Archaeology: Open-source Geographical Information Systems

Aims of the course

• To encourage participants to think spatially and temporally about the data they encounter
• To introduce participants to the process of producing spatial data
• To introduce participants to the concepts of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the use of open-source software in this domain

Target audience

• Professional archaeologists new to using Geographical Information Systems
• Local archaeology and history societies
• Interested members of the public

Course content overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) allow us to display and analyse spatial data, combining information about sites, finds and the past environment. Understanding spatial relationships helps archaeologists build up a picture of how people interacted with each other and their surroundings. Key archaeological questions – from understanding the spread of the earliest humans to analysing a complex trading system that supports an empire – are inherently spatial. This course provides an introduction to using free open-source software (Quantum GIS). You will learn how to explore archaeological data through case studies and create your own maps using freely available data.

Schedule (this course is completed entirely online)

Orientation Week:  20-26 February 2023

Teaching Weeks: 27 February-2 April 2023

Feedback Week: 3-9 April 2023

Teaching week 1 - Introduction to spatial thinking

This unit will introduce the concepts of thinking about data with reference to its spatial location and provides an overview of the kinds of questions archaeologists and heritage management professionals use GIS to explore.

Learning outcomes:

• a basic understanding of how GIS can help archaeologists answer research questions and tackle heritage management challenges

Teaching week 2 - Coordinate Reference Systems: what do I need to know?

This unit will introduce participants to Coordinate Reference Systems and why they exist. It will also explain the differences between Geographic and Projected systems and how to learn how to work with them in QGIS.

Learning outcomes:

• an understanding of why coordinate reference systems are important
• the ability to identify which coordinate system to use for the use case you have
• the ability to transform data from one coordinate system to another

Teaching week 3 - Building the GIS

This unit will introduce different types of spatial data, how to add data to QGIS, and how to create new data.

Learning outcomes: 

• a basic understanding of types of data and why data types matter
• the ability to add vector spatial data to QGIS
• the ability to add a satellite image or aerial photograph to QGIS
• the ability to digitise features of interest from a satellite image or aerial photograph

Teaching week 4 - Geospatial analysis

This unit will introduce the basic types of spatial analysis including calculating distances and determining spatial relationships between objects, e.g. selecting the sites in a buffer area from a given point.

Learning outcomes:

• to provide an awareness of the range of basic geospatial tools available
• the ability to use simple tools to answer an appropriate research or management question

Teaching week 5 - Map production

This unit will provide an introduction to map production tools in QGIS with a guide to map production style.

Learning outcomes:

• to provide an understanding of the key map production principles
• to provide an appreciation of the importance of effective map production
• the ability to build a basic map with QGIS which conveys information effectively

Each week of an online course is roughly equivalent to 2-3 hours of classroom time. On top of this, participants should expect to spend roughly 2-3 hours reading material, etc., although this will vary from person to person.

While they have a specific start and end date and will follow a weekly schedule (for example, week 1 will cover topic A, week 2 will cover topic B), our tutor-led online courses are designed to be flexible and as such would normally not require participants to be online for a specific day of the week or time of the day (although some tutors may try to schedule times where participants can be online together for web seminars, which will be recorded so that those who are unable to be online at certain times are able to access material).

Virtual Learning Environment

Unless otherwise stated, all course material will be posted on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) so that they can be accessed at any time throughout the duration of the course and interaction with your tutor and fellow participants will take place through a variety of different ways which will allow for both synchronous and asynchronous learning (discussion boards etc).

Certificate of participation

A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/assignments for the duration of the course.

Entry requirements

This course is open to everyone, and you don’t need any previous knowledge or experience of the subject to attend.

Our short courses are designed especially for adult learners who want to advance their personal or professional development. They are taught by tutors who are expert in both their subjects and in teaching students of all ages and experiences.

Please note that all teaching is in English. You should have near-native command of the English language in order to get the maximum benefit from the course.