Analysis of orientation patterns in Olduvai Bed I assemblages using GIS techniques: implications for site formation

Alfonso Benito-Calvo1, Ignacio de la Torre

  • 1Centro Nacional de Investigación sobrela Evolución Humana, Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca s/n, 09002 Burgos, Spain. alfonso.benito@cenieh.es

Summary

Geographic Information System (GIS) methods reveal preferred orientations in early Pleistocene bone and stone tools from Olduvai Gorge. Natural agents, like water, likely influenced these tool patterns, impacting interpretations of early hominin behavior.

Related Concept Videos

Manipulation and Analysis01:21

Manipulation and Analysis

GIS manipulation and analysis functions are vital for decision-making and planning. These activities range from data retrieval tasks, such as selecting information based on specific criteria, to advanced analytical techniques that address complex spatial problems.One critical GIS analysis method is overlaying, which combines multiple data layers to examine impacts. For example, overlaying a river-dammed lake boundary with road networks can identify affected infrastructure. Another common...
Levels of Use of a GIS01:29

Levels of Use of a GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operate across three levels of application, each representing an increasing degree of complexity: data management, analysis, and prediction. These levels reflect the expanding functionality and versatility of GIS technology in handling spatial data for diverse purposes.Data ManagementAt its foundational level, GIS serves as a tool for data management, enabling the input, storage, retrieval, and organization of spatial data. This level is often employed in...
Introduction to GIS01:28

Introduction to GIS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are tools for storing, analyzing, and displaying spatial data alongside related attributes. Unlike traditional information systems that address general queries, GIS incorporates spatial components, enabling users to answer "where" and "how far." For example, GIS can process housing data linked to geographic locations like zip codes, allowing insights into population density or housing distribution through thematic maps.GIS integrates technologies such as...
Methods of Obtaining Topography01:25

Methods of Obtaining Topography

Topography involves measuring and mapping land elevations, natural features, and artificial structures to create accurate representations of the terrain. Topographic surveying relies on traditional and modern methods, each with distinct advantages and limitations.Traditional Surveying Methods:Transit stadia surveys and plane table surveys were widely used traditional surveying methods. These techniques relied on instruments like theodolites and stadia rods for measuring distances and angles,...
Thematic Layering in GIS01:30

Thematic Layering in GIS

In the past, planning projects such as schools or public facilities required extensive manual effort to gather and compile data. Information such as property boundaries, soil characteristics, road networks, zoning regulations, and flood zones had to be sourced individually from courthouses, utility providers, and registry offices. Assembling these datasets into a coherent format often took several months, delaying project timelines.The introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)...
Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device01:30

Design Example: Identifying the Locations of Monuments in the Field Using Global Positioning System Device

Surveyors use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to measure the precise location and elevation of points on Earth. In a recent survey, GPS receivers were used to determine the coordinates and elevations of two park monuments. The process involved careful mission planning, data collection, and correction to ensure accuracy. The survey began with mission planning to identify optimal satellite visibility and minimize Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP). A geodetic control point served as...