Geographis Information Systems (GIS) and related technologies have a new and powerful role to play in archaeological interpretation
Beginning with a conceptual approach to the representation of space adopted by the GIS; the book examines spatial databases; the acqusition and compilation of data; the analytical functionality of GIS and the creation and utilisation of critical foundation data layers such as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM).
The ways in which GIS can most usefully facilitaate archaeological analysis and interpretation is then explored, particularly as a tool for the management of archaeological resources. Formal analysis of archaeological material, and the use of trend surface, contouring and interpolation proceedures are considered. Predictive modeling analysis of visibility and intervisibility are explained. Finally, there is a discussion of leading-edge issues, including three-dimensional GIS, object oriented GIS, the relationship between GIS and 'Virtual Reality' technologies, and the integration of GIS with distributed systems and the internet.
The approach is light, and the detail is kept to a minimum, recognising that most readers are simply interested in using GIS effectively. The text is carefully illustrated with worked case-studies usingarchaeological data. The book provides a single reference source for archaeologists - students, professional archaeologists and academics in archaeology as well as those in anthrolpology and related disciplines.
Key Features
* accessible textbook
* heavily illustrated
* full colour section