Guide in PDF format
Logo

Geographical Information Systems

Code: 100735
Credits: 6
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Archaeology OP 4

Contact lecturer

Name :
Ermengol Gassiot Ballbe
Email :
ermengol.gassiot@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Miquel Nieto i Conill

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

Archaeology

Students enrolled in this course should have passed previously the course Introduction to cartography from the Archaeology Degree.

Objectives

Geographic information systems are a very useful tool in archaeology in many ways: managing and consulting data from archaeological surveys and excavations, cartographic representation of results, spatial analysis (from micro to macro levels), etc.

In accordance with the subject's objectives, and building on the content of courses 106867 - Digital Cartography (2024-25) and 106868 - Landscape and Territory, this course has three specific objectives:

1. To provide the foundations for understanding the functioning and correct use of geographic information systems and database management systems, both alphanumeric and spatial.

2. To provide systematic knowledge of the main methodologies and operations of geographic information systems applicable to archaeological analysis, using examples and case studies specifically related to archaeology.

3. To analyze several cases of the use of Geographic Information Systems to solve archaeological problems in various periods of prehistory and history and geographical areas, and to introduce students to the basic aspects of these applications.

Learning outcomes

  1. Using the specific interpretational and technical vocabulary of the discipline.
  2. Using computing tools, both basics (word processor or databases, for example) and specialised software needed in the professional practice.
  3. Applying implementing protocols of fieldwork and sample collection.
  4. Combining technical resources from similar disciplines.
  5. Identify the theoretical concepts that provide a foundation for technical operations.
  6. Apply spatial relations on different regional scales through the relations between nature and society and through a temporal dimension.
  7. Identify appropriate technical solutions for practical needs to be resolved.
  8. Interpret maps and extract knowledge about spatial relations and their effect on material and cultural processes in societies.
  9. Obtain and organise adequate data for each practical need to be solved.
  10. Collect data in the field by using some of the basic measurement tools (GPS, total station).
  11. Produce and organise cartographic data to resolve cartographic needs in archaeology.
  12. Develop and use cartographic representations of real phenomena.
  13. Produce conventional graphic documents: planimetric, topographic, cartographic, illustrative drawing.
  14. Produce maps from digital cartographic data, by using technical knowledge compilation, symbolization and cartographic design.
  15. Use software of geographical information system to produce and transform digital cartographic data and creating maps.

Contents

Block I. Introduction


1. Introduction: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)


   a. What are they?


   b. Brief history


   c. Principles of operation and analysis


2. Geographic Information Systems in archaeology: a brief history of their application


 


Block II. GIS and database management


3. Database management systems.


4. Spatial data management


   a. Introduction to geodatabases


   b. Geodatabases in archaeology


 


Block III. GIS and spatial data analysis in archaeology


5. Resources: thematic cartography


   a. Main sources of thematic cartography useful in archaeology


   b. Strengths and limitations of different types of thematic cartography for archaeological analysis


6. Analysis of settlement patterns and systems


   a. Sites and deposits: multivariable characterization of their locations


   b. Patterns of dispersion and agglomeration


7. Analysis of territorial control and visual landscapes


   a. Visual conques


   b. Intervisibility relationships


8. Analysis of settlements and resources: from catchment areas to cost distance areas


9. Mobility analysis:


   a. Optimal paths or minimum cost paths


   b. Network analysis


10. Micro-space analysis: activity areas


11. Models of archaeological presence probability. Brief introduction to spatial modeling in archaeology

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Lectures with TIC support 20 0.8 1, 5, 6, 8, 12
Guided exercises, either guided by teachers or using detailed tutorials 30 1.2 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15
Exercises carried out by the students outside the classroom, according to a work plan supervised and evaluated by the lecturer 21 0.84 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Exercises done by the students according to a work plan. Personal readings 75 3 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Archaeology

Theoretical and methodological subjects are introduced with concise lectures and are developed by the autonomous work done by the students, which includes studying specific course materials (class notes provided for all the subjectes) available at UAB Virtual Campus and general readings (bilbiography and web resources).

Technical abilities are acquired by a set of guided exercises done by the students in a computer lab during the teaching period or on their own.

For each subject students will do 1 or 2 exercises at an approximate rate of one exercise per week.

All the course resources (class notes, exercises, quizzes, documents and data) are available online at UAB Virtual Campus (a Moodle based e-learning platform).

The activities that cannot be done in person will be adapted to the possibilities offered by the UAB virtual tools. The exercises, projects and theoretical classes will be carried out through virtual tools, such as tutorials, videos, TEAMS sessions, etc. The teacher will ensure that the student can access or offer alternative means, when available.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Practical exercises 40% 0 0 2, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Partial practical exams 30% 2 0.08 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
Partial theoretical exams 30% 2 0.08 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Continuous assessment of learning is based on the results of exercises completed either independently or under supervision. Exercises must be submitted by the deadline set for each one.

Practical assignments are individual and compulsory. The average mark for the practical assignments constitutes the course mark. It is not possible to retake the practical assignments.

The course mark must be validated by means of a compulsory final examination at the end of the module, on the last day of classes (the first week of June).

To pass the module, the following requirements must be met: all practical assignments must have been submitted and the average mark must be 5 or above.


Students will obtain a not assessed/not submitted course grade unless they have submitted more than 30 % of the assessment items.


RE-ASSESSMENT: Once the standard assessment has concluded, students will have the opportunity to sit a re-assessment exam within the following two weeks, on a date set by the Faculty. To be eligible to sit the re-assessment exam, students must have submitted 80% of their practical assignments.

In the event that assessment activities cannot be carried out in person, their format will be adapted (whilst maintaining their weighting) to the possibilities offered by the UAB’s online tools. Assignments, activities and class participation will take place via forums, wikis and/or discussions on exercises in Teams, etc. The lecturer will ensure that students can access these or will provide alternative means that are within their reach.


UAB regulations on plagiarism and other irregularities in the assessment process:

If a student commits any irregularity that could lead to a significant change in the mark for an assessment, that assessment will be marked as 0, regardless of any disciplinary proceedings that may be initiated. In the event of multiple irregularities in the assessment tasks for the same module, the final mark for that module will be 0. Assessment tasks marked as 0 due to irregularities committed by the student may not be retaken.


This subjectdoes not allow a single-assessment system.


The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permitted as part of coursework, provided that the final result reflects a significant personal contribution by the student. Furthermore, the student must identify the generated sections, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection. A lack of transparency will result in a mark of 0.

Bibliography

Brughmans, T., van Garderen, M., & Gillings, M. (2018). Introducing visual neighbourhood configurations for total viewsheds. Journal of Archaeological Science, 96, 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2018.05.006

Carrero-Pazos, M. (2018). Modelando dinámicas de movilidad y visibilidad en los paisajes megalíticos gallegos. El caso del Monte de Santa Mariña y su entorno (Comarca de Sarria, Lugo). Trabajos de Prehistoria, 75 (2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.3989/tp.2018.12216

Carrero-Pazos, M. (2023). Arqueología computacional del territorio. Métodos y técnicas para estudiar decisiones humanas en paisajes pretéritos. Archeopress. https://www.archaeopress.com/Archaeopress/download/9781803276328

Carroll, F., & Carroll, E. (2022). Budget Travel in the Mediterranean: A Methodology for Reconstructing Ancient Journeys through Least Cost Networks (1). 5(1), https://doi.org/10.5334/jcaa.88

Conolly, James and Lake, Mark (2009) Sistemas de información geográfica aplicados a la arqueología. Barcelona: Ediciones Bellaterra. 456 pp. (ISBN 978-8472904408)

Čučković, Z. (2022). QGIS Visibility Analysis (v1.8) [Software]. https://landscapearchaeology.org/qgis-visibility-analysis/

Garcia Casas, D., & Gassiot Ballbè, E. (2023). The mobility of shepherds in the Upper Pyrenees: A spatial analysis of pathways and site-location differences from medieval times to the 20th century. Quaternary International, S1040618223002367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2023.07.007

Gassiot, E., Garcia, D. G., Nunes, J., & Salvador, G. (2020). Modelización de territorios ganaderos en la alta montaña al final del Neolítico: Una integración de análisis espacial e información etnográfica. Trabajos de Prehistoria, 77(1), https://doi.org/10.3989/tp.2020.12246

Gillings, M.;  Hacıgüzeller, P. & Lock, G.  (Eds.) (2020), Archaeological Spatial Analysis A Methodological Guide. Routledge.

Grau, I. (ed.) (2006) La aplicación de los SIG en la arqueología del paisaje. San Vicente del Raspeig: Universidad de Alicante. 259 pp. (ISBN: 978-847908863X)

Güimil-Fariña, A., & Parcero-Oubiña, C. (2015). “Dotting the joins”: A non-reconstructive use of Least Cost Paths to approach ancient roads. The case of the Roman roads in the NW Iberian Peninsula. Journal of Archaeological Science, 54, 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2014.11.030

Gustas, R., & Supernant, K. (2017). Least cost path analysis of early maritime movement on the Pacific Northwest Coast. Journal of Archaeological Science, 78, 40-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2016.11.006

Herzog, I. (2022). Issues in Replication and Stability of Least-cost Path Calculations. Studies in Digital Heritage, 5, 131-155. https://doi.org/10.14434/sdh.v5i2.33796

Manière, L., Crépy, M., & Redon, B. (2021). Building a Model to Reconstruct the Hellenistic and Roman Road Networks of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, a Semi-Empirical Approach Based on Modern Travelers’ Itineraries (1). 4(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.5334/jcaa.67

Mehrer, M. W. and Wescott, K. L. (eds.) (2005) GIS and Archaeological Site Location Modeling. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. 496 pp. (ISBN: 978-0415315487)

Nunes, J. (2012) Diccionari terminològic de sistemes d'informació geogràfica. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana i Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya. 551 pp. (ISBN 978-84-393-8863-0) Consultable en línia a http://www.termcat.cat/ca/Diccionaris_En_Linia/197

Parcero-Oubina, C., Smart, C., & Fonte, J. (2023). Remote Sensing and GIS Modelling of Roman Roads in South West Britain (1). 6(1), Article 1. https://doi.org/10.5334/jcaa.109

Pons, X. i Arcalís,  A. (2012) Diccionari terminològic de Teledetecció. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana i Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya. 597 pp. (ISBN ISBN 978-84-393-9008-4) Consultable en línia a http://www.termcat.cat/ca/Diccionaris_En_Linia/197

Rabella, J. M.; Panareda, J. M. i Ramazzini, G. (2011) Diccionari terminològic de cartografia. Barcelona: Enciclopèdia Catalana i Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya. 417 pp. (ISBN 978-84-393-8690-2) Consultable en línia a http://www.termcat.cat/ca/Diccionaris_En_Linia/197

van Etten J (2017). “R Package gdistance: Distances and Routes on Geographical Grids.” Journal of Statistical Software, 76(13), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.18637/jss.v076.i13 

van Lanen, R. J., Groenewoudt, B. J., Spek, T., & Jansma, E. (2018). Route persistence. Modelling and quantifying historical route-network stability from the Roman period to early-modern times (AD 100–1600): A case study from the Netherlands. Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, 10(5), 1037-1052. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-016-0431-z

Verhagen, P., Nuninger, L., & Groenhuijzen, M. R. (2019). Modelling of Pathways and Movement Networks in Archaeology: An Overview of Current Approaches. En P. Verhagen, J. Joyce, & M. R. Groenhuijzen (Eds.), Finding the Limits of the Limes: Modelling Demography, Economy and Transport on the Edge of the Roman Empire (pp. 217-249). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-04576-0_11

Wheatley, D., & Gillings, M. (2013). Spatial Technology and Archaeology: The Archaeological Applications of GIS. CRC Press.

White, D. A. (2015). The Basics of Least Cost Analysis for Archaeological Applications. Advances in Archaeological Practice, 3(4), 407-414. https://doi.org/10.7183/2326-3768.3.4.407

White, D., & Surface-Evans, S. (Eds.) (2012), Least Cost Analysis of Social Landscapes: Archaeological Case Studies . University of Utah Press.

Zamora Merchán, M. (2011). Cálculos de visibilidad en Arqueología. La visibilidad del territorio desglosada en ángulos verticales y su aplicación al período ibérico tardío en Andalucía central. In V. Mayoral Herrera & S. Celestino Pérez (Eds.), Tecnologías de información geográfica y análisis arqueológico del territorio: Actas del V Simposio Internacional de Arqueología de Mérida (pp. 309–323). https://www.academia.edu/11462021/C%C3%A1lculos_de_visibilidad_en_Arqueolog%C3%ADa_La_visibilidad_del_territorio_desglosada_en_%C3%A1ngulos_verticales_y_su_aplicaci%C3%B3n_al_per%C3%ADodo_ib%C3%A9rico_tard%C3%ADo_en_Andaluc%C3%ADa_central 

Software

 

GIS Software (free) > QGIS: https://qgis.org 

GIS Software > Campus License GIS ArcGIS.

>> License: https://forms.office.com/r/1QijPDxH0a

>> Support and Resources: https://bit.ly/SIGCampusUAB

Software DBMS and office:

>> Microsoft 365: https://si-respostes.uab.cat/inici/correu/msop-microsoft-office

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE