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Traversing the Terrain: A Least Cost Analysis on Intersite Causeways in the Maya Region
- Date Issued:
- 2014
- Abstract/Description:
- The study of ancient Maya causeways is crucial for understanding Maya social and spatial organization. Archaeologists have been interested in Maya causeways for decades, specifically documenting their locations. More recently, the use of Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, has been used for understanding the spatial organization of archaeological sites. GIS analyses on ancient Maya causeways however have been very limited. This thesis aims to evaluate ancient Maya causeways through GIS analysis. Specifically, five intersite causeway systems are looked at: the Mirador Basin, Yaxuna-Coba-Ixil, Uxmal-Nohpat-Kabah, Ake-Izamal-Kantunil, and Uci-Kancab-Ukana- Cansahcab. These causeway systems were evaluated using least-cost paths based on the terrain. In this thesis, I argue that the intersite causeways do not follow a least-cost path based on terrain and that the purpose of these roads varies between sites and regions.
Title: | Traversing the Terrain: A Least Cost Analysis on Intersite Causeways in the Maya Region. |
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17 downloads |
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Name(s): |
Rivas, Alexander, Author Chase, Arlen, Committee Chair Chase, Diane, Committee Member Walker, John, Committee Member University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor |
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Type of Resource: | text | |
Date Issued: | 2014 | |
Publisher: | University of Central Florida | |
Language(s): | English | |
Abstract/Description: | The study of ancient Maya causeways is crucial for understanding Maya social and spatial organization. Archaeologists have been interested in Maya causeways for decades, specifically documenting their locations. More recently, the use of Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, has been used for understanding the spatial organization of archaeological sites. GIS analyses on ancient Maya causeways however have been very limited. This thesis aims to evaluate ancient Maya causeways through GIS analysis. Specifically, five intersite causeway systems are looked at: the Mirador Basin, Yaxuna-Coba-Ixil, Uxmal-Nohpat-Kabah, Ake-Izamal-Kantunil, and Uci-Kancab-Ukana- Cansahcab. These causeway systems were evaluated using least-cost paths based on the terrain. In this thesis, I argue that the intersite causeways do not follow a least-cost path based on terrain and that the purpose of these roads varies between sites and regions. | |
Identifier: | CFE0005404 (IID), ucf:50426 (fedora) | |
Note(s): |
2014-08-01 M.A. Sciences, Anthropology Masters This record was generated from author submitted information. |
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Subject(s): | Ancient Maya -- causeways -- sacbe -- least-cost -- GIS -- road systems | |
Persistent Link to This Record: | http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005404 | |
Restrictions on Access: | public 2014-08-15 | |
Host Institution: | UCF |