Virgin Islands National Park GIS Project with Sir Sandford Fleming College

Allen, Stephanie; Nickle, Kristine; Smith, Justin

The main purpose of this study is to implement a GIS database for Hassel Island, US VI. This database houses information pertaining to the locations and attributes of archaeological resources on Hassel Island. Data collection was undertaken on the Island during a period of two weeks in early January, 2005. This data, along with extant data about Hassel Island, was processed at Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario, Canada during the winter term (January- April 2005). Peripheral goals of the project were to place 3-Dimensional models of historic structures in geographical context on existing GIS maps of St. John, perform spatial analysis for possible hurricane damage control on archaeological ruins, and to begin development on an archaeological resource protection/monitoring program for Park Law Enforcement. The 3-D models were constructed using existing two-dimensional architectural drawings made for the Park, and GPS points collected at various historic structures. GPS points were collected in the field at various archaeological structures where available. Archived maps, architectural drawings and data collected from past studies were used for implementation of the project. The main database holds the data collected for the locations as well as attributes for these points. Archived maps and Oxholm maps were rectified in order to plot the locations of the archaeological ruins for both St. John and Hassel Islands. Once the maps were completed with the proper coordinate locations of archaeological structures, tracings were done for the architectural drawings of these structures. Using Autodesk the 3-D models were developed. Using the GIS maps of St. John and Hassel Island a geographic model is used to locate specific structures on the map. 3-D models were rectified to their geographic coordinates. Integrated with a 3-D model of historical structures these maps provide full multi-dimensional analysis. The database allows users to input further data regarding the archaeological sites and possible changes that have occurred due to erosion, weather, and vandalism. Temporal analysis will allow researchers to determine possible sites that may be of concern to looting and vandalism and this would allow for excavation. Hurricane data was used to do spatial analysis for St. John Island. Various hurricane strengths may cause considerable damage to historical structures and this is a major cause for concern. Spatial analysis will allow researchers to develop a time table in which a better knowledge for what archaeological sites must be first researched and excavation. Better prevention and preparation would be greatly enhanced with the use of archaeological spatial analysis. National Park Service Law Enforcement is responsible for the protection and conservation of Hassel Island as well as the park on St. John Island. A database was created for continuous monitoring of the historic sites and to maintain future records of alteration and security.