Confidence maps: a tool to evaluate archaeological data'srelevance in spatial analysis

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008, pp. 272-277

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Abstract

Inventory data used in archaeology is often incomplete and heterogeneous. In the framework of the ArchaeDyn program, a method has been proposed to evaluate heterogeneity in archaeological inventories. The purpose of this work is to create a validation tool to interpret the results. This tool is called a “confidence map” and is produced by combining representation and reliability maps. The first step consists of generating representation maps to describe the clustering of archaeological items. The second step is based on reliability maps. Data providers are asked to define and outline the level of reliability of their data. Then the representation and reliability layers are combined using map algebra. The resulting maps allow for the comparison and analysis of data confidence.