1. GIS in Archaeological Survey
• Geographical information
systems (GIS) are used at
the Office of the State
Archaeologist (OSA) as
an integral tool in
archaeological survey.
Through the use of several
basic techniques,
archaeologists are able to
use GIS to assist research
and information reporting.

2. Decision Support
GIS Data are consulted as part of initial background
research for conducting the field portion of a contract
survey. This information serves as critical reference
material to assist development of cost-effective, resource
sensitive survey strategies. Data layers considered while
developing a survey strategy include the locations of
previously recorded sites, soil types, landform context,
parent material, and slope gradient. Additional layers may
be considered as needed. The same information provides
geospatial and temporal context information to assist
description of cultural materials found in the course of an
archaeological project.

3. • For instance, The distance
and location of previously
recorded sites are
considered in relation to
the project area. The
project area shape file,
shown here as a square, is
intersected with the shape
file containing the site
location and boundary
information.

4. • In this example, various
data layers, such as
landscape position and
slope gradient, provide
important information
regarding the potential
for below-plow zone
sites in a upland context
from southern Iowa.
The use of thoughtfully
chosen fill patterns can
help elucidate this
potential in an easy to
perceive, graphical
context.

5. Reporting Information
• Recording field data, such • Site information is stored
as the location, extent, the in a relational database
type and results of format that is associated
archaeological testing is with the GIS by site
assisted through the use of number.
a project GIS. Newly • Project results are
discovered archaeological recorded in a statewide
site boundaries and cultural resources survey
locations are reported in coverage GIS at the State
shape file format. Historical Society of
Iowa.

6. Data Warehouse
• The resulting resource
survey coverage databases
in turn become part of the
permanent record of
archaeological information Coverage
for the state of Iowa
• Archaeological survey
Results
information is now ready
for use by any
archaeologist anywhere in
Locations
the state