On-Site Recording of Excavation Data Using Mobile GIS

Abstract

Archaeologists have embraced new technologies in many aspects of research, but reliance on paperbased recording has impeded development of excavation recording methods. The digital recording of spatial provenience for artifacts and features, together with complex attributes during excavation, while not problem-free, provides a streamlined recording process. This article describes a digital interface that links precise spatial provenience with digital forms and geo-referenced photographs during excavation at a colonial site in highland Peru. A customized version of ESRI ArcPad provides the means to create and to explore spatial and attribute data in the field and laboratory as GIS data, which in turn can be integrated with ArcGIS for post-field visualization and analysis.     

Archeological Recording Systems

Abstract

The labeling of artifacts and other collections is considered in the light of archeological needs at the present time. It is suggested that labeling systems be evaluated by four criteria: information content, accuracy, efficiency, and computer compatibility. There is a discussion of a labeling system and how it might be adapted to various circumstances.     

The Hidden Meaning of Forms: Methods of Recording Paleolithic Parietal Art

There are many restrictions placed on researchers studying Paleolithic Cave art due to the constraints of conservation that limit direct contact with the original works. This paper discusses how recent advances in technology have revolutionized the study and interpretation of Paleolithic cave art. The interpretation of Paleolithic symbolic systems is a complex process and hypotheses must be applied to cave art with the greatest of precision. A detailed analysis of the painted or engraved surfaces leads to a greater understanding of both the techniques employed and the actual sequence in which parietal compositions were executed. By unlocking the creative process followed by Upper Paleolithic artists we are able to glimpse the artist’s motivations and to understand a portion of the art’s hidden meaning.

Archaeological Intra-Site Recording with Photography

Abstract

Experimentation in overhead photography aimed at eliminating errors in measurement by conventional mapping techniques has resulted in the development of instruments having from one to several applications in intra-site mapping. A useful by-product of this research has been the achievement of superior panoramic views. Since altitude is a critical factor in achieving either of these objectives, this paper distinguishes the results to be gained by use of low, medium, and high altitude instruments. The paper concludes with some overall field considerations along with photo-laboratory suggestions especially directed toward producing a photographic montage of the site as a whole.     

志书中的重大成果资料记载——兼谈续志编纂资料取舍与创新

重大成果资料记载是编纂志书内容的一种方式方法,是新编方志记述的突破口,也可以称之为不平衡式记述方式。首轮修志过多注意协调性、平衡性,而忽视了内容的完整性、重要性,从而造成史料记述中的缺失,不利于资治存史。重大成果资料记载正是从这一角度论述志书资料的取舍。     

The Use of Ethnoarchaeology for the Archaeological Study of Ceramic Production

Ethnoarchaeological studies have longed served as a critical source of hypotheses, comparative data, and explanatory frameworks for archaeologists interested in describing and explaining ceramic production. In this paper, I lay out the central questions addressed by archaeologists studying craft production, discuss how ethnoarchaeology has contributed to our understanding of ancient production systems, and suggest avenues of further research that can benefit archaeological investigation of the organization of ceramic production.     

关于人民政协入志问题的思考--浅析11部市、县志关于人民政协的记述

章分析了11部市县志关于人民政协的记述,认为它们在指导思想、篇目设置、入志资料、记述规范方面存在一些欠缺。新一轮修志应以十六大精神为指导,突出政治明建设的重要性,充分认识人民政协的性质、地位和作用,科学设置章节,收集丰富的资料。记述时应符合《中国人民政治协商会议章程》,显示出人民政协在政治明建设中的重要作用。     

High Dynamic Range Imaging for Archaeological Recording

This paper notes the adoption of digital photography as a primary recording means within archaeology, and reviews some issues and problems that this presents. Particular attention is given to the problems of recording high-contrast scenes in archaeology and high dynamic range imaging using multiple exposures is suggested as a means of providing an archive of high-contrast scenes that can later be tone-mapped to provide a variety of visualisations. Exposure fusion is also considered, although it is noted that this has some disadvantages. Three case studies are then presented: (1) a very high-contrast photograph taken from within a rock-cut tomb at Cala Morell, Menorca, (2) an archaeological test pitting exercise requiring rapid acquisition of photographic records in challenging circumstances and (3) legacy material consisting of three differently exposed colour positive (slide) photographs of the same scene. In each case, high dynamic range (HDR) methods are shown to significantly aid the generation of a high-quality illustrative record photograph, and it is concluded that HDR imaging could serve an effective role in archaeological photographic recording, although there remain problems of archiving and distributing HDR radiance map data.     

The Ohio Data Archives

The Ottoman government obtained current information on the empire's sources of revenue through periodic registers called tahrir defterleri. These documents include detailed information on taxpaying subjects and taxable resources, making it possible to study the economic and social history of the Middle East and eastern Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Although the use of these documents has been typically limited to the construction of local histories, adopting a more optimistic attitude toward their potential and using appropriate sampling procedures can greatly increase their contribution to historical scholarship. They can be used in comprehensive quantitative studies and in addressing questions of broader historical significance or larger social scientific relevance.     

The Archaeological Field Staff: The Architect

Abstract

In the following article is discussed the archaeological need of the field architect, the work and responsibilities that he undertakes on an excavation, the training that he ideally should have to become an archaeological architect, and the contributions that he can make to the knowledge of ancient architecture.

As well as the advisory help that he can give, the prime role of an architect, from the point of view of the director of an excavation, is that of making accurate surveys and clear and comprehensible drawings. The more conscientious he is and the more experience he has had, the more valuable the architect will be on a dig. This article sets forth various procedures for surveying and measuring and also gives a brief account of the instruments and tools needed for performing these operations. Mention is also made of the different types of drawings that are usually required, starting with the actual state plan and cross-sections and terminating with the completely restored plans, elevations, and perspectives.

For the architect who has the time, training, and initiative, there is also the opportunity of doing individual scholarly work. As pointed out herein, the study and definitive publications of ancient monuments, which only he can successfully conclude, contribute greatly to the archaeological field of knowledge.     

Advances in Ceramic Ethnoarchaeology

Ceramic ethnoarchaeology has developed considerably since Kramer's (Kramer, 1985, Annual Review of Anthropology 14: 77–102) review. More sophisticated readings of social theory and analyses that consider multiple variables and levels of variability have led to better understandings of social boundaries. Perceptions of ceramic change are becoming increasingly sophisticated, thanks to more long-term projects as well as research that takes advantage of new opportunities, including historic collections and nontraditional settings. The newly developing ethnoarchaeology is contributing to general anthropological understandings of material culture and society.     

志书工业部类的类目和记述要素的认定

志书的工业部类是志书经济部分的重要组成单元。为确保志书工业部类类目体系和内容记述要素全面、客观、准确,首先要充分认识志书工业部类类目设置与内容记述所遇到的问题,正确掌握志书工业部类篇目设计中类目认定的基本方法,其中包括正确认识《国民经济行业分类》在志书类目设计中的适用程度,充分认识地情因素在志书类目设计中的决定性作用。作者探讨了工业综述、工业行业概况、重点工业企业的记述要素,并提出了慎用、精用统计数据的观点。此外,从避免交叉重复的角度提出了乡镇企业、外向型经济、民营经济等内容的记述方法。     

日本及其东亚邻邦制陶技术的起源

简介 本文旨在回顾与比较东亚地区尤其是有关日本和俄罗斯远东地区从旧石器时代向新石器时代过渡阶段考古记录的情况.制陶技术的出现标志着旧石器时代的结束和新石器时代的开始(参见:Chard 1974;Barnes 1999).东亚地区新石器时代最早阶段的最完整的记录当属日本的考古序列,因为如下一系列的因素使得这里的信息数据比东亚其他发现早期陶器的地区都更为详尽:(1)拥有众多的考古学家和其他方面的专家;(2)大批建设项目需要发掘;(3)有相对充足的资金保证.     

汉阳陵出土陶牛的葬仪内涵

西汉景帝阳陵自上世纪90年代开展考古工作以来,现已清理了陵园建筑基址、外藏坑、陪葬墓等诸多遗存,出土了极其丰富的各种遗物,其中陶猪、陶羊、陶狗、陶鸡、陶牛等陶塑动物为一大宗。相对而言,陶牛数量不是很多,但仔细分     

第二轮志书记述非政府组织探讨

非政府组织是一个存在于政府体系和市场体系之外的庞大的社会组织体系,是第二轮志书编纂中需要加强记述的一个重要内容。在论述非政府组织的概念、类型、现状及设篇（章）记述之必要性的基础上,指出第二轮志书记述非政府组织出现的问题及原因,并指出写好非政府组织篇（章）需要解决的问题：重点内容和上下限,客观记述,交叉处理,资料的收集等。     

汉阳陵出土陶质文物保护研究

汉阳陵出土万余件文物中,陶质文物占有很大的比例,但由于这些文物深埋在泾河渭河之间盐碱土壤中2000多年,受损蚀严重,我们在分析陶质文物主要病害、病因、结构特点,特别是粉彩陶颜料成分、特殊结构的基础上制定出以下保护程序:清除粉彩俑表面泥土→固色松土清除硬质泥土→有机硅对颜料进行预加固→用多层纸张贴敷法脱盐→用HFW保色剂保色→作隔离层、环氧树脂粘接→ATK面团修补残缺→用丙烯酸酯渗透加固和表面保护,取得了粉彩层牢固、色彩鲜艳耐久的保护结果.     

Policy Research: The Field Dimension

Field research, defined as an unstructured contact with public problems and programs, is essential to realistic policy research. Research linking governmental action to good outcomes is rare, because those who study government and those whose who analyze public problems are seldom the same. Field inquiry can help give policy research more governmental content. A lack of field contact is one reason why much of the research surrounding welfare reform has been incorrect. Ideally, the connections between policy and outcomes that respondents claim during field research should be verified by statistical analyses that use program data. Unfortunately, field research is discouraged by academic incentives favoring rigor at the expense of realism.