Mhaske, Aishwarya P and Conesa, F (2026) Beyond the coordinates: Critical approaches to legacy data case study of Kachchh. Ancient Asia, 17. pp. 189-207.
Full text not available from this repository.| Contribution | Name |
|---|
| Abstract: | Archaeological studies in Kachchh, Gujarat, continue to rely on legacy data sets created before the widespread use of GPS and standardised spatial recording, yet the quality of these data sets for modern spatial analysis has been poorly evaluated. This research assesses the legacy records of Mature Harappan archaeological sites in Eastern Kachchh, which are marked by variable reporting of coordinates, repeated site names and unclear cultural attributions, and assesses the potential of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), integrated with colonial Survey of India toposheets, to inform the re-evaluation of archaeological legacy data. The study adopted a methodological approach of cleaning and crosschecking published legacy datasets, spatial analyses using historical maps, CORONA imagery, multispectral satellite data, digital elevation models, and multi-season field surveys aided by GPS recording to reidentify and validate reported sites. The findings reveal that legacy coordinates exhibit significant spatial uncertainty, with an average error of about 4 km and a range of 1 to 16 km, underscoring the need to critically assess legacy spatial datasets. Although remote sensing and GIS have limited potential for primary site detection in Kachchh due to geomorphological variability, they are useful for site boundary delineation, landscape change reconstruction and contextualisation of confirmed sites. The research suggests that archaeological interpretations are best supported by integrating critically evaluated legacy data, field verification, and geospatial analysis, with technological tools that complement field surveys. |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Journal Paper |
| Keywords: | Legacy data, Mature Harappan, Eastern Kachchh, Spatial uncertainty, Field-verified GIS |
| Subjects: | School of Humanities > History School of Humanities > Archaeology School of Humanities > Heritage Studies |
| Divisions: | Schools > Humanities |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Sep 2026 06:10 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Sep 2026 06:11 |
| Official URL: | https://ancient-asia-journal.com/upload/1/volume/V... |
| Related URLs: | |
| Funders: | * |
| Projects: | * |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.47509/AA.2026.v17i.11 |
| URI: | http://eprints.nias.res.in/id/eprint/3463 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
