Using GIS in Anthropological research

The iTrek Z1 datalogger GPS with a solar panel is based on the MTK chipset produced beginning in Q1 2007. I brought this GPS data logger, along with three other GPS units, on an ethnoarchaeological research project in Peru in 2007 where we travelled with a traditional salt-bearing caravan for 14 days, and I gathered 9 days of data logging with the iTrek Z1. I conducted this test to evaluate the precision of the GPS in the southern hemiphere where there is no WAAS.

I just got a definitive email response on how to cite ASTER data (or other data from the same source), and that there are no restrictions on their use. I am publishing a paper in ESRI's ArcUser, whose the editor also got this email, so ESRI should now be aware (if they weren't before), that these data are acceptable for publication (you don't have to only use ESRI's data).

Thanks to Janice Wilson for clarifying this!

In making viewshed calculations, the earth's curve and the refraction of light in air have an impact (albeir minor) on lines of sight. I this post, I provide some links describing how Arc calculates both variables. I would love to find out how to recalculate the "refractivity coefficient" of 0.13 to other situations. I also put a plug in for fuzzy viewsheds, a drastic improvement that was first suggested 15 years ago, to be mostly ignored in practice until very recently.

Corrections for the Curvature of the Earth

So you're using the Project Tool to re-projecting a map into a new projection.

Before you can start the process, you have to choose from the many transformations. The attached file (World Projections.xls) lists where in the world each projection transformation should be used.

So you're using the Project Tool to re-projecting a map into a new projection.

Before you can start the process, you have to choose from the many transformations. The attached file (World Projections.xls) lists where in the world each projection transformation should be used.

For example, if your map is in PSAD56, and you want to project it to
WGS84, the Project Tool will ask you which transformation you want. Checking the lists for Bolivia, I find: PSAD_1956_To_WGS_1984_2

Anthropological fieldwork with a Garmin Edge 305 with Heart Rate monitor

GPS technology has greatly simplified the process of locating sites and features on the landscape and mapping positions, linear features, and areas. There are two main groups of GPS units used by field scientists: [i:6e8137ad92]recreational [/i:6e8137ad92]and [i:6e8137ad92]mapping [/i:6e8137ad92]grade GPS units. This post is about using Recreational GPS units for fieldwork.

Steps to using ASTER14DMO DEM and Imagery data in ArcGIS 9.1 or 9.2

The ASTER14DMO format file contains 15 TIF files.
These include 14 bands of imagery (V1-3n and 3b, S4-S9, T10-T14), and a DEM file.
If you have an HDF file see this posting first.

DEM
1. Open the TIF file and right-click layer > Data… > Export Data… choose Format: GRID
2. Give it a legal filename for GRIDs (short filename, no spaces or weird characters)