The most important aspect of GIS in archaeology lies, however, not in its use as a pure map-making tool, but in its capability to merge and analyse different types of data in order to create new information.
Surveys and documentation are important to preservation and archaeology, and GIS makes this research and fieldwork efficient and precise.
[2] Research done using GIS capabilities is used as a decision making tool to prevent loss of relevant information that could impact archaeological sites and studies.
The ability of GIS to model and predict likely archaeological sites is used by companies that are involved with utilizing vast tracts of land resources like the Department of Transportation.
Section 106 of the National Preservation Act specifically requires historical sites as well as others to be assessed for impact through federally funded projects.
GIS is able to store, manipulate and combine multiple data sets, making complex analyses of the landscape possible.
Simulation is a simplified representation of reality, attempting to model phenomena by identifying key variables and their interactions.
In addition to archaeological research applications, GIS is also used to help manage the conservation of cultural heritage sites.
GIS helps conservation organizations monitor the impacts of development, conflict, and climate change on archaeological and other cultural resources.