Research Projects

GIS Database of Cultural Resources

PI: William Johnson

Project Period: 2000 - 2003

Funded by: Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada Operations Office

Right: Map of the Nevada Test Site showing archaeological sites by type.

Keywords: GIS, cultural resources, archaeology

Project Description

Geographic Information System (GIS) manipulation and storage of cultural resources data have been increasing in recent years. Last year, the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, Nevada Operations Office (NNSA/NV) funded DRI with the first installment of a three-year project to modernize the cultural resources database encompassing the Nevada Test Site and off-site locations. Thousand of archaeological sites have been recorded over the years and stored in analog format. GIS manipulation of these data allows DRI to graphically display the location by types of resources. The ultimate goal is to obtain a management tool that provides NNSA/NV with data on the location and status of all cultural resources for which they have responsibilities while providing a research tool that expands archaeological knowledge of the regional prehistory and history.

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