Christine
J. Markussen1, Eileen G. Ernenwein2, Stanley
A. Ahler3, Kenneth L. Kvamme1
1Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas;
2Environmental Dynamics, University of Arkansas;
3PaleoCultural Research Group, Flagstaff, Arizona
Abstract
Double
Ditch is known for its significant topographic variations that define
two fortification ditches, numerous depressions over former houses and
borrow pits, and mounds as tall as 3 m. A Trimble 5600 robotic theodolite
was employed to produce a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM)
of the site to preserve its appearance as it exists in 2004, and aid
in the interpretation of archaeological and remote sensing data from
a four year project. The instrument is controlled by radio from a wheeled
reflector rod and acquires one measurement/second. Using pre-established
20 m grid squares a survey protocol was developed where the rod was
zigzagged in approximately 1 m intervals to yield an array of points
with approximately 1 m separation (the interval was later raised to
2 m to speed up survey). A 1 m resolution DEM was produced from these
points through interpolation. It clarifies several archaeological and
remote sensing issues, particularly with regard to understanding patterns
of earth movement and borrowing, aids in visual interpretation of the
site, and raises several new questions.
Click
here for the complete Plains conference paper in pdf. - Select this link for the abstract and access to full text of the article Robotic
total station for microtopographic mapping: an example from the Northern
Great Plains by Kenneth L. Kvamme Eileen G. Ernenwein and Christine J.
Markussen in the journal Archaeological Prospection.
Double
Ditch |
Initial
DEM from 25 cm Contour Base Map |
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