Reading Topographic Maps
An archaeological site is a “spatial concentration of material evidence of human activity” (Deetz 1967:11). It is not enough to know the location of a site on the ground. It must be related spatially to other sites as well as to topographic and other environmental characteristics. The U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series is usually used for these purposes as are aerial photographs when they are available. Select a copy of a portion of a U.S.G.S. 7.5 minute map. Scale on the map is 1 inch=2000 ft. Place four sites on the map in varying topographic situations. Assume that all of these sites are habitation areas.
Answer the following questions:
1. What is the elevation of site #1?
2. What is the distance between Site #1 and Site #2? Site #1 and Site #3? Site #1 and Site #4?
3. What is the highest point within 3,000 ft of Site #3?
4. What is the lowest point within 3,000 ft of Site #3?
5. What is the nearest water source for these sites? Why may water be important to site location?
6. What is the general character of the topography around Site #1?
7. How would you characterize the pattern of site location for these four sites?
8. Where would you suspect other sites to be found in the region?