Abstract

Geomatics technologies (i.e. Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, and the Global Positioning System) are becoming increasingly practical and necessary tools for researchers in a variety of disciplines concerned with mapping the location and spatial relationships between phenomena. The single largest impediment to the adoption of geomatics in the public and private sectors is the relatively steep learning curve and significant investment in time and money required to become proficient with these technologies. The goal of this research was to develop a customized GIS application for conducting archaeological surveys (e.g. test-pit or pedestrian) that would enable the user to record the location and associated attributes of an archaeological test site quickly and accurately, in a standardized format, and with a minimal amount of training or background required. The application enables the user to accurately record the location of each test-pit using a handheld computer (PDA) with an integrated GPS flashcard. When a new test-pit location is added the application prompts the user to enter specific attribute information using a custom designed data entry form with drop-down menus. The application also generates default data fields including user id, date, time, and location. Data is collected and stored in a standard geospatial data format (i.e. ESRI shapefile format) that can be easily uploaded to an external GIS application for analysis, reporting, and automated mapping; eliminating the need to transcribe or process hand written field notes. Consequently, data collected from several surveys can be integrated seamlessly, and subsequent data analysis can occur with little or no intermittent data processing. This protocol ensures accurate, consistent, and standardized data collection across all users and will greatly facilitate sharing and dissemination of archaeological data between professional and academic users, and provincial and federal government agencies. Following an adequate field testing period, the application will be made available via the Internet free of charge to anyone interested in using and/or modifying it.