Future Developments in Geographical Agent‐Based Models: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite reaching a point of acceptance as a research tool across the geographical and social sciences, there remain significant methodological challenges for agent‐based models. These include recognizing and simulating emergent phenomena, agent representation, construction of behavioral rules, and calibration and validation. While advances in individual‐level data and computing power have opened up new research avenues, they have also brought with them a new set of challenges. This article reviews some of the challenges that the field has faced, the opportunities available to advance the state‐of‐the‐art, and the outlook for the field over the next decade. We argue that although agent‐based models continue to have enormous promise as a means of developing dynamic spatial simulations, the field needs to fully embrace the potential offered by approaches from machine learning to allow us to fully broaden and deepen our understanding of geographical systems.     

Age and exploitation of obsidian from the Medicine Lake Highland,California

The relationship between major and minor elements, trace element composition, and age of obsidian sources within a volcanic field, is of considerable interest for obsidian source and artifact research in the New and Old World. The present study investigates this relationship in the Medicine Lake Highland of western North America. Geological evidence had indicated a very young age for all obsidian sources in the Highland, yet archaeological evidence suggested that obsidian was utilized for several thousand years. X-ray fluorescence analysis distinguished the latest flow (Glass Mountain) from the Cougar Butte, Grasshopper Flat, and Lost Iron Wells sources. Data obtained from two nearby archaeological sites showed that obsidian from the latter two sources was used by c. 7500 bc, while Glass Mountain material was not used (or available) until after 1360± 240 bp. These findings indicate that inferences of an extremely recent age for all obsidian sources in the volcanic field were unwarranted. Further analysis of major and minor elements indicated different hydration rates for these sources. The results argue that significant geochemical variability, as well as age differences, can exist between obsidian sources within the same volcanic field.     

Viewing obesogenic advertising in children's neighbourhoods using Google Street View

The advertising of unhealthy food and beverages forms an important component of obesogenic environments. Such marketing to children is a key health determinant because of its impact on dietary preference and food purchasing behaviour. The location of outdoor advertising is important in exploring obesogenic environments and children's neighbourhoods. The aim of this study is to explore issues involved in the use of Google Street View to examine outdoor food and beverage advertising. The implications for using Google Street View in the context of neighbourhood built environment research and grass‐roots advocacy are discussed. The study was conducted within walkable distances from 19 primary and intermediate schools in Auckland, New Zealand, where “walkable” was defined as limited by 800 m road network boundaries, which are equivalent to school buffer boundaries. Google Street View allows for centrality of data collection, coding, and storage. However, challenges exist with the method because 727 (29.4%) of a total of 2,474 outdoor advertisements that were identified were not able to be categorised because images were unclear, not in English, blocked, or at angles where detail cannot be deciphered. Specific to outdoor advertising for food and beverages, the results presented here show that children are exposed to a significantly greater number of unhealthy advertising than other advertising, P=0.001, eta‐squared statistic (0.45) indicates a large effect size. Overall, the results show promise for the use of Google Street View in the study of obesogenic environments.     

ISR Editorial

Abstract

The so called ‘glass ceiling’ has been defined by the (now defunct) Glass Ceiling Commission as ‘invisible, artificial barriers that prevent qualified individuals from advancing within their organisation and reaching full potential’. I have recently examined the research literature on this phenomenon and discovered not only that the associated imagery is very powerful, but that the principal message, with only a few exceptions, is that there is a shortfall of women compared to men in top jobs, and that therefore a glass ceiling must be operating to hold them back. In this article I argue the view that the glass ceiling perpetuates a notion which persuades women to expect to be unfairly treated. I develop this theme by considering male versus female attributes, evidence for male and female job satisfaction, the steadily rising participation of women at management levels, and women's aspirations. Some special consideration is given to women in science, engineering, and technology. Finally, I discuss ways forward in terms of non-interventionist measures such as the use of role models, mentoring, and networking, since the non-competitive and cooperative aspects of these initiatives appeal particularly to women and have proved to be successful in encouraging them to fulfil their potential.     

THE APPLICATION OF TIME‐OF‐FLIGHT SECONDARY ION MASS SPECTROMETRY (ToF‐SIMS) TO THE CHARACTERIZATION OF OPAQUE ANCIENT GLASSES*

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) has been used, for the first time, for the characterization of opaque ancient glasses. Isotope‐specific chemical imaging with sub‐micron resolution enabled the separate analysis of opacifiying inclusions and the surrounding glass matrix. Phase identification has been demonstrated and quantification of the matrix composition has been investigated by use of Corning Glass Standard B as a model. Trace element detection limits are typically in the range 0.5–5.0 ppm atomic—in favourable cases down to 0.01 ppm. For the analysis of inclusions in particular, this has the potential to provide new information of use in establishing provenance and trade routes by ‘fingerprinting’ as well as the investigation of manufacturing techniques, as demonstrated by comparisons between glasses and with EDX data from the same samples.     

美国早期史研究中的自我探索与历史叙事 --评《透过一块晦暗的玻璃》

《透过一块晦暗的玻璃》体现了美国早期史研究领域的较新的发展趋势。这本论文集从小历史的角度来论述了早期美国史研究中关于个人认同的自我探索与边缘化状态的问题,并较好地弥补了大历史的缺陷,使人们从历史叙述、文本细读和语言学转向这三个方面更新了对小历史长处的认识。     

Modelling small-arms projectile distribution on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century battlefield sites

The application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies to archaeological investigations continues to provide new perspectives on historical events. Applied to battlefield archaeology, GIS analysis offers an efficient means of predicting potential artefact distribution across a conflict landscape. The approach proposed in this piece allows a user to test historical engagement scenarios within a desktop computing environment utilizing a customized GIS application. The study was intended to develop a framework that allowed for the input of quantifiable parameters in order to illustrate potential artefact patterning. The framework consists of two components, the trajectory model and the methodology for implementing it. Using this coarse-grained approach, it is our contention that small-arms projectile distribution can be estimated for a single engagement, and in doing so provide a more comprehensive view of potential artefact patterning than using KOCOA (Key Terrain, Observation and Fields of Fire, Concealment and Cover, Obstacles, Avenues of Approach/Withdrawal) terrain analysis or historic research alone. As an initial example to illustrate the efficacy of our model, this study uses data and parameters from the 1777 Battle of Ridgefield, Connecticut landscape as a test case.     

Inferring attitudes from behavior

Abstract

The Middle East has long been a conflict zone; the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has been a persistent factor for decades, and there have been wars over natural resources, ideological causes, and national or religious cleavages as well. How does a historian begin to compile a documentary record of such a struggle? At the beginning of my research stay in the Middle East in 2007, I decided to keep a diary about my experiences and assessments in the field. In this article, I recount and reflect about those experiences in order to propose potential solutions to the problem of on-site research in unstable areas. While field research generally requires a particular kind of preparation, and always faces obstacles and challenges, the success of fieldwork under difficult and hostile research settings is dependent on the skills of the researcher, and his or her ability and preparedness for the problems the nature of the research inevitably will bring forward.     

Shedding light on the Cypriot rural landscape: Investigations of the Athienou Archaeological Project in the Malloura Valley,Cyprus, 2011–2013

Abstract

Since its inception in 1990, the Athienou Archaeological Project (AAP) has focused on diachronic patterns of rural land use within the Malloura Valley located along the edges of Cyprus’s fertile Mesaoria plain. Employing careful field methods of excavation and recording, members of AAP have sought to reconstruct ancient life in this understudied region by charting local responses to regional and pan-Mediterranean networks of exchange. The present contribution reports on the results of excavations (2011–2013) in the Geometric to Roman period rural sanctuary and of limited pedestrian survey (2013) in light of the project’s research goals, while highlighting AAP’s effective implementation of a mobile computing platform that streamlined field recording through an increased reliance on born-digital data. For a discussion of AAP’s mobile computing platform in the context of our fieldwork in Cyprus, please see our online supplementary article on the JFA website (http://www.maneyonline.com/doi/suppl/10.1179/0093469015Z.000000000112).     

基于遥感影像及在线房租数据的城市内部贫困空间测度研究——以广州市内城核心区为例

学界以社会经济指标（人口普查、问卷调查等）为主导测度城市内部贫困空间,取得较好的研究成果;但是普查数据周期长、贫困群体社会经济数据可获得性低,如何制定全覆盖、多方位、易获取的测度指标是该项研究的主要挑战之一。本文尝试使用遥感影像、在线房租等公众可获取的数据,采用FETEX2.0、WEKA等软件,利用三个指标（土地覆盖指数、复杂度、单位房租）建构基于大数据的贫困指数,测度广州市内城核心区718个居委会的贫困得分。再将测度结果与利用第六次全国人口普查数据测度的贫困空间对比分析,探究两种测度方法的区别和适用性。结果显示：①两者的测度结果具有较强的一致性,尤其对前5%最贫困的居委会具有较高重合度;②本文建构的大数据贫困指数对城中村、传统工业区等典型贫困空间识别效果更好。本研究使用易获取、更新周期短的数据,有利于城市贫困空间分布的实时监测,对引导精准分配扶贫资源、有效实施贫困社区更新规划具有重要意义。     

中产阶层化过程中的女性社会空间建构研究

20世纪60年代以来,中产阶层化现象逐渐得到学术界的关注。随着女性主义研究和社会运动的兴起,基于女性主义视角的中产阶层化研究日益得到众多地理学者的注意。本文希望将建构主义理论与女性主义地理学研究相结合,将之纳入一般化中产阶层化研究框架之内,继而构建女性主义视角的中产阶层化研究理论构架,以便进一步补充、完善一般中产阶层化理论体系。     

Applications of satellite remote sensing for research and heritage management in Indian prehistory

Multidisciplinary spatial studies are relatively limited in Indian archaeology, despite their potential for research and heritage management. This paper discusses applications of satellite remote sensing, field studies and GIS, in the context of Palaeolithic archaeology. The study region covers an area of around 8000 km², in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India, and is characterized by a rich and diverse Palaeolithic record. Satellite images of varied spatial resolutions were interpreted to address both regional and site-specific research questions. Thematic maps were generated from satellite data and refined with intensive field investigations. These were used for demarcating sources of raw material, and in investigating variability in the distribution of sites through time in relation to a range of geological and geomorphological features. Satellite data and field studies also aided in mapping impacts on sites resulting from modern landuse patterns. The paper also discusses the development and testing of a model to detect potential areas where new sites may be rapidly located.     

Identifying expedient glass tools from a post-contact Tsimshian village using low power (10–100×) magnification

Glass shards from post-contact contexts at the Northern Tsimshian site of Ginakangeek, on the north coast of British Columbia Canada, are identifiable as expedient tool artifacts through analysis of usewear patterns. In this study, we have examined the nature of glass and argued that its mineralogical properties make it analogous to other lithic materials. Although other researchers have found evidence of a lithic-like industry of glass artifacts based on macroscopic features, we have demonstrated that expedient artifacts are identifiable even in the absence of macroscopic traits, through low-power magnification of usewear. We have also tested this thesis against the possibility that microscopic usewear-like patterns were the product of fragmentation or post-depositional effects, and argued that a suite of usewear traits correlates only with use activity. Our experimental suite of glass artifacts indicates that specific actions (such as cutting, scraping, sawing, and chiseling) and the relative hardness of specific substrates produce particular usewear patterns. A number of potential explanations are considered for the appearance of such an industry on the Northwest Coast more than a century after contact with Europeans.     

Hafit tombs in ash‐Sharqiyah,Oman: assessing the accuracy and precision of Google Earth remote‐sensing survey and analysing their distribution in the landscape

Google Earth and high‐resolution satellite imagery provide a means of carrying out remote‐sensing survey of Hafit tombs able to cover large areas in short periods of time. While the potential of such research has already been demonstrated in the Wādī Andam area, the accuracy and precision of the methodology are not yet clear. A ground survey carried out by a Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) team in western Ja'alan provides an excellent control to assess the efficacy of the method. The study area was surveyed using Google Earth, and the two datasets were compared. Hafit tombs were identified to a high level of accuracy, but approximately 50% of the structures were not visible, with badly preserved tombs more likely to be missed than those in good condition. Remote sensing can be used in the preliminary stages of survey or more generally to discover and analyse broad patterns of Hafit tomb distribution. Comparisons of the distribution of Hafit tombs in western Ja'alan and Wādī Andam reveal clear similarities: the structures occupy elevated positions adjacent to sizeable wadi channels. The density of tombs is much greater in the western Ja'alan study area, which may suggest that Wādī Batha supported a larger Hafit population than Wādī Andam.     

民俗资料学的建立与意义

民俗学是一门特别重视资料的学科,但民俗学者在传统上往往将民俗资料与文本类的民俗志和民俗文献互为等同。广义的民俗资料概念与此不同,意指一切能够为民俗学研究提供有效信息的文字与非文字资料,包括文本、图像、文物和影音资料等。民俗资料学借鉴史料学、文献学、文物与博物馆学、图书馆学、信息科学等的理论与方法,从民俗学的学科需求出发,着重研究民俗资料的搜集整理、分类属性、保存利用等问题。开拓这一学术研究方向的目的,在于坐实民俗学"资料之学"的名义,对内促进民俗学的学科发展,对外与历史学、文献学、人类学、计算机科学等形成对话,并为政府、社会团体与个人提供民俗资料方面的咨询服务。     

Enhancing fieldwork learning with technology: practitioner's perspectives

This research paper reports the findings from an international survey of fieldwork practitioners on their use of technology to enhance fieldwork teaching and learning. It was found that there was high information technology usage before and after time in the field, but some were also using portable devices such as smartphones and global positioning system whilst out in the field. The main pedagogic reasons cited for the use of technology were the need for efficient data processing and to develop students' technological skills. The influencing factors and barriers to the use of technology as well as the importance of emerging technologies are discussed.     

Exploring cultural geography field course using story maps

This article explores the use of Story Maps in a cultural geography field course that uses a place-based approach to understand the Delta Blue’s culture. In this study, Story Maps was used to capture and map student experiences as they engaged in a field study. Student experiences are captured by incorporating different data mediums such as narratives, personal reflections, digital photos, videos and website. Such a project has the potential to challenge students to work collectively and present a coherent story of their field experiences. This, in turn, can be used to improve the design and experience of a field course. The study demonstrates that the availability of simple web-based mapping platform such as Story maps provides students the ability to harness technology to create geocoded narratives, visual representations and spatial documentation to map their field course experience.     

Using Airborne LiDAR Survey to explore Historic-era archaeological landscapes of Montserrat in the Eastern Caribbean

Abstract

This article describes what appears to be the first archaeological application of airborne LiDAR survey to historic-era landscapes in the Caribbean archipelago, on the island of Montserrat. LiDAR is proving invaluable in extending the reach of traditional pedestrian survey into less favorable areas, such as those covered by dense neotropical forest and by ashfall from the past two decades of active eruptions by the Soufrière Hills volcano, and to sites in localities that are inaccessible on account of volcanic dangers. Emphasis is placed on two aspects of the research: first, the importance of ongoing, real-time interaction between the LiDAR analyst and the archaeological team in the field; and second, the advantages of exploiting the full potential of the three-dimensional LiDAR point cloud data for purposes of the visualization of archaeological sites and features.     

岭南汉墓出土玻璃珠饰与汉代海上丝绸之路中外交流

汉代海上丝绸之路,通过海路沟通了我国岭南与东南亚、南亚,以及地中海沿岸等地区。岭南地区作为汉代海上丝绸之路始发港所在地,对于研究汉代中西交流具有重要意义。玻璃珠饰是岭南汉墓出土器物中最为典型的一类。本工作对岭南汉墓出土玻璃珠饰的玻璃成分体系和制作工艺进行了总结,并基于化学成分和器型风格,对玻璃珠饰的产地来源进行了探讨,进一步阐明了汉代岭南地区与东南亚、南亚以及地中海沿岸等地区之间的交流。岭南汉墓出土玻璃珠饰为汉代海上丝绸之路中西交流提供了确凿可信的实物证据,对研究汉代中外交流具有重要的学术价值和研究意义。     

Chemical Differentiation of Obsidian within the Glass Buttes Complex,Oregon

Two hundred twenty-five source samples from the multi-component obsidian source at Glass Buttes, Oregon were characterized by neutron activation analysis to determine the number of chemical groups present. Seven geochemical groups were found within the Glass Buttes complex. An abbreviated neutron activation analysis procedure previously used to differentiate between obsidian sources in Mesoamerica was also successful in separating obsidian from different outcrops at Glass Buttes. Thirty-one artifacts from the Robins Spring site on Glass Buttes were also analysed. The abbreviated NAA procedure was also successful at assigning the artifacts to the different subsources at Glass Buttes.