Evaluating QField as a Mobile GIS Solution for Archaeological Survey

Abstract

The recent developments in the field of geospatial ‘free and open source software’ (F/OSS) are reflected in its more widespread use among archaeologist. The article presents practical application of one of these F/OSS programs, namely QField, for archaeologists. QField is mobile version of desktop GIS program QGIS, customized for Android platform. The salvage survey in the northern Israel at the site of Khirbet es-Swade/Ma’agar Snir and survey of Hellenistic and Roman fortifications in the southern Golan Heights provide case-studies for the utilization of the program. The program’s performance is evaluated with regard to 1) preparation and pre-processing of the data; 2) data collection and fieldwork; and 3) data export and post-processing.