HS2418: Introduction to Spatial Techniques and Technologies

School Archaeology
Department Code SHARE
Module Code HS2418
External Subject Code F400
Number of Credits 10
Level L6
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Stephen Mills
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

A theoretical and practical module in which students learn about, gain practical skills in, and implement spatial techniques and technologies applicable to archaeological and ancient historical research. The module introduces students to key ways of using selected tools and computers in the collection, presentation and interpretation of spatial data. Students will learn the basic principles behind the use of Geographical Information Systems and the Global Positioning System and will gain skills in the use of hardware and computer applications pertinent to each.

Students will produce a portfolio of work demonstrating skills in the use of selected spatial techniques and technologies. Spatial data relevant to archaeological/ancient historical research will be collected that will benefit from the use of computer-based spatial tools. Students will be expected to demonstrate that they can locate appropriate data, evaluate its reliability, use appropriate computer-based applications and integrate these to come to relevant conclusions in their portfolio.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • understand the basic concepts of spatial techniques
  • have a knowledge of t the range of computer applications available for the presentation and interpretation of spatial archaeological/ancient historical data
  • use  spatial technologies
  • be able to successfully incorporate spatial techniques and technologies in research

How the module will be delivered

  • A series of formal illustrated lectures will introduce students to the main factual and conceptual issues of spatial techniques and technologies
  • A series of workshops will enable students to discuss their research and to develop proficiency in the use of spatial techniques and technologies

Skills that will be practised and developed

Intellectual Skills:

  • Evaluate spatial data of variable quality and source
  • Apply spatial techniques and technologies in research
  • Understand principles behind selected spatial technologies

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

  • Know the advantages and pitfalls of using spatial data
  • Understand and incorporate spatial data in research
  • Effectively use appropriate spatial techniques and technologies to support research

Transferable Skills:

  • Communicate ideas and arguments effectively using spatial techniques and technologies
  • Formulate and justify their own arguments incorporating spatial methods
  • Demonstrateproficiency in the use of a range of spatial technologies
  • Posses a range of information technology resources to assist with spatial data retrieval
  • Organise their own study methods and workload
  • Work as part of a team in workshop discussions

How the module will be assessed

Assessment takes the form of a portfolio demonstrating proficiency in the use of selected spatial techniques and technologies (equivalent to 2000 words) The approximate date of assessment will be week 12.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Portfolio 100 Hs2418 - Portfolio (2,000 Words) N/A

Syllabus content

  1. Introduction to course, basics of map reading and use
  2. Understanding co-ordinate systems and map projections
  3. Sources of geo-spatial data (e.g. Digimap, historic maps and satellite data)
  4. What is the Global Positioning System?
  5. Using a GPS (practical class)
  6. What is a Geographic Information System?
  7. Introduction to ArcGIS 9.1
  8. Inputting digital geo-spatial data into a GIS project
  9. Creating simple maps
  10. Integrating geo-spatial data (terrestrial & satellite maps, GPS data, (pre)historic data sets)

Essential Reading and Resource List

Conolly, J. and Lake, M. 2006. Geographical Information Systems in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ordnance Survey. 2013.  A guide to co-ordinate systems in Great Britain. Ordnance Survey.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/docs/support/guide-coordinate-systems-great-britain.pdf

Background Reading and Resource List

Booth, B. 2001. Getting started with ArcGis. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.

Brown, L.A. 1951. The story of maps. London:  Cresset Press.

Bugayevskiy, L.M. 2002. Map projections: a reference manual. London: Taylor & Francis.

Carlucci, A. and Barber, P. 2002. Lie of the land: the secret life of maps. London: British Library Publications.

El-Rabbany, A. 2002. Introduction to GPS: the Global Positioning System. Boston, MA: Artech House.

Gillings, M., Halls, A., Lock, G., Miller, P., Phillips, G., Ryan, N., Wheatley, D. and Wise, A. 1998. GIS Guide to good practice. Arts and Humanitites Data Service. http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/project/goodguides/gis/

Gregory, I.N. 2003. A place in history: a guide to using GIS in historical research. Oxford: Oxbow Books.

Hofmann-Wellenhof, B. 2001. Global Positioning System: theory and practice. Wien: Springer_Verlag.

Kennedy, M. and Kopp, S. 2001. Understanding map projections. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.

Korte, G.B. 1994. The GIS book. Santa Fe, NM: OnWord Press.

Robinson, R.H. 1995. Elements of Cartography. New York. Wiley.

Spencer, J., Frizzelle, B.G., Page, P.H. and Vogler, J.B. 2003. Global Positioning System: a field guide for the social sciences. London: Blackwell Publishers.

Steede-Terry, K. 2000. Integrating GIS and Global Positioning Systems. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.

Vienneau, A. 2000. Using ArcCatalog. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.

Wheatley, M. and Gillings, M. 2002. Spatial technology and archaeology: The archaeological applications of GIS. London: Taylor and Francis.

Yang, O.H., Snyder, J.P. and Tobler, W.R. 2000. Map projection transformation: principles and applications. London: Taylor & Francis.

Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855