HS2419: Geographic Information Systems for Archaeologists and Ancient Historians
| School | Archaeology |
| Department Code | SHARE |
| Module Code | HS2419 |
| External Subject Code | F400 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Stephen Mills |
| Semester | Spring Semester |
| Academic Year | 2015/6 |
Outline Description of Module
A practical based module in which students learn about, develop practical skills in and implement Geographic Information Systems in archaeology and ancient history projects. The module enables students to develop skills in the presentation, interpretation and analysis of spatial data.
Students will select an area of study that will benefit from careful selection and integration of archaeological/ancient historical data and Geographic Information Systems. Typically, the focus of research will be close to something already under study by the student so that the majority of their work for this course will be the use of computer-based applications. Students will be expected to demonstrate that they can locate appropriate spatial data, evaluate its reliability, use Geographic Information Systems and integrate these to come to relevant archaeological/ancient historical conclusions in a 2,000 word project.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Understand the basic concepts of Geographic Information Systems
- Understand the range and application of spatial data
- Incorporate Geographic Information Systems in research projects
How the module will be delivered
A series of formal illustrated lectures and workshops will introduce students to the main factual and conceptual issues of Geographic Information Systems and will enable students to discuss their research and to develop proficiency in the use of Geographic Information Systems
Skills that will be practised and developed
Intellectual Skills:
- Evaluate spatial data of variable quality and source
- Apply Geographic Information Systems in research
- Understand principles behind spatial methods
Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:
- Know the advantages and pitfalls of using Geographic Information Systems and spatial data
- Understand and incorporate Geographic Information Systems in research
- Effectively use appropriate spatial data to support research projects
Transferable Skills:
- Communicate ideas and arguments effectively using Geographic Information Systems
- Formulate and justify their own arguments incorporating spatial data
- Demonstrateproficiency in the use of Geographic Information Systems
- 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
Written project, with supporting electronic files, in an area of individual interest demonstrating proficiency in the application and integration of Geographic Information Systems in archaeological/ancient historical research (2000 words excluding quantitative data in appendices and scholarly appendages) the project counts for 100% of the mark. The approximate date of assessment will be Week 12.
The opportunity for reassessment in this module - Students who fail the module will normally be expected to re-sit the failed component(s) in the summer re-sit period
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 100 | Hs2419 - Written Project (2,000) | N/A |
Syllabus content
- Introduction to module, ArcGIS editing taster
- Setting up an ArcGIS project – using ArcCatalog
- Creating and basic editing of spatial data
- Geoprocessing -more advanced editing and spatial analyses
- ArcGIS extensions – using 3D Analyst
- Reading week
- Using images, georeferencing and hot linking to other data sources
- GIS and spatial theory and the importance of metadata
- Project workshop
- Project workshop
- Project workshop
Essential Reading and Resource List
Conolly, J. and Lake, M. 2006. Geographical Information Systems in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Gillings, M., Halls, A., Lock, G., Miller, P., Phillips, G., Ryan, N., Wheatley, D. and Wise, A. 2011. GIS Guide to good practice. (Revised by Evans, T., Halls, P. and Niven, K.). Arts and Humanities Data Service. http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/g2gp/Gis_Toc
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.
Burrough, P.A. & McDonnell, R.A.. (1998) Principles of Geographical Information Systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Chapman, H. 2006. Landscape archaeology and GIS. Stroud: Tempus.
English Heritage. 2003. Where on Earth are we? The Global Positioning System in archaeological survey. English Heritage
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/gps-in-archaeological-field-survey/
ESRI. 2004. Understanding map projections. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.
Gregory, I.N. 2003. A place in history: a guide to using GIS in historical research. Oxford: Oxbow Books.
Iliffe, J. 2000. Datums and map projections for remote sensing, GIS and surveying. Latheronwheel, Scotland: Whittles Publishing.
Knowles, A.K. (ed.) 2002. Past time, past place: GIS for history. Redlands, CA: ESRI Press.
Lock, G. R. (ed.) 2000. Beyond the map: archaeology and spatial technologies. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
Lock, G. R. and Stančič, Z. (eds) 1995. Archaeology and geographical information systems: a European perspective. London: Taylor & Francis.
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
Wheatley, M. and Gillings, M. 2002. Spatial technology and archaeology: The archaeological applications of GIS. London: Taylor and Francis.