Thesis defense: 'Upland archaeological site modeling and the use of GIS to explore new aspects of land use in the Central Aleutian Islands,' March 21
by Michelle Saport |
Thursday, March 21, 4-5:15 p.m.
Professional Studies Building, Room 210
Jake Anders will be defending his thesis, "Upland archaeological site modeling and
the use of GIS to explore new aspects of land use in the Central Aleutian Islands,
Alaska." The public is welcome to attend.
Abstract:
This thesis presents the methods and results of an archaeological site location model
for precontact upland archaeological sites in the southwestern portion of Adak Island
in the Central Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Archaeological data from field survey and
literature review were assembled in a Geographic Information System (GIS) to build
the model. Model variables were statistically evaluated to ensure that they were appropriate
predictors of site location and not the result of spurious correlations with the non-archaeological
environment, as well as to establish value ranges within the relevant variables. Three
approaches to modeling the data were examined within the survey area where the site
data were collected. The most effective method was determined by calculating gain
statistics and was expanded and evaluated in the broader study area, creating an archaeological
probability map for Southwest Adak Island. Although possibly the result of coastal
biases in the survey data and variables, the model strongly indicates a correlation
between coastal areas and upland sites.