Using LiDAR data and GIS to detect prehistoric earthworks in the Yazoo Basin, Mississippi

Geographic information systems (GIS) provide a powerful tool for systematically analyzing landscapes for archaeological earthworks. When combined with the use of high-resolution topographic data generated through light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) data, it is possible to construct algorithms that can be used to detect discrete features. In this way, GIS becomes a remarkable means for detecting archaeological deposits. The analysis presented in this thesis uses ArcGIS 9.2 and ET Geowizards to create a streamlined and consistent process to pinpoint areas of interest within topographic data that have attributes consistent with archaeological earthworks. Using LiDAR data from the Yazoo Basin, Mississippi, and ground-based surveys, I evaluate this approach and show how new deposits can be recognized, existing deposits can be spatially located and changes in landscape use can be identified.