Curated Lesson - Andean Archaeology: GIS and Remote Sensing by

Rebecca Rennell 2016 Landscapes, Experience and GIS: Exploring the Potential for Methodological Dialogue. Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory. 19(4), 510–525

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:30:15 UTC

This paper highlights the emergence of experiential landscape archaeology over the last 15 years, by tracing its origins and positioning it within archaeology research. The paper aims to bridge the discourse gap between subject-centered field observations and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approaches by discussing recent developments in the field and presenting a case study of the methodology in use in the Outer Hebrides.

Quilter, J. (2022). The Ancient Central Andes (2nd ed.). Taylor and Francis.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:34:06 UTC

This book offers a comprehensive overview of the prehistoric cultures in the Central Andes, encompassing regions across Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. The book presents a balanced perspective on current research while tracing the historical development of Central Andes archaeology, delving into various themes, such as comparative approaches, the notion of 'Lo Andino,' and culture change in response to environmental factors, making it an invaluable resource for students studying Andean archaeology.

Lesson Topic:

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:36:35 UTC

Exploring Andean archaeology through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, specifically mapping and analyzing archaeological settlements.

Purple - GIS case studies in the Andes

Green - GIS case studies elsewhere

Blue - Andean Archaeology

Purple - Remote Sensing

Red - 3D models

Sequence indicated with arrows.

Luo, L., Wang, X., & Guo, H. (2022). Remote sensing archaeology: The next century. Innovation (Cambridge (Mass.)), 3(6), 100335.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:43:12 UTC

The paper discusses the evolution of Remote Sensing Archaeology (RSA) and introduces the concept of "space archaeology," emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and big data to enhance archaeological research. It highlights the collaborative potential between space archaeology specialists and the general public in addressing key scientific questions and expanding the temporal and spatial scope of archaeological research.

Athos Agapiou, Vasiliki Lysandrou (2015). Remote sensing archaeology: Tracking and mapping evolution in European scientific literature from 1999 to 2015. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 4: 192-200.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:48:08 UTC

This article reviews research in remote sensing archaeology from 1999 to 2015, particularly noting the advances and trends since the launch of the first high-resolution satellite sensor, IKONOS, in 1999. This paper emphasizes the need for a common repository of knowledge to bridge existing gaps in the field, promoting knowledge transfer and harmonization among diverse scientific aspects of remote sensing archaeology.

Casana, J. (2021). Rethinking the landscape: Emerging approaches to archaeological remote sensing. Annual Review of Anthropology, 50, 167-186.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:55:12 UTC

This article reviews the expanding use of remote sensing technologies in archaeology, covering their application in mapping settlement histories, documenting ancient land use practices, and monitoring cultural heritage, among other innovative investigations. While these technologies bring transformative insights into the archaeological record, the article also addresses emerging challenges and controversies, such as data access and preservation, handling vast amounts of information, and ethical considerations associated with remote sensing in archaeology.

Lucero, G. F., Castro, S. C., & Cortegoso, V. (2021). GIS modeling of lithic procurement in highlands: Archaeological and actualistic approach in the Andes. Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 38, 103026.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 16:57:49 UTC

This article is a great example of GIS use in Andean archaeology, as it focuses on modelling human movements and lithic procurement costs in the Southern Andes using geographical analysis and GIS technology. The study adapts the Tobler Offpath Hiking algorithm to estimate movement costs, categorizing them as local, non-local, and extra-regional, based on access within an 8-hour movement day, which provides valuable insights for similar research in comparable environments and different stages of high-altitude space occupation.

Déodat, L., & Lecoq, P. (2015). Using Google Earth and gis to survey in the Peruvian Andes. Landscape Archaeology between Art and Science, 321.

golaylak — 2023-11-09 17:01:39 UTC

This book chapter provides a perfect platform for this lesson's hands-on activity by highlighting how google earth and GIS is used in archaeological research in the Andes. Specifically, the chapter discusses the Choquek’iraw-Chanca project in the Ayacucho region of the Central Cordillera of the Andes, Peru, and focuses on comprehending the historical occupation of the 'La Mar' province, known as Oreja de Perro, spanning altitudes between 1,000 and 4,500m. The research, which combines satellite imagery and on-foot surveys, revealed a significant regional occupation from the Formative Period to the Inca era, with a notable presence of sites from the Late Intermediate period, likely belonging to the Chanka, providing insights into the landscape's historical occupation patterns through Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis.

CyArk (2018). Chavín de Huantar - LiDAR - Terrestrial , Photogrammetry . Collected by CyArk . Distributed by Open Heritage 3D. https://doi.org/10.26301/w54r-pb82

golaylak — 2023-11-09 17:08:29 UTC

This web source provides an open-source 3D model of the archaeological site Chavín de Huantar created from remotely sensed LiDAR data. This site is located in the Peruvian Andes, and was the capital and religious center of the pre-Inca Chavín civilization. This source provides students with a hands-on way to engage with the type of data and settlements discussed in this lesson.

Contreras, Daniel A. (2009). Reconstructing landscape at Chavín de Huántar, Perú: A GIS-based approach, Journal of Archaeological Science, 36 (4): 1006-1017,

golaylak — 2023-11-09 17:17:36 UTC

This paper sets the pre-work needed for the 3D model recourse included in this lesson as it uses GIS-based interpolation techniques, the study reconstructs the pre-Chavín landscape by approximating a complex land surface from unevenly scattered point data, providing valuable insights into the contemporaneous landscape changes alongside the site's construction. This paper also notes the changes in the landscape surrounding the prehistoric ceremonial center of Chavín de Huántar in Peru, dating back to approximately 1200 BCE.