Mapping of an Archaeological Site at Olduvai Gorge,Tanzania

Abstract

An archaeological site at Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania, consists of a roughly quadrilateral surface of consolidated silt, about 25 feet by 47 feet. It shows a complex microtopography of pits and grooves. In order to record all these features a plan was made with a horizontal scale of 1:4 and contour interval of 0.1 foot (1.2 inches). The contours were interpolated between a large number of spot-heights. The positions of the spot-heights in the horizontal plane were fixed by distance measurement along the lines in a rectangular grid laid out from points on the margins of the surveyed area. The elevations of the spot-heights were determined by levelling with an automatic level. When the spot-heights had been plotted the map was mounted and taken into the field. Constant comparison was necessary to ensure that the interpolated contours provided an accurate representation of the complex topography.