GIS Applications for Archaeology: Student Spotlights

GIS4990/5990 GIS Applications for Archaeology

Ethics Hands-On Exercise Highlights

As stewards of the past, it is our responsibility to ensure sensitive archaeological data is protected, and priceless, irreplaceable aspects of our human history are not lost through careless data management. In this assignment, students focus on the issues surrounding archaeological site preservation and data security. In addition to managing and securing data, students learn more about tools to assist further applications of archaeological GIS. Our subject of study is the database developed by the Getty museum for management and condition assessment of the archaeological sites in Jordan. Students learn about the database as a model for many currently in use for site management and analysis, and we use it as an example for our own research.

Objectives:

• Identify data security and management concerns
• Correctly manage files in a secure geodatabase and file structure
• Digitize features as layers in a secure directory
• Recognize current efforts to create condition assessment databases for monitoring archaeological sites, and preventing further destruction of cultural resources.
• Discuss their ethical obligations at professional archaeologists.

This week's student spotlight awards go to....

Maureen Mahoney

Maureen works as an archaeologist for the Seminole Tribe and lives in Bonita Springs, FL. Originally from Ohio, she went to undergrad in Indiana and grad school at Florida State.

What we like: Clever use of embedded map frame to illustrate the study area and cover up otherwise 'empty' map space. We applaud Maureen's attention to the site labels, giving them a white background really makes them stand out against an arid image and thus calls attention to the central objective of the map itself.

More: See Maureen's blog!

Jennifer Tryggestad

Jenny currently resides in New Jersey and manages the processing department for a marine geophysical company. She’s working on her GIS certificate to update her skills from college

What we like: We really like Jennifer's use of an embedded map frame here. This cleverly covers what would otherwise be an 'empty' area of map.

More: See Jenny's blog!