Nov 14, 2024
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25

ANTH 3630 - GIS in Anthropology


ArcGIS and other GIS programs have become common tools in anthropology. This course introduces students to basic mapping skills used by archaeologists and anthropologists, familiarizes students with current mapping software, provides practical applications of ArcGIS for use in anthropology, and teaches students to effectively relay information through maps and sharable databases. The course focuses on archaeology while providing examples from biological, cultural, and linguistic anthropology to help students better understand GIS applications across their discipline. Structured lab-based exercises help students gain hands-on experience with GIS.

Requisites: ANTH 2020
Credit Hours: 4
OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture, 2.0 laboratory
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to produce scaled maps.
  • Students will be able to display summary numerical and population data on a map.
  • Students will be able to georeference local datum and historical maps.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate basic use of ArcMap GIS software.
  • Students will be able to recognize different types of map and map projections.
  • Students will be able to create map layers and make original contributions to geodatabases.
  • Students will be able to discuss how GIS is employed in each of the four subfields of anthropology.
  • Students will be able to adapt and apply GIS skills and methodologies from representative cases to new real-world situations.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate a developing sense of self as a learner and communicate how GIS skills and methodologies learned can be applied to new problems and contexts.
  • Students will be able to effectively present and interpret GIS analysis and findings.


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