Digitizing Previously-Recorded Archaeological Survey Areas on a Budget: How Technical Illustrations in Inkscape Are Advancing the Field

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2019: General Sessions" session, at the 84th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

This research aims to examine nuances between site ranking, placement, and correlations to environmental zones in northwestern Belize. This study used a variety of technological tools such as Inkscape, a Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg) software and ArcGIS to provide in-depth analyses of the dynamic interactions of the ancient Maya at the household level. Scalable Vector Graphics configurations make the digitization processes in GIS seamless for modeling needs. The bulk of the maps and data were collected in the 1993 and 1994 field seasons by Dr. Hugh Robichaux at the Programme for Belize Archaeology Project (PfBAP) in preparation for his dissertation. Recently acquired light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data within the project area have provided a new window into the approach of digitization in archaeology. By utilizing Inkscape (.svg) and ArcGIS for technically illustrating his maps of excavations, settlement patterns, and ecological zones, we will be able to add this newly-enhanced data to a PfBAP GIS geodatabase which will stimulate collaboration, and data sharing among regional specialists.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 84th Annual Meeting, Albuquerque, NM (2019)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 26010