University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Poster Gallery
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Creation Date
Spring 4-1-2016
Major
Geography
Department
Geosciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Kelly Watson
Mentor Department
Geosciences
Abstract
LiDAR is a powerful method that uses laser technology to identify objects or features of a landscape. LiDAR is especially useful when features are hard to discern from their surroundings, as is the case at the Tomoka Mound Complex in Northeast Florida. The Tomoka Mounds are a pre-Columbian Native American village and mortuary complex dating from 3000-2400 BC. The currently identified mounds at the Tomoka complex range from 0.5 m to 3 m in height and from 12 to 32 m in diameter. Elevation for the Tomoka Mound Complex ranges from 1.5 m to 4.5 m above mean sea level. The mound complex is located at the edge of a relict Pleistocene dune ridge characterized by gently undulating topography. This topography, combined with the insignificant heights of some of the mounds found at the Tomoka Mound Complex, make this site the perfect candidate for the use of LiDAR technology to reveal hidden details in the layout of the mounds. For this research, I implemented LiDAR data sets to create a map of the site that will be of great use to archaeologists studying the complex. The map accurately documents site features and identifies evidence of possible human origin for further archaeological investigation. This LiDAR analysis creates baseline spatial data that permits documentation for current and future archaeological investigation. The work also generates 3D images for public display and supports the Florida Park Service’s mission to protect and manage the site.
