On Mapping

[Rayfo...@aol.com]

Hi,

 

I think the mapping facility in OxCal is a work in progress.

 

I've worked out one way of using it pending completion.  I hope it is of some use.  I'm sure the official version will be much better.

 

In the OxCal Model, create Map data by inserting Longitude, Latitude and colour below each R-Date, e.g.

 

 Plot()
 {
  Sequence()
  {
   Boundary("Start 1");
   Phase("1")
   {
    R_Date("C", 2240, 30)
    {
     longitude=-2.4;
     latitude=57.4;
     color="green";
    };
    R_Date("B", 2120, 30)
    {
     longitude=-2.6;
     latitude=57.2;
     color="blue";
    };
    R_Date("A", 2000, 30)
    {
     longitude=-2.5;
     latitude=57.5;
     color="red";
    };
   };
   Boundary("End 1");
  };
 };

 

Run the model and click on View, then Plot on map, then Generate map. 
This will open a new tab with the map co-ordinates plotted. 
Click 'Format' and choose 'Map underlay' from the drop down arrow. 
'Terrain' provides a good compromise.
Choose 'Key with Plot' if a legend is required, then OK.
The Terrain map is in view with Coordinates plotted.

 

Setting up a Key can be quite complex.  One method is illustrated here:

 

In the same Terrain map view click Edit, Import.  Type the name you want to appear against a marker then press Import. 
Repeat afresh for each name.  Each time 'Import' is pressed, a marker will appear onscreen in the Key with the name alongside it.

 

In this example, the map markers are all circles, but the Key has allocated various shaped markers. 
This can be edited to make all the key markers appear as circles, as follows:
Click Edit, Data.  A table drops down and under the column 'Marker' is a drop down arrow.
Select the desired Marker and click OK for each one. Colours can likewise be changed.
There should now be a terrain map with the all coordinates plotted and a key of the colours used.
Pressing the 'play' arrow animates the view and coordinates appear chronologically.
The size of the circles emulate the HPD of each date.

 

Rerun the double arrows to get back to the start dates.  Press Format, then OK to refresh all the coordinates.

 

A video screen capture program can be used to record the animation.

 

This is NOT an official explanation of the OxCal mapping facility, but may be of use.

 

Best wishes

 

Ray Kidd