GIS & Spatial Analysis - ARC00127M
Module summary
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used extensively in both the academic and commercial sector for managing and analysing spatial data. Throughout the course, you will learn skills in cartography, understanding how to make effective map design choices. You will manage and manipulate data from landscape and excavation projects, and explore more sophisticated landscape approaches, gaining an introductory understanding of model-building. The skills acquired in this course are highly transferable, making them valuable for a range of careers both within and beyond archaeology.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module aims:
- To examine how GIS can be applied in archaeology, and to explore the issues raised
- To provide a practical introduction to the use of GIS and its application in archaeology.
- To enable students to carry out problem-solving activities with spatial data
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module the students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate the use of GIS in various aspects of archaeological investigation and analysis
- Demonstrate a practical understanding in navigating and analysing with the ArcGIS software, and creating layouts at publication standard
- Demonstrate critical engagement with appropriate spatial analytical techniques to data in order to solve archaeological problems
Module content
The course is taught via a series of in-person practical computing workshops. It covers an introduction to geographic concepts and data structures, as well as cartographic techniques and principles, learning how to go beyond the defaults in presentation. It introduces the basic concepts of GIS, vector and raster data, symbology, and working within the GIS environment. We use data from real archaeological projects to show how GIS can be used to query and select data, edit data tables, and join data from different locations. Aspects such as georeferencing images, digitising data and cleaning data from other sources are covered. Students will carry out exercises in reclassification, creating contextual data, basic map algebra, and analytical approaches such as cost distances and viewsheds.
* Please note that this module requires basic computer literacy and, ideally (but not essentially), some experience using spreadsheets or databases. Contact the module leader if you have questions about your existing skills.*
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Conolly, J., & Lake, M. (2006). Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology (Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. doi:10.1017/CBO9780511807459