The 2017 Workshop of the Society for Cultural Astronomy in the American Southwest (SCAAS), Spatial Modeling Technology for Cultural Astronomy Workshop, will be hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University, November 10th thru 12th, 2017.
This workshop germinated from Cortez Conference last October. We feel that there is a great need for an opportunity to add new computer applications to the toolbox of the cultural astronomer. Thus, we will be demonstrating computer-modeling techniques using photogrammetry, GIS, and desktop planetarium software. The goal is to gain practical experience using free or nearly free products that extend site research, modeling capability and site documentation.
The preliminary schedule includes optional fieldwork Friday morning (Nov. 10th) with work sessions in a visualization lab Friday afternoon, all day Saturday and Sunday until 3pm. We will organize an optional group dinner on Saturday night.
This workshop is limited to 36 participants. Those who would like to participate should expect to bring their own laptop, be able to download software in advance of the workshop and bring moderate computer skill and interest in spatial modeling. This should not be considered a meeting where one observes and listens to presentations, we are intending to make this a practical experience workshop.
The workshop learning goals include the use of photo imagery in the creation of 3D site models, the use of free GIS software to evaluate sites in a greater landscape context and the use of free planetarium software to analyze relevant astronomical phenomena. We encourage participants to bring their own work and modeling projects to share with others.
Refund Policy: In the event that you must cancel your conference registration, a refund of 80% of your registration fees will be provided if you cancel on or before November 1, 2017. No refunds after November 1, 2017.