An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

information assists the archaeologist in determining what is on and under the Earth’s
surface prior to the implementation of any destructive techniques. This ability can direct
and prioritize areas for survey and investigation and, in some cases, may even eliminate
the need for excavation (Piro et al. 2000; Tyson 1994).
GIS are collections of computerized technologies used to capture, manage,
display, and analyze various forms of spatial and geographically referenced information.
GIS is a powerful tool that allows the archaeologist to organize and analyze spatial
information by linking maps to databases that contain data about the Earth’s surface
(Harris 2002). Archaeological applications of GIS can examine relationships of the
constructed environment with natural environmental characteristics such as soils,
geologic, topographic, hydrologic, or other biotic conditions (Kvamme 1996; Wheatley
and Gillings 2002). Data sources for GIS include analog maps, orthophotos, tabular data,
remotely sensed digital data, and numerous other pre-existing and newly produced types
of datasets.
GIS Visualization of the Landscape
In this survey project, I used a variety of analyses and observations to assist me in
determining the chronological sequence and the spatial and organizational development
of the site. To better understand conditions at El Marquesillo, I wanted to know if I could
detect patterns that were occurring at neighboring contemporaneous sites. Were those
sites experiencing and reacting to the same ebb and flow of life as El Marquesillo, and
did factors change over time? Toward this objective, I employed a Geographic
140