Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Lecture 1:Why GIS matters

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

What does GIS do?

• Map multiple sources of geographic data at once

• Use powerful spatial analysis tools

• Publication of paper and electronic maps

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Restrictions of working with GIS:

• Easy to disguise poor quality data

• Output may need editing for publication

• Tools can be used when not appropriate

• Simplification of the real world

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Background map data

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Digital Elevation Models (DEM)

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Aerial photographs / satellite images

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Geophysics

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Field survey results / excavation plans

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Sites and Monuments Records etc.

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Data sources:

Environmental data

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Raster:

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Vector:

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Raster Vs Vector:

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

Projection:

Introduction to ArcGIS for archaeologists

This course was written by Dr Chris Green at the University ofLeicester. He can be contacted at archtgis@gmail.com if you haveany comments.

The production of this course was funded by the SPLINTCentre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Leicester:http://www.le.ac.uk/geography/splint/