GPS

Definition

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location (latitude, longitude, and altitude) anywhere on Earth. This technology is crucial in archaeology for mapping sites and tracking movements during survey and excavation methodologies, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of fieldwork.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GPS operates through a network of satellites that transmit signals to receivers on the ground, allowing for precise location determination.
2. In archaeology, GPS is used to create detailed maps of excavation sites and features, helping researchers document findings accurately.
3. The integration of GPS with GIS enhances the ability to analyze spatial relationships between different archaeological features.
4. GPS technology enables archaeologists to track the movement of artifacts and features during excavation, facilitating better data collection and preservation.
5. The use of handheld GPS devices has become standard practice in archaeological fieldwork, making it easier to share data among team members and across different projects.

Review Questions

• How does GPS enhance the accuracy of archaeological surveys?
  • GPS enhances the accuracy of archaeological surveys by providing precise location data for site mapping. It allows archaeologists to mark exact coordinates of features and artifacts, ensuring that documentation is accurate and repeatable. This precise mapping can lead to better planning of excavation strategies and help in understanding the spatial organization of artifacts within a site.
• Discuss the role of GPS in integrating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for archaeological research.
  • GPS plays a crucial role in integrating with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) by providing accurate spatial data that can be analyzed and visualized within GIS software. This combination allows archaeologists to create layered maps that illustrate relationships between different archaeological features over time. By using both technologies together, researchers can better interpret their findings and understand the historical landscape more comprehensively.
• Evaluate the implications of GPS technology on the future of archaeological methodologies and practices.
  • The implications of GPS technology on the future of archaeological methodologies are significant. As GPS becomes more advanced and accessible, it will likely lead to even more precise mapping and documentation techniques. This advancement will encourage interdisciplinary collaboration by combining geospatial data with other scientific methods like remote sensing. Additionally, enhanced tracking capabilities may revolutionize how artifacts are managed and preserved during excavations, leading to more informed conservation strategies and an overall increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of archaeological research.

Related terms

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system designed to capture, store, analyze, and manage spatial and geographic data, often used in conjunction with GPS to visualize and interpret archaeological sites.

Remote Sensing: The acquisition of information about an object or area from a distance, typically using satellite or aerial imagery, which can complement GPS data in archaeological research.

Site Survey: A methodical process of collecting data about archaeological sites, often utilizing GPS technology to create accurate maps and assess site boundaries.