Abstract
In this study, we present the results of a comprehensive, landscape-scale remote sensing project at Santa Elena on Parris Island, South Carolina. Substantial occupation at the site extends for over 4000 years and has resulted in a complex array of features dating to different time periods. In addition, there is a 40-year history of archaeological research at the site that includes a large-scale systematic shovel test survey, large block excavations, and scattered test units. Also, modern use of the site included significant alterations to the subsurface deposits. Our goals for this present work are threefold: (1) to explicitly present a logical approach to examine sites with long-term occupations; (2) to examine changes in land use at Santa Elena and its implications for human occupation of this persistent place; and (3) to use the remote sensing program and past archaeological research to make substantive suggestions regarding future research, conservation, and management of the site. Our research provides important insight into the distribution of cultural features at this National Historic Landmark. While the majority of archaeological research at the site has focused on the Spanish period, our work suggests a complex and vast array of archaeological features that can provide insight into over 4000 years of history in the region. At a gross level, we have identified possible Late Archaic structures, Woodland houses and features, Late Prehistoric and early Historic council houses, and a suite of features related to the Spanish occupation which builds on our previous research at the site. In addition to documenting possible cultural features at the site, our work illustrates the value of multiple remote sensing techniques used in conjunction with close-interval shovel test data.
Highlights
At the crux of every archaeological remote sensing project is the ability to differentiate significant signals from surrounding noise
In other cases, archaeologists deal with landscapes that have been occupied by various people for millennia which have yielded complex palimpsests of features and Remote Sens. 2018, 10, 248 matrix to various methods of prospection
While the majority of archaeological research at the site has focused on the Spanish period, our work suggests a complex and vast array of archaeological features that can provide insight into over 4000 years of history in the region
Summary
At the crux of every archaeological remote sensing project is the ability to differentiate significant signals from surrounding noise. The more complicated the noise, the more difficult it is to evaluate meaningful patterns within a given dataset. This is true whether one is looking at aerial or ground-based shallow geophysical surveys. Archaeological features are diffused or have suffered greatly from taphonomic processes that render them invisible within their surrounding matrix to various methods of prospection. In other cases, archaeologists deal with landscapes that have been occupied by various people for millennia which have yielded complex palimpsests of features and Remote Sens. In other cases, archaeologists deal with landscapes that have been occupied by various people for millennia which have yielded complex palimpsests of lfaenadtusrceaspeamndodliafincdastcioanpse. Omfotdhiefsicea, ttihoensla. stOsfituthaetisoen, pthreeselanstts pseitruhaatpiosnthpermesoesnttcshpalelrehnagpinsgt,hbeutmalossot pcohtaelnletniaglliyngth, ebumtoasltsroewpoatrednintigalilny ttehremms oofsut nredwerasrtdanindginignltoenrgm-tseromf uhnudmearsntaunsde ionfgsploencigfi-ctelramndhscuampeasn, aussewoefllsapsetchifeicmlaanndasgceampeens,taosf wtheelsleasretshoeumrcaens.agement of these resources
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
