GPS

Definition

GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a satellite-based navigation system that allows users to determine their exact location (latitude and longitude) anywhere on Earth. It has become an essential tool in archaeology, enabling precise mapping and site analysis, as well as aiding in the recording of spatial relationships between artifacts and features in excavation sites.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. GPS technology relies on a network of satellites orbiting Earth that transmit signals to receivers, allowing for accurate location determination.
2. In archaeology, GPS is used not only for navigation but also for mapping excavation sites and documenting the precise locations of artifacts and features.
3. GPS can improve the efficiency of archaeological surveys by allowing researchers to quickly gather spatial data over large areas.
4. The accuracy of GPS can be affected by factors such as atmospheric conditions, physical obstructions like buildings or trees, and the quality of the receiver being used.
5. Combining GPS data with GIS allows archaeologists to create detailed maps that integrate various layers of information, enhancing their understanding of site context and historical landscapes.

Review Questions

• How does GPS technology improve archaeological surveying and site documentation?
  • GPS technology enhances archaeological surveying by providing precise location data that helps researchers accurately map excavation sites and document the positions of artifacts and features. This level of accuracy allows for more effective planning and analysis during excavations, enabling archaeologists to understand spatial relationships within the site. By using GPS, archaeologists can cover larger areas more efficiently and make better-informed decisions about where to focus their efforts.
• Discuss how integrating GPS with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can benefit archaeological research.
  • Integrating GPS with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) significantly benefits archaeological research by allowing for the visualization and analysis of spatial data. This combination enables archaeologists to create detailed maps that incorporate various layers of information, such as artifact locations, site boundaries, and environmental features. By analyzing these layers together, researchers can identify patterns and relationships that provide deeper insights into past human behavior and land use.
• Evaluate the limitations of GPS technology in archaeological contexts and suggest potential solutions to overcome these challenges.
  • While GPS technology offers numerous advantages for archaeological research, it does have limitations such as reduced accuracy in dense vegetation or urban environments where signals can be obstructed. Additionally, inaccuracies may arise from atmospheric conditions or the quality of the GPS receiver. To address these challenges, archaeologists can employ techniques like differential GPS (DGPS) or combine GPS data with other positioning methods to enhance accuracy. Furthermore, utilizing remote sensing technologies alongside GPS can provide complementary data that helps mitigate some limitations.

Related terms

Geographic Information System (GIS): A system that captures, stores, analyzes, and manages spatial or geographic data, often used in conjunction with GPS to enhance data visualization and analysis.

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 for archaeological research.

Surveying: The process of measuring distances and angles to determine the relative positions of points on the Earth's surface, which can be greatly enhanced by the use of GPS technology.