Total Station Mapping: Practical Examples from Alta and Baja California

Authors

Tsim D. Schneider
Lee M. Panich, Santa Clara UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2008

Publisher

Malki Museum, Inc.

Abstract

The use of electronic total data stations for mapping archaeological sites is examined through two California case studies. Mission Santa Catalina, located in the high desert of Baja California, and a cluster of three shell mounds, located in a forest in the San Francisco Bay area, represent two different examples of organizing and implementing a mapping program using a total station. In this article, we will discuss the basic use of total stations for mapping archaeological sites and provide an overview of the process of creating digital maps from data obtained using a total station. The two case studies will offer in-depth consideration of different data collection strategies and techniques used for the production of digital maps, and we stress the broad application of total stations for accurate and efficient mapping in a variety of study settings.

Comments

Copyright © 2008 Malki Museum, Inc. Reprinted with permission.

Recommended Citation

Schneider, Tsim D., and Lee M. Panich (2008). Total Station Mapping: Practical Examples from Alta and Baja California. Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology 28(2):166-183.