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78. Archaeological Predictive Model: Orchard Combat Training Center

Working From What We Know to What We Don’t Know

Julio Gonzalez Tepetla, Dr. Pei-Lin Yu, Dr. Mark Plew, James Eschenbrenner, Jake Fruhlinger

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Overview

  • Predictive models help assess large areas remotely to prioritize, strategize, and allocate resources efficiently.
  • Section 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 provide the legal basis for federal protection of archaeological sites.
  • We aim to utilize a predictive model to assist in land management and develop protective measures for cultural resources in the Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC).

Background

Michael Bishop

  • BSU Alumnus Michael Bishop developed the predictive model based specifically on the geospatial elements within the region.
  • In 2015, Bishop applied the model to an area of 5,500 acres followed by pedestrian survey to test results.

The Study Area: OCTC

  • The OCTC is a military training center located within the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in Southern Idaho.
  • Part of the Snake River Plain and the Great Basin.
  • Traditional territory of Shoshone, Bannock, and Paiute peoples.
  • Idaho National Guard (IDNG) training grounds.
satellite aerial view of OCTC created by Julio Gonzolez Jan 30, 2020 Idaho National Guard Gowen Field Boise ID
Figure 1: Overview Map of OCTC

Objectives

  • Main goal: Apply Bishop’s model to a 24,627-acre area neighboring the 2015 test area to produce a map identifying areas of high probability for encountering archaeological sites within a 30-meter buffer.
  • Facilitate land management to help protect cultural resources in the OCTC, which are protected by law and important to descendant communities.

Methods

Using GIS software, LiDAR elevation data, and cultural point data from known sites, we created a Hydrology layer and Elevation layer in ArcMap to isolate the spots based on the statistically derived
parameters from Bishop’s model shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Statistically Derived Parameters in Meters

ElevationDistance to HydrologyAngle to Hydrology
>949 and <961
>989 and <1000
>1009 and <1021		<12<-90 and >90
Flow direction of project area created by Julio Gonzalez Feb 27, Idaho Army National Guard Gowen Field Boise ID
Figure 2: Map showing Flow Direction with Elevation Layer
Stream ranking by ground anomaly created by Julio Gonzalez Feb 27, Idaho Army National Guard Gowen Field Boise ID
Figure 3: Stream Order Map Showing the Selected Streams

Results

  • A map depicting predicted archaeological sites was successfully produced (Figure 4).
  • The model’s projection resulted in four major clusters of predicted archaeological sites. Each site with a 30-meter buffer.
2015 and 2020 Predicted Archaeological Sites Orchard Combat Training Center created by Julio Gonzalez Feb 27, Idaho Army National Guard Gowen Field Boise ID
Figure 4: Test Areas and Predicted Areas Map

Why do the 2015 and 2020 predicted areas not connect?

  • For the Hydrology layer, we used “Stream Order” which ranks hydrologic features.
  • In order to eliminate low ranked features such as roads, we kept streams ranked between 8-11, which represent the highest ranked 36% of streams in this area (see Figure 3).
  • In the 2015 projection, streams ranked between 5-8 were kept which represent the highest ranked 50% of streams in that test area.
  • It is likely that the 2020 and 2015 predicted areas would connect if we had kept the highest
    ranked 50% of streams. However, the goal is to test accuracy within each buffer, not to produce
    more predicted areas.

Challenges

  • Early attempts to process large amounts of data from the 24,627-acre area caused the GIS computer program to crash.
  • Due to the computer’s processing capabilities, we were forced to apply a 10-meter grid to run our projection as opposed to the 1-meter grid used by Bishop.

Future Steps

  • Conduct pedestrian field survey to test accuracy while providing field opportunities to
    fellow students.
  • Recommend adjustments to the model such as additional variables to obtain a better
    prediction in future applications.
  • Continue working with IDNG to help identify and protect cultural resources in other
    areas of the OCTC.

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Idaho National Guard and Boise State University.

A special thanks to James Eschenbrenner and Jake Fruhlinger from the Idaho National Guard, Environmental Management Office for contributing your time and resources to this project. James, this would not have been possible without you. Pei-Lin Yu and Mark Plew, your valuable advice, guidance, and patience were greatly appreciated. Michael Bishop, thank you for providing clarity and support during this project. Tessa Amend, thank you for helping finalize map images for this poster. To the Institute for STEM & Diversity Initiatives, thank you for organizing the HERC Fellowship and for providing this opportunity to students like myself.

Additional Information

For questions or comments about this research, contact at Julio Gonzalez Tepetla at juliogonzalez604@u.boisestate.edu.

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