Abstract

The Centre for Archaeological Resource Prediction (CARP) at Lakehead University is entering the third year of a three year research program conducted for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. A predictive model of prehistoric activity location is being developed for an area centering on Black Sturgeon Lake, southwest of Lake Nipigon. Using geographic information system software, a 2400 km2 block of land has been digitized to a scale of 30m x 30m. Primary data layers include a digital elevation model, stream order, slope, aspect, rapids and waterfalls, eskers, drainage, and geology. In addition, other data layers are being developed as a result of concurrent research into traditional boreal forest land uses. By examining the ethnographic and historic literature, an attempt is being made to reconstruct the traditional land use patterns of the prehistoric inhabitants of the region. The different activities conducted by native people and the resources targeted by some of these activities are being translated into digital cartographic data which in turn is being used in the creation of a preliminary model of prehistoric activity location.