A theory and practical module in which students learn about, gain practical skills in, and implement spatial techniques and technologies applicable to archaeological and ancient historical research. The module introduces students to key ways of using selected tools and computers in the collection, presentation and interpretation of spatial data. Students will learn the basic principles behind mapping, the use of the Global Positioning System and Geographical Information Systems and will gain skills in the use of hardware and computer applications pertinent to each.

Students will produce a portfolio of work demonstrating skills in the use of selected spatial techniques and technologies. Spatial data relevant to archaeological/ancient historical research will be collected that will benefit from the use of computer-based spatial tools. Students will be expected to demonstrate that they can locate appropriate data, evaluate its reliability, use appropriate computer-based applications and integrate these to come to relevant conclusions in their portfolio.

• Understand the range and application of spatial techniques
• Understand the range of tools available for applying spatial methods
• Gain proficiency in the use of spatial technologies

• A series of formal illustrated lectures will introduce students to the main factual and conceptual issues of spatial techniques and technologies

A series of workshops will enable students to discuss their work and to develop proficiency in the use of spatial techniques and technologies

Intellectual Skills:

• Evaluate spatial data of variable quality and source
• Apply spatial techniques and technologies in research
• Understand principles behind selected spatial technologies

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

• Know the advantages and pitfalls of using spatial data
• Understand and incorporate spatial data in research
• Effectively use appropriate spatial techniques and technologies to support research

Transferable Skills:

• Communicate ideas and arguments effectively using spatial techniques and technologies
• Formulate and justify their own arguments incorporating spatial methods
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of spatial technologies
• Possess 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

100% Portfolio

1. Introduction to module, spatial techniques and technologies
2. Understanding co-ordinate systems and map projections
3. What is the Global Positioning System (GPS)?
4. Using a GPS practical class
5. What is a Geographical Information System (GIS)?
6. Reading week
7. Introduction to ArcGIS
8. Inputting digital geo-spatial data into a GIS project
9. Creating simple maps
10. Integrating geo-spatial data (terrestrial maps, GPS data, (pre)historic data sets)

11. Project workshop

Conolly, J. and Lake, M. 2006. Geographical Information Systems in archaeology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ordnance Survey. 2016.  A guide to co-ordinate systems in Great Britain. Ordnance Survey.

http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/docs/support/guide-coordinate-systems-great-britain.pdf

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. 2015. 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.

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

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.

Wheatley, M. and Gillings, M. 2002. Spatial technology and archaeology: The archaeological applications of GIS. London: Taylor and Francis.