Having seen that my posts have been far and few between (few being the key word) I thought I'd give a summary of some "Technoarchaeology" in action and add another post to my name. The field is alive and well as coined by Mike and Scott so long ago. My work the past few months has actually been consumed by it. These are a few of the innovating avenues my company is taking in an effort to get archaeology up to speed with the rest of the technological savvy world.
All data collected from surveys, monitoring, etc. related to the
The Access database is the key to whole process. The database not only stores and organizes all information collected in the field, but feeds data into any query or report imaginable. Our database prints out IMACS forms, as well as feeds into SPSS (our stats program).
The Visual Basic programs capture data that we would normally record on an IMACS form while in the field. Data such as flake size, vegetation, landforms, etc. These VB (Visual Basic) programs ensure accuracy and consistency. They are “dummy” friendly and require little, if any, actual user input. The program consists of a handful of forms. These forms contain combo and list boxes that are populated by items that we would expect the user to record. For example, the drop down box for a combo box labeled “Site Type” lets a user select “Lithic Scatter, Quarry, Habitation, Camp, Rock Shelter, Agave Pits, Rock Art.” Thus, all the field crew must do is point and click! Sites are recorded in minutes. The VB program saves the information that a user selects into comma-delimitated text file. The files are automatically saved with a date stamp, ensuring that all data is organized by day and section surveyed. At the end of each field day the files are attached to an email and sent to me in the office. All I have to do is back the files up on the serve and import them into the Access database. Quick and painless; we waste no time transferring data from paper to electronic form.
This is still in the works but we are writing a program that allows site sketches and artifact sketches to be recorded on the handhelds and saved in a format able to be imported into Pathfinder office and/or Arc View as a shape file to be added to concurrently collected GPS coverage.
This same process can be replicated by anyone having knowledge of Access and a little code writing experience. Code is difficult to learn at first but after a few months of editing code on previous programs I’ve actually been able to write my own without too much difficulty. Starting next Monday we begin a project in
Its refreshing to know that some companies like this are pursuing more efficient and consistent means of recording sites. As we all venture off to various places, it’ll be exciting to hear how other companies/institutions are embracing the new field of Technoarchaeology!
8 comments:
That is so cool! All of those things would cut down on office and laboratory time. It's a shame that BYU (and many other schools) haven't made Technoarchaeology a priority. Of course, why should they care about archaeology anyway?
Our Sherri is writing code. Techno savy ladie. We knew you weren't cut out for bank work. I give her three years tops, then she's making money hand over fist and hiring and fireing little shovel bums. Good for you Mrs. Pad-ghetti.
That is quite refreshing. I think CRM firms that produce and get contracts are the ones who are more likely to make this transition. Way to go Sheri! You are a code writing queen!
Question: Do the handheld PC's not allow a full version of Access to run? Is this the reason for writing a Visual Basic program? Technically, if you had a computer that could run Access, you wouldn't have to take this extra step, correct? I am truely facinated that your company is doing this.
Sherri, I have one qustion: You guys hiring? Its so awesome to see someone take advantage to the technology that is availble for fieldwork. Technoarchaeology is becoming a movement! Who would have thought.
This is one of those posts that we will look back on and consider an epic. This program should be written up for something like the SAA Archaeological Record.
High praise, high praise indeed...
Thanks for the pat-on-the-back everyone! It really is exciting to see new technology being used. I actually was thinking of turning the work into a co-authored paper with my boss, we'll see how it goes though.
To answer Mike's question, the handheld PC's do allow a full version of Access to run but not many people can use Access, especially our field guys. Alas we must write simpler programs that they can operate without messing up. And all joking aside, we actually are hiring! We looking for full-time salaried archaeologists to staff this office. The downside is you'd unfortunately have to live in Vegas. Anyone interested send me an email.
Sherri,
That means you are a true translator of technology for the masses. I am thoroughly impressed! I second Chris's props and praise. Well done.
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