18th July 2013, 01:03 PM
Unitof1 Wrote:...this unit culture has then been further cannibalised into Kevs world of total stations and photorectifcation where the methodology supersedes interpretation. It seems to me that archaeologists record their interpretation and should do so using what ever method they think appropriate.Don't recall I mentioned interpretation.....but for the sake of clarity. My total station interprets every point I measure (I have a list of polygon, point and line codings as long as your angst), which then after processing through a GIS (at present Intrasis) transfers that information to an integrated database. Totally flexible and editable allowing verification and amendment of interpretation where necessary. The survey data is immediately linked to finds and environmental databases, background mapping etc etc. Of course it is expensive for the initial hardware but once employed generates savings in both the time required for data capture and in post-ex (no secondary digitisation required, no restructuring/rewriting of databases etc). I wouldn't claim it is the answer for every site, but it works well on some.
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...