Geographical Information System in Iran's Archaeological Researches; History, Trends and Problems

Geographical information system (GIS) technology has a variety of facilities and programs based on software features and functionalities. It has been increasingly used within archaeological research contexts over the last 30 years. The widespread use of this system in archaeology is a product of the proliferation and availability of geographic software programs, advances in computer technology and, abundance of spatial data in archaeology. Iranian archaeology is not an exception to this rule. In recent years many researches and thesis have appropriately used these tools in their studies. This study reviews the necessity of using spatial theories in archaeology and review the application of this system in Iranian archaeology. After reviewing applied activities based on this systems in landscape studies and intra-site applications in Iran , it was clear that archaeologists have not completely identified the capabilities and features of this system. Absence of legitimate uses by geography graduates assisting in archaeological studies are the most important difficulties in the way of GIS in Iranian archaeology. However, other factors such as difficulty of spatial models suitable for all objects and various forms from excavations; the lack of database updates; length of archaeological interpretations of excavations for printing; a great variety of objects, concepts and specific functions; mapping and image analysis; cultural and regional diversity; chronology and historical context; financial deterrents; the lack of consensus among the Iranian archaeologists and so on affect this matter as well.