Product Description

Geographical Information Systems has moved from the domain of the computer specialist into the wider archaeological community, providing it with an exciting new research method. This clearly written but rigorous book provides a comprehensive guide to that use. Topics covered include: the theoretical context and the basics of GIS; data acquisition including database design; interpolation of elevation models; exploratory data analysis including spatial queries; statistical spatial analysis; map algebra; spatial operations including the calculation of slope and aspect, filtering and erosion modeling; methods for analysing regions; visibility analysis; network analysis including hydrological modeling; the production of high quality output for paper and electronic publication; and the use and production of metadata. Offering an extensive range of archaeological examples, it is an invaluable source of practical information for all archaeologists, whether engaged in cultural resource management or academic research. This is essential reading for both the novice and the advanced user.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173873 in Books
• Published on: 2006-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 358 pages

Review
'There is no stone unturned here - the manual contains sections for nearly every conceivable use of GIS, and each chapter illustrates the whys and how-tos in clear language with plenty of illustrations and supporting charts...an invaluable tool for both the novice and the experienced professional who seeks a better understanding of this important research tool.' Dirt Brothers.org

' … the book is well written, lavishly illustrated and attractively presented. The authors constantly demonstrate their considerable knowledge and skill in GIS, while making the technical, mathematical and computer issues easily comprehensible.' South African Archaeological Bulletin

About the Author
James Conolly holds the Canada Research Chair in Archaeology at Trent University. His research interests include landscape archaeology, quantitative methods and the origins of early agriculture. He is co-editor (with Sue Colledge) of Early Neolithic Agriculture in South West Asia and Europe (forthcoming).

Mark Lake is a lecturer at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. His research interests include early prehistory and evolutionary archaeology. He is a contributor to Handbook of Archaeological Sciences (forthcoming) and a member of the editorial board of World Archaeology.

Customer Reviews

Great book
How long have I waited for a book like this?? Well too long. It's a complete manual for using GIS in Archaeology. It covers just about every aspect of what you can do with GIS products and how to apply them. It is not a 'how to use the software' book, but rather a 'what to do with GIS as a discipline'. I hope that makes sense. Very well illustrated and in depth. It's a little 'heavy' for a first book as you will need some prior knowledge as it is filled with formula that will scare the casual reader.

GIS in Archaeology
This book is a must have if your interested in GIS and want to learn more about it in terms of use within archaeology. You learn more about how to use it as a program but also how to interprete it in an archaeological context. It gives you the pro's and contra's of using GIS for this purpose.