QGIS for Archaeological Mapping
Overview
This training introduces the core skills needed to use QGIS for archaeological mapping and spatial analysis. Designed for beginners, it covers the full workflow from setting up a GIS project to producing a final map. The skills introduced here form the basis for more advanced GIS analysis and are particularly relevant for archaeological applications, where spatial data plays a crucial role in interpreting landscapes and heritage sites
Participants will learn how to work with spatial and historical data, including sourcing open access digitised maps, georeferencing them, and integrating them with spatial datasets. The training also focuses on identifying and digitising archaeological features, create and manage spatial ldatasets, and enrich these datasets with attribute information.
By the end of the training, participants will be able to confidently use QGIS to visualise, analyse, and present archaeological data.
Objectives
- Understand the basics of GIS and work within the QGIS interface
- Set up and manage GIS projects and coordinate systems
- Source and integrate spatial and historical data
- Understand some of the key data types and file formats used in QGIS, including how to create and edit these files
- Georeference historic maps using both coordinate-based and feature-based methods
- Identify, digitise and record archaeological features from maps
- Create, edit and manage vector datasets (point and polygon shapefiles) with attribute data
- Produce and export clear, professional maps for reporting and presentation
- Understand the basics of GIS and work within the QGIS interface
Tutorials
This beginner-friendly tutorial introduces the fundamentals of QGIS and digital map-making for archaeology. Learners will explore the QGIS interface, work with real-world spatial data, and develop essential skills in data visualisation, symbology, and map design. By the end of the session, participants will be able to create and export their own professional maps using open-source tools and datasets.
Target Audience
This tutorial is designed for beginners with little to no prior experience in GIS, particularly:
- Archaeology and heritage students
- Early-career researchers in archaeology, heritage studies, and related disciplines
- Heritage professionals and practitioners
- Archaeologists seeking to develop foundational GIS and mapping skills
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This tutorial introduces the principles and practice of georeferencing historic maps in QGIS. Participants will learn how to source digitised maps, align them with modern spatial data, and improve accuracy using ground control points. The session provides essential skills for integrating historical cartography into GIS workflows, enabling the analysis of landscape change and archaeological features through time.
Target Audience
This tutorial is intended for participants with basic familiarity with QGIS who are interested in working with historical spatial data, including:
- Archaeology and heritage students
- Researchers working with historical maps or landscape change
- Heritage professionals and archaeologists involved in spatial documentation
- Practitioners interested in integrating historic cartographic materials into GIS workflows
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This tutorial introduces the process of identifying and digitising archaeological features from georeferenced historic maps using QGIS. Participants will learn how to create and manage spatial datasets, record attribute information, and transform map-based observations into structured geospatial data. The session builds essential skills for archaeological mapping, analysis, and data management within a GIS environment.
Target Audience
This tutorial is aimed at users who wish to apply GIS skills to archaeological data creation and analysis, including:
- Archaeology and heritage students
- Researchers conducting spatial analysis of archaeological features
- Heritage professionals involved in site recording and documentation
- Archaeologists seeking to create and manage geospatial datasets
Download this tutorial: