Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


18395.pdf (6.49 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

A Spatiotemporal GIS Analysis of GPS Effects on Archaeological Site Variability

Foust, Nathaniel E
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439306878

Abstract Details

2015, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Anthropology.
Regional analyses of archaeological phenomena are heavily dependent upon accurate spatial data. This condition is especially true concerning the practice of surface archaeology, which relies almost exclusively on spatial patterns to infer culture change and culture process. Inferences and conclusions drawn from these data are used to answer both particularistic and theoretical questions regarding ancient human behavior. It is thus imperative that the data used in surface archaeology research be as accurate and reliable as possible, if we aim to produce rigorous scientific results. The Upper Basin Archaeological Research Project (UBARP) provides an excellent opportunity to test the veracity of regional level spatial data. Since 1989, UBARP has discovered over 2,200 archaeological phenomena across nearly 24 sq. km of the Upper Basin, Grand Canyon, northern Arizona. The work has been carried out primarily through intensive surveys, facilitated by the use of numerous GPS devices since 1994. Because these phenomena were recorded prior to and during the evolution of GPS technology, the question of their spatial accuracy was raised. Ground-truthing field work was conducted in 2014 to provide comparative data for this study, which proposed that the locations and patterning of archaeological features would steadily increase in accuracy over time with the employment of GPS technology. The results of this study suggest that recording archaeological features with GPS has provided a significant improvement in the spatial reliability and inferential potential of surface archaeology. For this reason, interpretations of the culture history of this region, and others, drawn from pre-GPS surveys may be suspect for their accuracy. Based on the results of this study, remediation of archaeological surveys conducted prior to the use of GPS is highly encouraged.
Alan Sullivan, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Susan Allen, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
93 p.
Archaeology
Surface Archaeology; GPS; GIS; Spatial Analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Foust, N. E. (2015). A Spatiotemporal GIS Analysis of GPS Effects on Archaeological Site Variability [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439306878

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Foust, Nathaniel. A Spatiotemporal GIS Analysis of GPS Effects on Archaeological Site Variability. 2015. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439306878.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Foust, Nathaniel. "A Spatiotemporal GIS Analysis of GPS Effects on Archaeological Site Variability." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1439306878

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1439306878
400
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.