Open AccessIntensive Predictive Mapping of Surface Topography at Archaeological Sites in Peru
Author(s) -
Matthew Piscitelli,
Jonathan Haas,
Winifred Creamer
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
student anthropologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2330-7625
DOI - 10.1002/j.sda2.20130303.0004
Subject(s) - scale (ratio) , geology , archaeology , excavation , architecture , elevation (ballistics) , remote sensing , geography , cartography , engineering , structural engineering
Limited resources often hamper archaeologists’ ability to accurately identify promising areas to excavate at large‐scale sites. High‐resolution maps can serve as predictive tools for locating subsurface architecture based on patterns in surface topography. This paper presents recent intensive mapping conducted at three Late Archaic (3,000‐1,800 B. C. E.) archaeological sites in the Fortaleza Valley of Peru. Total station data were used to generate 3D surface maps in ArcGIS to delineate elevation changes in fine‐grained detail. Distinctive features on the surface and microtopography reveal small‐scale patterns that can inform our choices for targeted excavations. This procedure will provide a methodological tool for finding subsurface architecture at large‐scale sites elsewhere.