Aerial Remote Sensing For Documenting Fur Trade ‘Cultural Landscapes’

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Remote Sensing in Historical Archaeology (General Sessions)" , at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Fur trade posts have long been a focus for Canadian historical archaeology, specifically the compounds that were central to European occupation and commerce.  This has constrained interpretation of surrounding hinterlands, and archaeological recognition of Indigenous presence and role. While these shortcomings have long been recognized, the challenge is how to effectively document the expansive landscapes around these central places.

Surviving written documentation can be informative, but logistical challenges prevent cost-effective archaeological and paleo-ecological documentation of outlying areas. Several sites located along the northeastern edge of the Great Plains (southern Manitoba) first investigated in the 1980s are revisited to address how new technologies can aid non-invasive exploration. This involves integration of historical narratives and cartography, legacy archaeological information and remote sensing output, as a ‘springboard’ for more comprehensive interpretation.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Remote Sensing in Historical Archaeology (General Sessions)   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2021

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology