Integrating GIS and QField for Enhanced Archaeological Surveys in the Maya Lowlands: A Methodological Approach for the El Tigre Project.

Summary

This is an abstract from the "SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts" session, at the 89th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

Archaeological research in the Maya lowlands is marked by its rich cultural heritage and challenging landscapes. Conducting surveys amidst dense vegetation presents unique difficulties, which have been exacerbated by remote sensing during fieldwork preparation. To improve our survey methodology, we integrated GIS and QField, an open-source mobile mapping application, for the El Tigre project. This paper outlines our innovative approach, emphasizing the fusion of GIS technology and QField for spatial data collection, analysis, and visualization in the complex Maya lowlands. The objective is to enhance survey, deepening our understanding of the ancient Maya civilization and their interactions with their environment. Our methodology, successfully implemented in the last field season, significantly improved survey efficiency near El Tigre. Key components include comprehensive GIS data preparation, real-time data collection with QField, spatial analysis tools, seamless data integration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. We aim to contribute valuable insights into innovative survey techniques. Beyond streamlining data collection, our approach promotes archaeological site preservation through detailed digital records. The GIS and QField integration has the potential to transform surveys in challenging landscapes worldwide. Ultimately, this research deepens our understanding of Maya civilization, settlement patterns, and environmental impact while pioneering GIS and mobile mapping technologies in archaeology.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• SAA 2024: Individual Abstracts   •
• Society for American Archaeology 89th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA (2024)

Keywords

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 40241.0