GIS for Archaeology and CRM

Although I have read that the first rule of blogging is not to apologize for infrequent posting, I’ll do it anyway. With helping my fiance plan our wedding (10 days away!!!), the Tour De France, and the height of my racing season all coming together, plus a 9-5 work week, GIS and Archaeology has suffered. I guess it is good to give the blogosphere a small break from the controversial and tantalizing subjects of artifacts and computers

Posting will be back to previous standards in the near future.

And now, something completely different…

Having nothing to do with archaeology, I found this post/tutorial very interesting. From back in January (I think it made the rounds back then) Tom at Applefritter.com posted his technique for data mining Amazon.com wishlists to find the address of people asking for potentially “dangerous” literature. In his very interesting and cheeky post, Tom outlines a involved methodology to extract all 260,000 wishlists and ultimately create a Google Map of reader locations (for his post, he extrapolated the address locations to town centers).

If not just for the information on federal data mining and Tom’s take on it, this post is very intriguing. Following his technical methodology, Tom seems to be somewhat of a scripting MacGyver; quite impressive.

For an interesting diversion, check it out!

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Apparently this web map is a few years old (initially from 2002/2003), but I have just run across it for the first time and I think it still has great value.

I-Sites: An Archaeological GIS and Database for Iowa Archaeology is created from a group project of the National Park Service, University of Missouri-Columbia, University of Iowa, and Iowa State University. I-Sites is an ArcIMS served WMS which displays the archaeological site density and various base layers across the state of Iowa. Al thought site location information is aggregated into 1 mile square areas, access alone to such information is a great find. Plus, this service is offered free with no registration. Although, the timeliness of the data is unknown. Some states, such as Maryland have aggregate archaeological site data available, but only a a price.

The I-Sites WMS first has a search interface where you can query the map by county, USGS quad,Township and Range description, or click on the image map. The ArcIMS application launches from here. Having seen a decent number of IMS implementations in the past, this one seems pretty darn solid. The panning, zooming, and display are all pretty clean.The display is base layer data (major roads, towns, quad grid, watersheds, etc…) and the one mile square units shaded appropriately for their archaeological site density. There is a data query box available to find 1mi^2 units that fit certain criteria. All in all, there are not many bells or whistles, just a solid WMS that tells you what you need to know.

If you doing any planing or research in Iowa, I can see how this would be a valuable starting point.

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This is a question I get every so often and the short answer is “Yes”, but finding one can be a challenge. With an increasing number of GIS savvy archaeological students graduating from college and looking to apply their art to the trade, GIS specific positions are in demand.

Knowing that a few students have landed on this blog, I though I would say a few words and compile a list of links that are a good starting point for the job search.

Job Fields

Within the broad field of archaeology, there are a number of settings that employ GIS techniques to archaeological data sets. In the US, most of this work is done in Cultural Resource Management firms in the private sector. These firms range in size from small shops to branches of large engineering firms. Each end of the spectrum has pros and cons. The GIS work in a CRM firm can be very monotonous at times, but new projects are always around the corner. If you don’t mind filling your time with repetitive database management and computer cartography, punctuated with cool analysis projects, CRM could be a good fit.

Academic departments are also a good place to wow our colleagues with archaeological algorithms and ancient analysis. Many archaeology departments have their token professor who uses GIS. Some departments are much more in depth and specialize in GIS in archaeology. Though chances are, if you are looking for a professor position, you know the challenges that are ahead of you. If I had the endurance to stick it out for the PhD., becoming a prof. would be ideal.

Museums and non-profit foundations are also a place to look for positions. Often times, these positions are based on specific projects and grants, so longevity may not be in the cards. Thought, arrangements such as this can lead to an impressive resume of very interesting projects. High variability in the pay scale and high turnover make this a demanding setting, but great data sets and interesting projects could make it very rewarding.

Finally, GIS is also applied to archaeology at the State and Federal government level. Each state has a State Historic Preservation Office [SHPO] (or something similarly named) that advises other agencies and private companies on archaeological regulations and acts a the repository for historic and archaeological data for the state. Many of the SHPOs I am familiar with have at least one GIS person if not more. SHPOs have a tremendous amount of sensitive data on their hands and many people who need access to it. Not wanting to be the bottle neck, many SHPOs across the country have and are making attempts to automate data access. This process, for most SHPOs, is a huge undertaking transforming dozens of paper maps and thousands of forms to databases and web front ends, a process that takes years. Landing in one of these positions provides great project experience and offers insight into the working of the political world.

Job Skills

Archaeologists in general are skilled in many different fields. An archaeologists needs to know bit about pedology, geology, geomorphology, biology, chemistry, geography, and beer-ology to name a few. Working with computers in archaeology is no different. Many positions are as much computer generalist as they are GIS person. Be prepared to format reports, create spreadsheets and DBs, fix a computer, run a GPS, hack your outdated software, and most importantly, create your boss’s Powerpoint presentation. Further, many GIS archaeologists are also archaeologists and therefore required to swing a shovel when they are needed. Although digging the frozen much on the side of New Jersey highway in January sucks, sometimes taking a break from pixels is a good change of pace.

Links

As a preamble, I think it is important to emphasize that connections, networking, and personal commendation or more likely to land you a job than blindly sending emails. Try giving a phone call to local CRM firms and museums; often times, websites are way out of date and you could get the jump on an open position. What’s the worst that can happen?

The list below is somewhat organized. I am sure there are plenty more resources out there, so if I am missing any, write a comment or email me.

General Info:

• Society for American Archaeology job postings
  
• Archaeology/GIS Specialist job description from archaeology.about.com

Archaeology Job Postings:

• Shovelbums Archaeology job postings
• Archaeologyfieldwork.com job postings
  
• eCultural Resources job postings
  
• Archaeological.org job postings
  
• Museum Jobs postings

List of SHPOs and CRM Firms

• List of State Historic Preservation Offices
  
• List of CRM Firms Worldwide
  
• List of CRM Firms for US
  
• Not GIS specific, but a listserv discussion on Archaeology job skills (last post is quite apropos)
  

Some UK GIS Job sites (Thanks to Steve White)

• General GIS jobs in the UK #1
• General GIS jobs in the UK #2
  
• General GIS jobs in the UK #3

Some Academic Departments with GIS/Archaeology

• University of Arkansas and Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies
  
• SUNY Buffalo and National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis
  
• Washington State University
• University of Sydney
• University of Glasgow
  

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Sorry for the lack of posts over the 4th of July Holiday. My favorite fishing spot does not have Wi-Fi

Back to the posting…

This is the title of a recent thread on the Online Archaeology forum that has drawn a great response with some interesting observations.

The Discussion

The thread started innocently enough with a few folks asking about applications of GIS in archaeology, if it is valued, and whether it is worth while to take a class in it. As with the Online Archaeology site, many of the responses and view points here are from the UK.

Initially, many responses stated that they have used of heard of GIS in archaeology here and there, but overall it was too expensive. User AntArch, came to the table with the first informative response clearing the air of some misconceptions and describing more the essence of GIS, how it can be used in archaeology. Citing the lack of university training, lack of exemplar data sets available, and resistance from the contract/professional units due to time and cost, AntArch ultimately agreed that, yes, GIS is undervalued in archaeology.

A number or responses back and forth generally agreed that GIS is a very powerful tool for the archaeological tool chest, but often unused because of the real or perceived notion that is is too expensive, there is a lack of trained users and a confusion about what the “GIS” is and what it can do. To me the latter seems like a major reoccurring theme.

Then the discussion got very interesting! From the pleasant banter of general agreement, user “Snooks” words cracked like thunder (that may be a bit dramatic, but…)

“I am in a key IT position in one of the major contractors in the UK… I can tell you I have not seen GIS used in commercial archaeology. Too expensive and too time consuming…We want jobs to come in fast and reports to go out fast. No time/money to waste on GIS analysis.”

Well, that was one hell of a statement. AntArch followed this is a well crafted response expressing dismay for Snooks point of view and arguing the basics of what contract archaeology is all about. Not that this is the topic of the discussion, but Snooks obviously brought it into play with his/her statement. Snooks and AntArch had it our back and forth, with Snooks taking the business is business hard line. Snooks goes so far as to say that commercial archaeologists fain a desire to be academics, but we “inherently” cannot because of our pursuit for the almighty buck (or 0.781933 euro). After a few volleys, Snooks conceded that ideally, collecting “GIS data” is the proper and ethical thing for archaeologists to do, but in this business climate, it won’t fly, so don’t bother getting training because it won’t get you a job. I’m glad no body told me that when I was in school!

The responses that followed were all in support of AntArch’s pro-GIS position. Mostly stating that they too work for a commercial company using GIS practices on nearly all projects. Further, these responses addressed the common gripe of too much money and time and encouraged students to take a look into GIS as an addition to their studies.

The Conclusion

Although Snooks dollar-first-archaeology-later attitude was abhorrent within the forum, it certainly opens a can of worms that is right for the picking. When GIS techniques and practice is so evidently useful to archaeologists, what is the barrier that keeps it from common acceptance. As shown, time/money is the most often cited reason, but is it more of a contract vs. academic problem, or is it just a lack of understanding of what a GIS point of view is capable of?

It seems to me that the misunderstanding of what “GIS” actually IS causes a rift which trickles down to create the subsequent issues. Surely, I am no GIS prophet who claims to “get it”, but I have dealt with GIS and Archaeology enough to see the bigger picture. Within the forum discussion, the term “GIS” is often batted around as a commodity; a thing you have or do not have, GIS either is or is not. Of course, GIS is not a singular thing, rather a collection of things composed into a system that has objects and properties. The classic analogy is GIS as a toolbox. Tools can be used in different ways to solve different problems. To know how to address an issue, you need to know your tools. GIS is endlessly scalable. GIS tools can be used in an archaeological project from the level of visualizing GPS points, a quick aerial/satellite overlay, or complex model building and analysis.

Within the forum, the “too expensive” argument for GIS is put in it’s place by suggesting the numerous open source / freely licensed GIS programs (See a recent post by Mapz the GIS librarian). As far as the “too expensive” argument applied to training personnel, I am sure one could find a GIS knowledgeable intern or entry level archaeologist for a low price. I was one of those for a number of years and I know there are plenty more out there. The computer skills needed to learn your way around a GIS are not for beyond the basic skills most college kids already have. I would stress that a back ground in Geography and GIS theory is as important, if not more so than computer skills, but getting your foot in the GIS/Archaeology door does not have to be costly.

The discussion on the Online Archaeology Forum is a very important discussion for Archaeology and a whole. The replies give good insight into the level that GIS has permeated archaeology and has become (or not become) an accepted tool. The topics raised by the simple title “GIS; Undervalued in Archaeology?” go far and wide beyond the use of GIS in archaeology. I hope this discussion develops as time goes on.

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As part of the UK Archaeology Map, the folks at Online Archaeology have made available their catalog of United Kingdom archaeology data in KML format. Each of the layers represented on their map application, from World War era gun placements to 3rd century Roman Villas. In total, there are 287 Military sites identified and 278 Roman Villas. Also available on the UK Map catalog page are RSS links to each layers, an option to view it on their mapping application, and a link to a list of selected sources for further reading.

Deserving of a post of its own, the UK Archaeology Map is a very cool project. Based off the Google Maps API, the UK Archaeology map is in continual development with tools for increased usability and added data. Check out the Online Archaeology Map blog to track it’s developments and pick up a few hints of how the creator solved some of his mapping tasks.

Further adding value to the Online Archaeology site is an RSS aggregator for a number of archaeology and technology/archaeology news feeds. The interface is pretty slick, but it seems to be missing one super important GIS/Archaeology blog Online Archaeology’s section on “IT Archaeology” offers a bit of information on GIS and there is tons of other info to be found with some wondering around.

I am not really sure who is behind Online Archaeology, but it is a great project. The UK Archaeology Map they have created is a fine use of the Google Maps API combined with some added features for usability. The data presented is interesting and quite extensive (as far as archaeological sites published on the web goes). Take a few minutes and check it out!

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Mapz the GIS Librarian posted an great list of freely available GIS software.  Setting this list apart, is the classification of software into use categories and Mapz annotations.  Outlined is a pretty complete suite of applications that can be used to address many spatial problems.

Having read a survey a few years back regarding archaeologists use of GIS, one of the main issues with integration was cost.  As with many opensource and free licenses projects mentioned on this blog, Mapz list of applications offer a high quality work around for having a slim GIS budget.  Most of these programs are user friendly in both form and function.

Good stuff Mapz!  As mentioned in the post, you can also check out Freegis.org and the Very Spatial Free GIS list.

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Directed by Marc Waelkens, of the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, the dig at Sagalassos (wiki link) is a large-scale interdisciplinary excavation which began in 1990. Located in Southwest Turkey, Sagalassos is a very well preserved ancient city that has a history dating back to it’s growth before the conquest of Alexander the Great in 333 BC, to its transfer to king Amyntas in 25 BC, up to it’s final abandonment due to earthquakes and failing economy in the 7th century AD.

Featured as an “Interactive Dig” on Archaeology.org, the Sagalassos excavation is a fantastic example on using technology and well written text to bring archaeological digs, findings, and experiences to a wide audience. As part of the offerings at the Sagalassos, they have added a new KMZ network link to a Google Earth file documenting many aspects of the extensive excavation

KMZ of Sagalassos Archaeology
(link)

The Sagalassos KMZ file contains information about archaeological and architectural features, panoramic VR photo tours, overlain archaeology and geophysical maps, and links to field notes from throughout the project. In all, the Sagalassos KMZ contains a ton of interesting and informative media and links.

On first look, the KML displays an archaeological base map of the site and great custom “dig site” icons linked to multiple VR panoramas (which loads in a separate browser window), a photo, and often extensive field notes. Viewing the panoramas, from which you can zoom and pan, you get an incredible sense of what it looks like on site. Also, zoom out in Google Earth and tilt/pan with the terrain on. The landscape of the site, in the Taurus mountains, is very impressive.

In the Northeast area of the Sagalassos project, there is a georeferenced image of the composite geophysical survey findings. By turning off the top most map overlay and adjusting the transparency of the geophysical overlay, you can get a great appreciation for how complex the subsurface archaeology is at Sagalassos. As an armchair geophysicist, you can see detailed subsurface structures directly to the East of the Theater and about 30 meters to the West and Southwest. It looks like the dig team will have plenty more to work on in future seasons.

The links to the field notes bring you to the archaeology.org virtual dig page which includes field notes as well as pictures and some technical drawings of structures from that portion of the site. Heading back to the main page of the Sagalassos interactive dig, you can also find a journal of daily life around the dig site. These are interesting journal entries about the non-archaeological side of spending days in the field.

The archaeology.org interactive dig site gives the reader a load of great info about the site, the archaeology, and the team, but the inclusion of the Google Earth KMZ brings it all together. The place based presentation of the archaeology offer us a context to frame the data and experiences of the project. Further, users can now explore the site on their own via the map and panoramas and even find unexcavated archaeology by interpreting the geophysical results. Providing visual media such as this to a wide audience of specialists and non-specialists, and everyone in between, will certainly draw more attention to the importance of archaeology and allow viewers to share some of the same adventure and excitement as the archaeologists.

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From Space Imagery, a provider of space and aerial remotely sensed images, comes a fun Flash map application which maps 13 of the world’s Ancient Observatories.

From Abu Simbel (wiki link) in Egypt to Uxmal (wiki link) in Mexico, the Ancient Observatories map application displays a zoomable/pannable high resolution images of a particular observatory accompanied by a text description of the sites history and significance. The images can be downloaded and are linked to their metadata source.
The logic of this application brings full circle some pretty interesting ideas about ancient and modern technology. Do you think we can learn more about ancient observatories from studying them from the celestial point of view. Perhaps my fascination is simply coming from the “Who’s watching the deceive” feeling of this application. Either way, it’s very cool and well worth a look.

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Although my blog “GIS for Archaeology” was not mentioned in the new GIS Monitor article, “GIS in Archaeology” I will be the better person and post about it anyway.

Pointed out by SlashGeo, the current issue of the GIS Monitor has an article focusing on the use of GIS in Archaeology. Stating that Archaeology is a perfect fit for the use of GIS, the article points out that Archaeology is the only humanity field to embrace GIS to a large degree. The material for this article is derived from a talk with Dr. Caverlee S. Cary from the Geographic Information Science Center at the University of California at Berkley. Dr. Cary and the GIS center have worked with archaeologists in the past and offered comments on how they see archaeologists using GIS.

GIS and archaeology are a perfect match, according to Cary, because linking attribute information to locations on the Earth’s surface “is exactly what archaeologists need to do when they are documenting a site. The core of archaeology is that you know exactly where on or in the ground any given object that has been discovered came from.”

One application that the article focuses on is the use of remotely sensed images in archaeology. Describing how aerial and satellite imagery is used for finding new sites, mapping known sites, and evaluating environmental conditions, Dr. Cary states that this application is new to archaeology. Although she is correct in here assertion of uses, Remote Sensing in archaeology has been around for nearly as long as remote sensing itself. Aerial photos have been a main stay of archaeological data from the beginning, as well, Landsat and other remotely sensed data has been brought into our work flow for 20+ years. I do not dispute that Dr. Cary is fully aware of the history of RS in archaeology (She is co-author to a paper on this topic at Berkley this week), but I want to give my readers an impression of the depth to its use.

My 2 cents

As suggested in my post on the Integration of GIS in Archaeology, Archaeologists have used GIS technology and techniques for quite some time. A single example would be the Computer Application and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology conferences that have been held since 1973. GIS like methods appeared in this conference in the early years and by the Early 90’s, it had become a stand alone topic.

In my job, we use GIS for many tasks from the management of historic resources, to sensitivity analysis, landscape modeling, 3D visualization, general cartography, scenario testing, and many more. Archaeology is a spatial discipline. We are taught from day one that once something is pulled out of the ground, it better be recorded well enough that in 100 years, someone can find that point on earth within a centimeter. Spatial accuracy is a hallmark of archaeology and a big reason why we jumped on the wagon so early. This is aside from the fact that we are nerdy bunch!

If anyone is interested to know more about he we use GIS in archaeology, give me a yell.

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The Theban Necropolis (wikipedia), collectively, is an area on the West bank of the Nile, near modern Luxor, which is composed of the the Royal Necropolis, which is the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, Mortuary Temples, and the Tombs of the Nobles.

The Theban Necropolis Online GIS is an ESRI ArcIMS served database which contains a well attributed dataset for the Tombs of the Nobles section of the Necropolis. Not as fancy as the Theban Mapping project, which I posted here, the Theban Necropolis Online GIS serves a more research based agenda. The database is searchable on all fields and there are a number of tools to help navigate the multitude of mapped and attributed tombs.

Also, the recent imagery upgrade for Google Earth now provides high resolution aerials for the Thebes area (Google Earth ), not that the panchromatic base layer used by the online GIS is shabby.

If your interested in learning a bit more about the less publicized areas of this highly visited Egyptian site, take a tour with the Theban Necropolis online GIS. Also, check out the Theban Necropolis DB for additional data.

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