Modeling the formation of lithic surface assemblages through the application of aerial photography and photogrammetry

Summary

Previous research has demonstrated that surface artifacts provide insight into land-use patterns when the taphonomic processes influencing their distribution are understood. This understanding is derived from detailed field mapping of landscape topography and geomorphology. Aerial imagery, when combined with photogrammetry and geospatial analysis, produces datasets that can be used to characterize the erosional processes that actively influence the occurrence of surface material. Using unmanned aerial systems and photogrammetric software (Agisoft Photoscan), we created high resolution orthomosaic imagery and, digital elevation models (DEM) of the archaeological landscapes of Koobi Fora. Terrain analyses of the DEMs investigate hydrology, slope, aspect and terrain ruggedness of the modern landscape. Here these methods are employed in combination with artifact location data, to explore how active erosional processes and topography influence the formation of surface assemblages. These data have implications for understanding when high densities of surface material reflect patterns of behavior as opposed to concentrations that are the result of variation in erosional patterns. We demonstrate the degree to which modern terrain influences the occurrence, density, composition and overall preservation of surface artifacts.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage