Objectives

This programme will consist of two major parts: 1. Introduction to GIS software for data processing and landscape analysis – theoretical and practical level and 2. Introduction to aerial photography interpretation and analysis.

In archaeological practice worldwide, GIS is considered to be a part of the basic IT literacy, and its usage is considered self-explanatory, similar to using MS Office for production of text documents. Despite that, using GIS is not implemented in Croatian or Slovakian Archaeology curriculum.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is among most recent but widely accepted and standard tools used in archaeology. Its application in archaeology stretches from pure organization of data into databases to complex and elaborated mathematical and statistical models and projections.

Target groups

Since this is the first opportunity for archaeology students from Croatia and Slovakia to attend this kind of course, it is intended for Bachelor, Master and PhD students. Students enrolled in geology, geography, landscape architecture could also benefit from attending this programme.

Main activities

Main activities will consist of lectures and exercises. Each student will have access to the computer with the required GIS and other data processing software and all the learning materials and data sets. During the morning, lectures will be held and during afternoon students will have to perform practical exercises under teacher supervision. Those exercises will be a preparation for the student’s final project.

Learning outcomes:

Students are expected upon finishing the programme to understand how to use GIS, how to apply GIS in archaeological research, and also to be aware of its shortcomings. They will also be able to use GIS outside the field of archaeology, since that practical knowledge has very wide application in many other disciplines.

Outputs:

• Students ability to perform analysis in GIS and processing and interpretation of aerial photography
• Teaching materials
• Data sets
• Online manuals
• Online course
• Implementation in the curricula
• Cooperation between institutions

If programme is accepted, an adequate website with all information about the programme and the application will be setup.