Using GIS in Archaeology

Indiana Jones and GIS

The new “Indiana Jones” movie officially opens in theaters today, and the field of archaeology will once again be in the spotlight. Archaeologists like the fictional Dr. Jones are beginning to expand their understanding of their research by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

GIS provides a tool for linking objects on a map to a database, and archaeology is a field that utilizes data in a spatial manner. Data from ancient documents and from field research can be mapped and charted using GIS. Archaeologists can chart the distribution of peoples, study ancient governments, and map ancient trade routes. GIS software can assist in surveying an archaeological site, creating a model of the site, and creating a map of the site.

The National Science Foundation is sponsoring the National Historic Geographic Information System at http://www.nhgis.org/. This site provides census data and GIS-compatible boundary files for the United States between 1790 and 2000. Users can access the NHGIS Shape Finder using GIS software to access and map data. Data can be accessed with the NHGIS Data Finder, and users can use Social Explorer to map census data from 1940 to 2000.

The National Park Service is using GIS and GPS technology to map historic battlefields and other sites. More information and sample projects are available at http://www.nps.gov/history/hdp/crgis/index.htm

The Silk Road Foundation newsletter details the use of GIS in archaeological projects throughout central Asia. “The Origin of Chess and the Silk Road” and “Evolving the Archaeological Mapping of Afghanistan” are some of the featured articles at http://www.silk-road.com/newsletter/vol1.html

Researchers interested in learning more about using GIS technology in archaeology can find several books in the General Collection in Bracken Library. Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology by James Conolly, Spatial Technology and Archaeology: the Archaeological Applications of GIS by David Wheatley, and Practical Applications of GIS for Archaeologists: A Predictive Modeling Toolkit by Konnie Westcott are all excellent resources about the field. Placing History: How Maps, Spatial Data, and GIS Are Changing Historical Scholarship by Anne Kelly Knowles is a new reference item in the Geospatial Resources & Map Collection.

The GRMC on the second floor of the Library has eight computer work stations available with the latest GIS software, and the GIS Specialist is available for assistance with projects. GIS software is also available on the computers located in the Periodical Reserves area of the Library and the Architecture Library.