Archaeologists, as researchers and resource managers, understand the importance of geography. Its variables exert a strong influence on human behavior today, and archaeologists are aware of the significance of this influence in the past. Geography also influences the degree of exposure of archaeological sites, and the impacts that they face from human activity and natural forces.

GIS facilitates mapping to analyse depositional patterns as well as catalog and quantify artifacts. It can provide a well-structured descriptive and analytical tool for identifying spatial patterns.

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  Archaeology

  A new training course has been launched that demonstrates how GIS can support the work of archaeologists. Delivered by The Achill Archaeological Field School and based on ArcGIS, the course has already attracted strong interest from students and professional archaeologists.

  Client
  The Achill Archaeological Field School was founded in 1991 by Theresa McDonald - as a Training School for students of archaeology and anthropology. The Field School is based at the Achill Archaeology Centre in Dooagh and at the Deserted Village of Slievemore, both of which are located in the west of Ireland on Achill Island in County Mayo.

  The Challenge
  Theresa McDonald, founder of the Achill Archaeological Field School, recognised that there was a need to train professional archaeologists and students, so that they could take full advantage of GIS in their work.  She therefore decided to run an ‘Introduction to GIS’ course as part of a Continuing Professional Development programme for the Institute of Archaeologists in Ireland. 

  The Solution
  The GIS course combines structured lessons with a series of practical exercises.  A case study element in the course enables students to develop a range of skills and solve real archaeological challenges using GIS.  The Achill Archaeological Field School expects to receive high demand for places.

  The Benefits
   “Just as aerial photography revolutionised archaeology and led to the discovery of many previously unknown sites in the 19th and 20th centuries, GIS is set to redefine archaeological practices in the 21st Century. ESRI’s ArcView is easy to use and will enable archaeologists to address challenges and represent information much more clearly”, Theresa McDonald, Founder and Owner, Achill Archaeological Field School.

  The Technology Used
  ESRI’s ArcView solution was selected for the course, because it is easy to use and enables students to create maps, show elevation data, carry out spatial analysis and represent data in 3D. 
  The solution enables them to plot the locations of artefacts and structures discovered across a region and more accurately analyse variations and patterns.  GIS is also used to reproduce archaeological landscapes and monuments in 3D, which enables experts to develop a better understanding of their purpose and relationship to their environment. 

   

ArcGIS Desktop - ArcView

ESRI’s ArcView solution was selected for the course, because it is easy to use and enables students to create maps, show elevation data, carry out spatial analysis and represent data in 3D.

The solution enables them to plot the locations of artefacts and structures discovered across a region and more accurately analyse variations and patterns.  GIS is also used to reproduce archaeological landscapes and monuments in 3D, which enables experts to develop a better understanding of their purpose and relationship to their environment.