This module introduces the principles of archaeological GIS, the techniques deployed to acquire, manage and visualise spatial data, as well as the most frequently used analytical tools. Students will become proficient users of ESRI's market-leading ArcGIS software, but will also be encouraged to think about GIS functionality from a broader, software-agnostic perspective.

Students acquire the skills necessary for a complete GIS workflow from data acquisition through analysis to cartographic output. Throughout there is a strong concern with how such techniques might be applied to solve substantive archaeological problems. This module would particularly benefit those who wish to have an introduction to GIS to facilitate their own research. and/or as a platform for attending further courses such as GIS II (for which it is a pre-requisite) or Spatial Analysis in Archaeology. The module is taught using a combination of lectures, practical sessions and tutorials, normally in one of the Institute's computing cluster rooms.  

Aims 

The module aims to provide an:

• an introduction to the principles of archaeological and historical GIS and

• an introduction to the fundamentals of GIS

• an insight into the ways GIS is applied in archaeology and history

• a practical awareness of the the techniques use to acquire, manage and visualise spatial data

• a familiarity with a range of computer software, particularly ArcGIS

• a grounding for those wishing to take the more advanced GIS Approaches to Past Landscapes (ARCL0095) module

 

Objectives 

On successful completion of this module a student :

• understand the theoretical implications that GIS and spatial analysis bring to archaeology as analytical and interpretative aids,

• be familiar with ArcGIS and ArcInfoWorkstation

• be able to navigate spatial data and build a GIS Project

• construct effective spatial and attribute queries

• be familiar with data generalisation and statistical pattern recognition

• be able to digitise vector datasets and conduct raster interpolations (e.g. DEMs)

• be familiar with viewsheds and distance functions

• construct effective map layouts

 

Learning outcomes 

In meeting these objectives you will also be able to demonstrate the following generic learning outcomes:
• an understanding of the core principles of GIS;

• the ways in which spatial data can be acquired and properly structured within a GIS system;

• the appropriate ways of visualising spatial data, and

• an awareness and some practical experience of the range of analytical possibilities GIS offers for interpreting archaeological spatial data.

 

Further information is available here https://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/study/graduate-taught/courses/gis-archaeology-and-history