A Statewide Geographic Information System (GIS) as a Predictive Tool for Locating Deeply Buried Archeological Deposits in Nebraska: Phase III-The Sandhills Region

Authors

Anthony L. Layzell, University of KansasFollow
Rolfe D. Mandel, University of KansasFollow
John Swigart, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David T. Williams, Nebraska State Historical Society

Date of this Version

12-23-2024

Document Type

Article

Citation

Latrell, A. L., Mandel, R. D., Swigart, J., and Williams, D. T. (2024). A Statewide Geographic Information System (GIS) as a Predictive Tool for Locating Deeply Buried Archeological Deposits in Nebraska: Phase III-The Sandhills Region, NDOT Research Report SPR-FY23(020).

Abstract

This project developed a GIS to assist with the identification of deeply buried cultural deposits in alluvial settings across the Sandhills region of Nebraska. Soil survey data, previous geoarchaeological investigations, landform position, and other information was used to rank the potential of any stream valley setting as low, low-moderate, moderate-high, or high potential to contain buried cultural deposits. While the presence of buried soils does not necessarily translate to presence of buried archeological sites, the potential for such sites is far greater in buried soils. The GIS can be used by NDOT and other agencies with statutory historic preservation obligations, to identify tracts on proposed construction projects that might require deep mechanical testing (backhoe or coring) in search of buried archeological properties.