Michigan State University Department of Anthropology
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Marquette Mission Site - St. Ignace, Michigan

Data Gathering
Because the site was excavated during ten field seasons over a period of thirty years by multiple archaeologists, our first task was to assemble all of the field information and construct an accurate base map of the work done. We also worked extensively with the collections to insure comparability of data. Use of ArcGIS (a geographic information system) to incorporate individual excavation unit maps and tie artifacts to their spatial context was essential to the project.

Because this site has been excavated by different archaeologists over a long period of time, it was not surprising that we encountered various challenges. These challenges have to do with consistency in mapping and recording at the site. Differences in recovery techniques and the kinds of observations also made some comparisons difficult. To resolve these issues it was necessary to review the field notes, maps, and photographs for each excavation.

The key location or datum from which the site was mapped in the 1970s could not be reliably and precisely relocated. Starting in 1983 a USGS benchmark just north of the site was established as the datum for the site.

 Cold crew members mapping, 2001
2001 - Cold Crew Members Mapping
Excavaton form showing some of the information that had to be included in creating a composite site map covering several excavation over a thirty year period
Excavaton form showing some of the information that had to be included in creating a composite site map covering several excavation over a thirty year period.
1971 Field crew using a transit to lay out an excavation grid to be used for digging and mapping.