Course overview
IAW University of Bern Fall Semester even years
This course provides a basic introduction to the archaeological use of GIS, focusing on the techniques for spatial data collection, management, and visualization, as well as key analysis tools. Participants will gain hands-on experience with GIS, using free and open source software (QGIS) to explore how digital tools can enhance archaeological research.
Students will acquire the skills necessary for a complete GIS workflow, from data management and georeferencing to spatial analysis and cartographic output. The course emphasizes the practical application of these tools to solve significant archaeological questions. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to integrate GIS into their research or as a foundation for more advanced methods, such as spatial statistics, geospatial analysis, and computer-aided archaeological interpretation.
The course consists of lectures, practical exercises, and tutorials. Assessment will be based on practical assignments and a final exam (theoretical and/or practical).
The course will be taught in English.
Key dates
Will be made available soon.
Learning objectives
The objective of this course is to equip you with fundamental skills in cartography, geospatial data management, and spatial analysis, providing a solid foundation for independent work in GIS within archaeology.
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand the key concepts of geospatial data and cartography.
- Be proficient in using the core functions of QGIS, with skills transferable to other GIS platforms.
- Be capable of creating publication-ready maps using archaeological data.
- Know how to locate, acquire, and manage geospatial data relevant to archaeological research.
- Be familiar with commonly used spatial analysis techniques in archaeological studies.
Instructors
Martin Hinz
Senior Researcher (Oberassistent), IAW Bern
martin.hinz@iaw.unibe.ch
Meeting times & locations
Lectures
Wednesday from 14:15-16:00, Seminarraum 324, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern
The course will be held in presence. The teaching content is additionally provided by means of videos and other material. Students are encouraged to work on this independently and to deepen it if necessary. I will respond as quickly as possible to questions sent to me via email.
Your own computer equipment is recommended. If you have any problems in this regard, please let me know in advance. We will work exclusively with free software, if possible with open source solutions.
Office hours
to be announced
Pre-requisites
None except motivation and the desire to learn, as well as the readiness to work independently and to collaborate in groups to complete your project.