Archaeological documentation methods/GIS in archaeology 2800-AOMETH-2BA
GIS in archeology (second term):
Classes will be held in the form of exercises preceded by a short informational lecture. Obligatory participation in classes (2 absences allowed). They aim to conduct a full course on how to use and create Geographical Information Systems in archaeology.
Basic concepts related to GIS, geodesy and cartography such as georeferencing, coordination systems or statistical-spatial analyses will be discussed. The ways of creating vector and raster data and operating them will be presented.
During practical exercises, students will become familiar with and follow the process of digitizing archival documentation and processing it into GIS for archaeological sites.
The possibilities of digitising, using and analysing archival data, as well as data from the Archaeological Photograph of Poland, will be discussed and presented in specific exercises conducted by the student.
The classes will focus on solving specific problems and tasks. The greatest emphasis will be placed on translating previously learnt concepts into practical actions. During the exercises, it will be necessary to perform a map geo-referencing, vectoring the location of positions and creating their database. Based on the data created in this way, statistical and spatial analyses will be carried out and new information about the region/archaeological site will be obtained. This will allow to use the theoretical knowledge in practice - following the theoretical scheme of creating the SIA, from the process of processing the scanned data to interpretation and visualization of results in the form of a map.
The form of presentation of the research results will have to be presented in a way that is interesting and understandable to the public.
Class topics:
- Introduction/ familiarisation with software, mapping
- Georeferencing of archival material, WMS and the way maps are read out
- Creation of database, vectorization, coordinate systems used in Poland
- Georeference and vectorisation of documentation, visualisation of results in
the form of maps for reports/reports, discussion of homework
- AZP and GIS use of attributes in GIS
- GIS online, publishing maps to a wider audience (discussion of problems)
- Mobile GIS
- Planning of own excavations in the GIS, using archival data
- GIS and satellite image analysis
Type of course
Course coordinators
Term 2024: | Term 2023: |
Learning outcomes
GIS in archeology (second term):
K_W01, K_W02, K_W06, K_W07, K_W08, K_W09, K_W10, K_W11
K_U01, K_U02, K_U03, K_U04, K_U05, K_U09, K_U10, K_U12, K_U14,
K_U15, K_U16, K_U17, K_U20, K_U22, K_U26
K_K01, K_K02, K_K03, K_K04, K_K05, K_K06, K_K07, K_K08, K_K10,
K_K11
BA student has basic knowledge of the place and significance of archaeology in the system of sciences, of the socio-cultural past of man and of its subject and methodological specificities. He/she knows the basic concepts and terminology used in archaeology in English. He/she has a basic knowledge of the links between archaeology and other scientific fields and disciplines, the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and the sciences and understands the relationship between the achievements of the selected scientific field and the possibilities of their use in archaeology. He/she has a basic knowledge of the main developments and major new developments in archaeology. He/she knows and understands the basic methods of analysis and interpretation of various cultural creations, relevant to selected traditions, theories and research schools in archaeology. He/she has a structured general knowledge of methods and techniques of documentation of archaeological sources. He/she knows and understands basic methods of analysis and interpretation of information contained in scientific publications published in English.
The Bachelor student is able to search, analyse, evaluate, select and use information about archaeological sources and their context using literature and electronic media in English. He/she will also be able to search for, analyse, evaluate, select and use information from various sources. The student is able to interpret archaeological sources by himself/herself, selecting appropriate analytical methods and presenting the obtained results in English. The student is also able to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of archaeology on his own, following the instructions of the scientific supervisor, and is also able to acquire knowledge and develop skills in the field of complexity and participation of culture in human evolution. He/she is able to use basic research terms and theoretical approaches specific to archaeology in English. He/she knows how to recognize different types of material culture creations including context, and how to ocument them properly and carry out in English their critical analysis and interpretation. He/she knows how to recognise, analyse, use and classify archaeological sources and apply appropriate archaeological methods and techniques. He/she shall be able to quote current research theses, formulate conclusions in English and select reasoning strategies at the elementary level and construct arguments and counter-arguments in English. He/she can communicate in English through a variety of channels and techniques with specialists in archaeology and related sciences and prepare oral presentations in English on specific archaeological topics. Students will also be able to prepare written work in English on specific issues using various source materials, plan work in the field of archaeological field research and search for opportunities to expand their knowledge and improve their professional skills outside the university.
The Bachelor's student uses his/her knowledge and skills through participation in classes and is aware of the need to confront them with the opinions of experts. He/she acknowledges the importance of material remains, ancient languages and written sources as part of the cultural heritage of humanity. He/she is able to appreciate the unique values of archaeological sources and their role in reconstructing man's past and is able to make a critical assessment of the interpretation of archaeological and historical sources with an awareness of the multifaceted nature of the interpretation. He/she uses his/her knowledge of the complex nature of culture and its complexity, with the awareness of the need to analyse different categories of sources for the reconstruction of man's past. He/she is aware of the importance of the cultural heritage of humanity for understanding the process of economic, social and cultural change from the earliest times to the present day, and of her own responsibility for preserving the cultural heritage. He/she is aware of the obligations associated with the dissemination of knowledge about archaeological heritage in society and the recognition of the social role of archaeology. He/she understands the importance of ethical issues relating to scientific reliability and honesty and to take responsibility for the accuracy of decisions taken when acquiring archaeological sources, in accordance with the law of the country in which the research is carried out.
Assessment criteria
Archaeological documentation methods (first term):
The student is qualified to participate in the final assessment by his/her attendance in the classes (only two absences a term are tolerable).
If more absence happens, student is obliged to contact the lecturer to decide on further activities.
Active participation in classes is also much appreciated.
Student is obliged to participate in the practical training.
GIS in archeology (second term):
Active participation in classes, short paper on the case study of the use of GIS
in archaeology and design preparation of GIS for archaeological region
GIS in archeology (second term):
Active participation in classes, short paper on the case study of the use of GIS
in archaeology and design preparation of GIS for archaeological region
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: