Use of geographical information systems in researches of underwater cultural heritage: Mediterranean basin shipwreck information system

In recent years, there has been a rapid development in the Underwater Cultural Heritage Research, along with the technology that has been developing. When the studies carried out in this context are examined, a research topic has been determined to contribute to the field by adapting underwater archaeological researches to technology. There is a lack of an effective analysis and method for the problems that occur in important issues in archaeological research such as archiving, dating, data analysis. In this context, the aim of the thesis is to make the Underwater Cultural Heritage Research more effective by using the technology infrastructure, based on ArcGIS software and using these technological tools. At the same time, it is aimed to provide the integration of GIS software in underwater archeology, to propose solutions to problems, and to bring a different perspective to research methods. Within the scope of this goal, several analyzes were made by creating the Mediterranean Basin Shipwreck Information System with ArcMap software. An exemplary system usage research was conducted by making coastal proximity analysis, buffer impact area analysis, and feature analysis. Thanks to the analyses, the use of GIS in Underwater Cultural Heritage Research was tested and the Mediterranean Basin Shipwreck Information System was created. In this context, solutions have been brought to the problems that occurred in archiving, dating research, and data analysis stages. It is thought that the use of Shipwreck Information System and GIS software will serve as a reference for future research, support, and help research, as well as create a perspective by providing a comprehensive image.