Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
accurately. Additionally, correlation between the route corridors identified by
this method, show similar pathways to modern roads in the general area.
Therefore the choice of potential transport paths, based on gradient analyses
has validity. The benefits of GIS slope gradient and thematic database analyses
are emphasised when linked to other research methodologies including: soil
bearing capacity; friction coefficient studies; and other technology such as
High Resolution Satellite image analysis. However we also noted some
limitations while using GIS with this research:
Care must be taken when using data from ARCView3.2 files and its
coordinate systems with in ArcScene 10. The need to ground truth
data is highlighted by this problem.
ArcView 3.2 Slope gradient tool outcomes were easier to interpret
than those derived from ArcView 10.
C
ONCLUSION
The pathways identified in these analyses are not final solutions to the
megalith transport problem; however a research project of this type and scale
required a manageable protocol from which further research, including field
surveys, could be established. The purpose of this paper was to highlight the
value and options of using GIS software for doing this. We have noted some
limitations in its use but we have also demonstrated how this technology
contributed to this research. It is proposed further studies of Olmec land
transport be undertaken on the basis of this work. Research is also proposed
that will include megalith transport in Neolithic Britain, to retrieve the
Bluestones used in Stonehenge and standing stones on the Orkney Islands.
Utilising other GIS attributes, research will be extended to human energetic
aspects of megalith use. This focus will include constructing various funerary
enclosures at Nan Modal on Pohnpei and Palauan terraces in the Oceania
region.
A
CKNOWLEDGMENTS
LCH wishes to thank Melbourne University for access to GIS resources
that allowed the work to be undertaken, La Trobe University for research
