Postgraduate Course: Principles of GIS for Archaeologists (PGGE11181)
Course Outline
| School | School of Geosciences |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | There are many applications of GIS for archaeological research and the conservation and management of archaeological resources. This course seeks to build a theoretical and practical basis in the use of GIS technologies, and demonstrate how they can be variously applied to the study of Archaeology. The first five weeks of this course cover the same material and practicals associated with the Principles of GIS course and cover topics such as data modelling, data capture, analysis and visualisation. Commencing week 7, the following 5 weeks will explore the application of GIS to a diversity of scales and archaeological contexts. The combination of case studies portrayed in lectures and practicals will provide insight on the current use of GIS and spatial analysis in archaeology, from data acquisition to archaeological research and conservation management. |
| Course description |
The first five weeks of this 11 week course follow the same lectures and practicals as the 10 credit, level 11 course, Introduction to GIS PGGE11067. In Week 6 there is no lecture. From weeks 7 to 11, the lectures move to the Old Medical School, and the timing of the lecture changes. The practicals follow the lectures. The focus of the remaining 5 weeks is on the relevance and application of GIS to Archaeology.
Lectures
GIS and Geography
Geographic Analysis
Representing Geography and Data Modelling
Data capture and data quality
Cartographic Design and Map Projections
The spatial patterns of material culture
The site and its environment
Regional dynamics and networks of interaction
GIS and Public Archaeology, Visit to HES (former RCAHMS)
Uncertainty in spatiotemporal dynamics
Practicals
Practical 1 ArcGIS an introduction to frames, layers, colours and symbols
Practical 2 Data acquisition, editing and management
Practical 3 Spatial analysis using raster datasets
Practical 4 Spatial analysis with vector data
Practical 5 Cartographic Design and Map projections
Practical VI The identification of spatial patterns
Practical VII Spatial Analysis of settlement and sites
Practical VIII Modelling spatiotemporal dynamics
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of the components and range of methods which make up a geographical information systems and understand the importance of data modelling in the storage of geographical data within database systems.
- learn how spatial data are acquired and appreciate the functionality of GIS software, including basic expertise in analysis, classification, query, and integration of vector and raster data and visualisation.
- . apply appropriate cartographic principles in the construction of maps and develop an integrated practical project, drawing on appropriate source data, providing sensible analysis, output and drawing appropriate conclusions.
- understand the utility of GIS in the context of archaeological study including impact of viewshed analysis upon habitation patterns; digital elevation modelling and farming practice, land use modelling and cost path analysis.
- demonstrate an understanding of landscape archaeology and how GIS is applied at a range of scales, from intrasite studies to regional analysis.
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Reading List
Bevan, A. 2012. Spatial methods for analysing large-scale artefact inventories. Antiquity: A Quarterly Review of Archaeology, 86(332), 492¿506.
Bevan, A. & Lake, M. 2013. Computational Approaches to Archaeological Spaces, Left Coast Press.
Conolly, J. & Lake, M. 2006. Geographical information systems in archaeology. Cambridge University Press.
Gillings, M. 2001." Spatial information and archaeology". In Brothwell, D. R., and Pollard, A. M. (eds.), Handbook of Archaeological Sciences, Wiley, New York, 663¿670.
McCoy, M. D. & Ladefoged, T. N.. "New developments in the use of spatial technology in archaeology." Journal of Archaeological Research 17.3, 263-295.
Murrieta-Flores, P. 2012. "Understanding human movement through spatial technologies. The role of natural areas of transit in the Late Prehistory of South-western Iberia." Trabajos de Prehistoria 69.1, 103-122.
Turner S. & Crow, J. 2010 Unlocking historic landscapes in the Eastern Mediterranean: two pilot studies using Historic Landscape Characterisation, Antiquity: A Quarterly Review of Archaeology 84, 216¿229
Yubero-Gómez, M.; Rubio-Campillo, X. & López-Cachero, J. 2015. "The study of spatiotemporal patterns integrating temporal uncertainty in late prehistoric settlements in northeastern Spain." Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 1-14.
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Project work, problem solving, communication of ideas, research design. |
| Additional Class Delivery Information |
Not being delivered |
| Keywords | PGGE11181 GIS,Computer modelling,archaeology |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Xavier Rubio-Campillo
Tel: (0131 6)51 7112
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Karolina Galera
Tel: (0131 6)50 2572
Email: |
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