Announcing the Final Examination of Mr. Dennis Wardlaw for the Degree of Master of Arts

Dissertation title: Geophysical Survey of Greenwood Cemetery, Orlando, Florida

Advances in geophysical and remote sensing technology, specifically with ground penetrating radar (GPR) and geographic information systems (GIS), have led to increased use for archaeological research within cemeteries. Because of its non-invasive manner and high resolution of subsurface anomalies, GPR is ideal for surveying areas with marked or unmarked graves within cemeteries. Integrating different datasets into a GIS assists cemetery research by facilitating integration of datasets and projection of spatial data. What has not been attempted to this point is a systematic attempt to correlate detection rates of marked graves using a GPR with the time frame of the grave while incorporating the data within a GIS.  

This research project is the first to attempt to correlate rates of detection with a GPR and the age of marked graves with the data integrated in a GIS platform. Greenwood Cemetery, located in downtown Orlando, FL, was chosen for the study. A total of 1739 graves (ranging from 1883-2008) were surveyed with a GPR and then paired with probe data to address whether there is a correlation between rates of detection and age of the surveyed grave. Further, the correlation between the rates of geophysical detection to an independent verification by a T-bar probe and the relationship between the depth and age of the grave by decade were examined. Finally, all relevant survey data were integrated into a GIS. Integration of the survey data to a GIS helps to address the issue of data storage and management, the accuracy of the spatial data, and the ability of the data to be viewed and queried in meaningful ways.

The defense will consist of an overview of the research, the advantages of using GPR for cemetery research, and the results of the GPR survey. Also, the methodology for integrating the survey data into a GIS platform will be provided.

Outline of Studies:

Major: Anthropology; Archaeological Investigations in Forensic and Human Adaptation Track

Educational Career:

B.A., 2006, University of Georgia

Committee in Charge:

Dr. John J. Schultz

Dr. Tosha L. Dupras

Dr. John Z. Walker

Approved for distribution by Dr. John J. Schultz, Committee Chair, on October 2, 2009

The public is welcome to attend