CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : DeChaine, R.; Hamilton, S.; Wiseman, D.; and Running IV, G.L.
Date : 2002.
Title : Constructing bison-eye view-sheds: Using GIS to test an archaeological hypothesis at the Hokanson Site, Tiger Hills, South Central Manitoba.
Publication : Geological Association of Canada and Mineralogical Association of Canada Joint Annual Meeting, May 27 - 29, 2002. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Issue :
Page(s) :
Abstract
The Tiger Hills are a late-Wisconsinan terminal moraine complex in south central Manitoba. The Tiger Hills landscape, dominated by hummocky hills and small wetlands in closed depressions, and forest and savanna vegetation is unlike the surrounding low-relief till-plain and mixed grass prairie. As such, the Tiger Hills is one of four Canadian prairie localities under investigation by members of SCAPE (Study of Cultural Adaptations within the Prairie Ecozone), a project focused on reconstructing human-environment interaction. The Hokanson site, located in the Tiger Hills and occupied ~1,000 years ago lies along gentle slopes marginal to a small wetland. Recent archaeological investigations suggest the site is primarily a bison kill and processing site. However, this interpretation hinges on the hypothesis that bison were trapped at a small jump adjacent to the wetland and subsequently dispatched and butchered at the site. The purpose of this research is to apply innovative GIS-based techniques to, 1) reconstruct paleotopography and paleovegetation at the site and, 2) to determine if (or how) the bison trap would have functioned as currently hypothesized. Topographic data was collected across the site (Trimble ProXRS dGPS, and total station survey). A digital elevation model (DEM) of the site was then produced using ArcView GIS software. Native vegetation communities, excavated areas, and activity areas were added to the DEM using ArcView software. “Bison eye” view sheds were then constructed and analyzed (ArcView modules 3-D Analyst and Spatial Analyst) to test the bison trap hypothesis. Preliminary results indicate the 3-D model and subsequent view shed analysis provide useful 3-D visualization of the site and that for the most part, the bison trap hypothesis is sound. In addition, though our research is ongoing, we are beginning to address a wider variety of archaeological research questions using our GIS-based approach.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology