Mapping

Maps are invaluable for placing your information into a spatial context your readers, clients, or customers can easily understand. Desert Archaeology’s mapping team specializes in visualizing land use, and create visually compelling maps that seamlessly integrate geography with planning and analytical data for a variety of applications. We produce terrain/landscape modeling, hydrologic analyses, surface/volumetric analyses, and thematic mapping, backed up by professional graphic production.

Desert Archaeology uses high-precision mapping instruments, subscription-based GIS and cartographic software, and rigorous survey methods for mapping and data processing for analyses and graphics production. Juniper Cedar rugged tablets paired with external Geode GNSS receivers that achieve sub-meter accuracy are used for mapping and data collection. Optical and satellite technologies are used for survey-precision measurements. Our devices include a 5-second total station, four full-constellation GNSS receivers, and two Trimble DA2 GNSS receivers (with Catalyst subscription positioning service) that provide real-time corrections. The integrated, sub-centimeter GPS/GNSS systems are capable of static, PPK, RTK, and VRS network measurements.

Mapping and surveying equipment are controlled by customized data collection applications designed by Desert Archaeology specifically for archaeological mapping. Accurate measurements are joined with standardized GIS attribute data in the field using MicroSurvey Field Genius survey software, ESRI Field Maps, and Uinta data collection software. These integrate seamlessly into ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Desert Archaeology’s internal database system. Spatial data and extensive attribute data form a comprehensive GIS that can be analyzed in ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ESRI ArcGIS Online, and Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Remote sensing products provide additional elements to the project GIS. Aerial photography is processed using structure from motion technologies to generate orthophotography, classified point clouds, topography, and 3D models that are localized to a precision-GNSS control network. Our mapping team provides full cartographic, GIS, and aerial photogrammetry services that coordinate with our in-house graphics production process. We design flexible strategies to meet project-specific needs with a high-precision system that can incorporate either ground-based or uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) airborne mapping techniques.

Examples of maps

• Location maps
  Available at any scale: hemispheric, national, state, county, municipal, tribal reservation, project site, eco-zone, commercial area of interest.

• Research study area maps
  Large regions and small detailed views of any place in the world can be created with your choice of background.

• Archaeological site maps
  Have your site professionally digitized for details at any scale for informative and aesthetically pleasing figures.

• Archaeological feature maps and profiles
  Plan views and cross-sections are drawn to standardized conventions of your choosing.

• Orthophotography and underlays
  Orthoimages, or georeferenced aerial views, have become essential in municipal projects as well as in spotting archaeological features on barren landscapes. An aerial view places the reader just above the scene and orients their perspective.

• Planning and analysis maps
  When stakeholders prepare documents for planning purposes, a series of maps can show steps already taken and outline future plans of action. When researchers need to exhibit the results of analysis over time and space, there’s no better way to show their discoveries than with maps.

• Tourist/visitor/conference maps
  Show people where to go and what they might find along the way. These maps can be provided in a variety of formats.