SPARC

The Spatial Archaeometry Research Collaborations (SPARC) Program promotes the use of spatial analysis, 3D modeling, aerial and geophysical remote sensing technologies in archaeological research projects around the world. The increasing availability and sophistication of these technologies and methods profoundly affects how archaeologists and other scholars work. The things archaeologists study - from artifacts to sites to landscapes - almost always have a spatial component, and for many decades space has been viewed as one of the central dimensions of archaeological study. The capabilities of geospatial technologies to enhance the discovery and interpretation not only offers new data, but also creates entirely novel means of engaging with the archaeological record.

Through the SPARC Program high impact projects seeking to explore and implement geospatial technologies and methods are selected based on peer reviewed applications. Their work is supported through close collaborations with experts in spatial archaeometry at CAST, the University of Glasgow and Dartmouth University. Together, the teams at these institutions form a center for innovative geospatial research and methods in archaeology. Technical experts and research staff at CAST, Dartmouth and Glasgow actively promote geospatial technologies in archaeology, and collaborate with the selected projects, providing access to equipment, methodological and domain expertise, and intensive training.

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Associated Grants and Awards

Collaborative Research Spatial Archaeometry: Integrating Spatial Analysis into Archaeological Research (Award Abstract #1822110), National Science Foundation (2018)

Integrating Spatial Analysis into Archaeological Research (Award Abstract #1720339), National Science Foundation (2017)

Expanding Collaborative Opportunities for Research in Archaeo-Geomatics and Archaeo-Geophysics at CAST (Award Abstract #1519660), National Science Foundation (2015)

Expanding Collaborative Opportunities for Research in Archaeo-Geomatics and Archaeo-Geophysics at CAST/AIL (Award Abstract #1321443), National Science Foundation (2013)

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News & Media

Sans-Souci, Haiti: uncovering a kingdom, CaribbeanBeat, Issue 151 (May/June 2018)

NSF Continues Support for Program in Spatial Archaeometry, Arkansas Newswire, 08/30/17

SPARC to Collaborate on Four New Projects in Winter 2016-17, Arkansas Newswire, 07/22/16

Geospatial Research Program to Collaborate on Five New Projects in 2016, Arkansas Newswire, 12/18/15

Geospatial Research Program Seeks Project Applications, Arkansas Newswire, 10/06/15

NSF Renews Funding for National Hub of Geospatial Research in Archaeology, Arkansas Newswire, 08/20/15

SPARC-ing Geospatial Archaeological Research, Research Frontiers, 08/19/15

Archaeological Program to Work With Research Teams Throughout 2015, The Arkansas Traveler, 03/05/14

New Program Applies Geospatial Technology to Archeological Research, The Arkansas Traveler, 02/27/14

New Geospatial Research Program Meets Critical Need in Archaeology Research, Arkansas Newswire, 02/25/14