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While an archaeologist is conducting a field survey they typically
rely on paper maps and compass to track their location or map a site. As technology
advances the growing use of handheld GPS units is increasing because of their
advanced capability to record data with near perfect precision. A GPS unit can
help navigate by recording way-points so one can see how far they have traveled
and can even retrace their steps using the way-points. Other useful features can
include preloaded maps of areas with turn by turn navigation, measuring elevation,
and built in compass.
I personally used the Garmin 60CSX handheld GPS on my trip
to Belize. At first the interface was a bit confusing with cartoony icons but
with just a few exercises with the unit I was able to navigate the menus and
locate the various features it offered. During site exploration I was able to
record my exact location within the sites and record the distance traveled
between sites using the waypoints.
An example of how I used the GPS unit was to measure the distance of a nearby water source at the Mayan site Altun Ha. A fellow colleague paced the distance while I watched the distance traveled on the GPS. Pacing is a simple way to get an estimate for distance. By doing a sample pace test, I determined that ten meters equaled eleven and a half paces. Once we finished calculating the distance we compared our numbers and found that they were only off by a few meters. The GPS unit can give measurements with plus or minus five meters.
My project in Belize was to determine if their was a certain characteristic in living spaces. I used the GPS to measure the dimensions of the plazas and the space inside the rooms on top of structures. Based on these calculations, I was able to conclude that most living spaces followed a Mesoamerican style of how space is used, structures or living quarters are spread out within their limitations.
Handheld GPS devices are useful tools that can be used in many ways. An improvement that everyone would like is a more precise distance and elevation measurement and a increased signal with the satellites up above. So far, only the military posses the more precise units but eventually they should be available to the public at a reasonable price.
An example of how I used the GPS unit was to measure the distance of a nearby water source at the Mayan site Altun Ha. A fellow colleague paced the distance while I watched the distance traveled on the GPS. Pacing is a simple way to get an estimate for distance. By doing a sample pace test, I determined that ten meters equaled eleven and a half paces. Once we finished calculating the distance we compared our numbers and found that they were only off by a few meters. The GPS unit can give measurements with plus or minus five meters.
My project in Belize was to determine if their was a certain characteristic in living spaces. I used the GPS to measure the dimensions of the plazas and the space inside the rooms on top of structures. Based on these calculations, I was able to conclude that most living spaces followed a Mesoamerican style of how space is used, structures or living quarters are spread out within their limitations.
Handheld GPS devices are useful tools that can be used in many ways. An improvement that everyone would like is a more precise distance and elevation measurement and a increased signal with the satellites up above. So far, only the military posses the more precise units but eventually they should be available to the public at a reasonable price.
About the Author
I'm Jose Pierre and I like learning about all aspects of culture, both ancient and modern. I enjoy learning how they communicated, expressed themselves, and their technology.
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