GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling
The book "GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling" edited by Mark W. Mehrer and Konnie L. Wescott is a collection of papers that explore the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in archaeology. The book is divided into six sections, each addressing a different aspect of the topic.
In Section 1, Kenneth L. Kvamme revisits the history of archaeological locational modeling. He discusses the evolution of the field, from early attempts at simple mapping to more complex models that integrate landscape, culture, and other factors.
Section 2 explores theoretical and methodological issues related to predictive archaeological modeling. Gary Lock and Trevor Harris propose a new approach that integrates location, landscape, and culture to enhance the accuracy of predictive models. Konnie L. Wescott discusses adaptive sampling and analysis techniques that can increase the value of predictive models.
Section 3 examines issues of scale, with papers by Christopher D. Dore and LuAnn Wandsnider on modeling for management in a compliance world, Hans Kamermans on problems in Paleolithic land evaluation, and Malcolm Ridges on the regional dynamics of hunting and gathering in Australia.
Section 4 focuses on quantitative and methodological issues. Christian Mayer discusses the use of distances to estimate parameters of spatial processes, while Kevin R. Schwarz and Jerry Mount explore the integration of spatial statistics into archaeological data modeling. Philip Verhagen proposes the use of multicriteria methods and Bayesian statistics to develop predictive models.
Section 5 addresses the use of large databases and CRM, with papers by Philip B. Mink II, B. Jo Stokes, and David Pollack on points vs. polygons, Bruce Verhaaren, James Levenson, and James Kuiper on the IEDROK GIS, and Kira E. Kaufmann on the appropriateness and applicability of GIS and predictive models.
Finally, Section 6 discusses modeling applications in progress, with papers by Frank Vermeulen on ancient roads and field systems, Scott Madry et al. on a GIS-based predictive model for the North Carolina Department of Transportation, and Frank J. Krist Jr. on multicriteria/multiobjective predictive modeling.
Overall, "GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling" offers a comprehensive overview of the use of GIS in archaeology and presents a range of theoretical and methodological approaches to predictive modeling. It will be of interest to archaeologists, geographers, and GIS specialists, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of technology and archaeology.
comments
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *