis	149	(38)
Introduction	149	(1)
Linear regression	149	(9)
Spatial autocorrelation	158	(4)
Cluster analysis	162	(6)
Identifying cluster membership	168	(5)
Density analysis	173	(4)
Local functions	177	(2)
Predictive modelling	179	(7)
Conclusion	186	(1)
Map Algebra, Surface Derivatives and Spatial Processes	187	(21)
Introduction: point and spatial operations	187	(1)
Map algebra	188	(1)
Derivatives: terrain form	189	(8)
Continuity and discontinuity	197	(5)
Surface processes: erosion	202	(4)
Conclusion	206	(2)
Regions: Territories, Catchments and Viewsheds	208	(26)
Introduction: thinking about regions	208	(1)
Geometrical regions	209	(4)
Topographical regions	213	(20)
Conclusion	233	(1)
Routes: Networks, Cost Paths and Hydrology	234	(29)
Introduction	234	(1)
Representing networks	234	(4)
Analysing networks	238	(14)
Networks on continuous surfaces	252	(10)
Conclusion	262	(1)
Maps and Digital Cartography	263	(17)
Introduction	263	(1)
Designing an effective map	263	(1)
Map design	264	(1)
Thematic mapping techniques	265	(11)
Internet mapping	276	(2)
Conclusion	278	(2)
Maintaining Spatial Data	280	(9)
Introduction	280	(1)
Metadata standards	281	(2)
Creating metadata	283	(4)
Conclusion	287	(2)
Glossary	289	(18)
References	307	(20)
Index	327