NAS Part III-Introduction to GIS
(Geographic Information Systems)
Research and Information Technology module
Aims:
This one day course will provide an introduction to the use of a GIS, in underwater and foreshore archaeological site applications. Students will use Site Recorder 4, a GIS specifically designed with underwater archaeology in mind. The course is targeted at those individuals that are pursuing NAS III certification as well as professional underwater archaeologists that have a desire to increase their skills in utilizing a GIS in their particular areas of expertise.
Course Outline:
* Theoretical-introduction to GIS. (What is a GIS?)
* Functions of a GIS :
-data entry
-data display
-data management
-information retrieval and analysis
* Theoretical-introduction to applications of GIS (What can you do with a GIS?)
-mapping locations
-information management
-mapping quantities
-finding distances
-mapping and monitoring change
* Theoretical-introduction to technical aspects of a GIS; file formats, geo-referencing (world files), coordinate systems
* Instructor demonstration- introduction to Site Recorder 4 utilizing an existing Site Recorder project
-software capabilities
-data input
-types of data
-data analysis
Students will participate in guided tutorials covering basic methods of integrating various types of data into a GIS
Cost and Credits:
A maximum of 6 credit points will be available in the Research and Information Technology module. The cost for the course is $130. It is recommended that students bring their own personal computer for use during the course. Part III courses are open to everyone; however credit points will only be awarded to those who have completed the NAS Part I and Part II Courses.
Teaching Outcomes:
Students will work through a series of instructor-led exercises as well as a final exam and project they will complete at their own pace. Once this course is completed the student will have a basic understanding of how a GIS can be used in the field of underwater archaeology for site documentation and analysis.
Suggested Reading:
Case Studies-Using GIS in underwater archaeology
http://3hconsulting.com/SitesMain.htm
The finds handling, recording and mapping GIS software for maritime archaeology
http://3hconsulting.com/ProductsRecorderMain.htm
Course Instructor: Jerry Taylor