Archaeological predictive modeling offers a means of uniformly making heritage resource management decisions across large areas in a timely and cost-effective manner. Unfortunately, the existing model only offers an intuitive and individualistic approach to anticipating site distribution and is inadequate when dealing with the magnitude of the heritage management issues in the province of British Columbia (B.C.). Sites are sought out where they are expected to be found. As a result, invalid notions of archaeological site distribution become entrenched in the process and then takes on a reality role in the decision making process. The decision makers may not be able to explain why they expect sites to be in specific localities and they may not be able to identify specific geographical or biotic indicators of site potential. This is not a true prediction, and therefore, without intensive inductive field assessments there is a risk of impacting presently unidentified types of sites.

To overcome the limitations of previous archaeological predictive models in Central British Columbia, we developed research designs, analyses and recommendations for future changes and modifications, and a new archaeological predictive model that formalizes archaeological prediction for a wide variety of clients. The combined analysis and development of a web based application offers our clients the most efficient means of effective heritage management. The benefits of applying this new concept of predictive modeling to the forest planning process are significant and offer the only viable future alternative to past systems. These models are most effective when they are GIS based however we can provide web-based, data based or regional applications as well.

• Created full scale Archaeological Predictive Models for the Nadina, Prince George, Headwaters and Fort St James Natural Resource Regions
• Archaeological overview and predictive model on 70,000 ha of crown land in the vicinity of Takla Lake in north central British Columbia
• An archaeological predictive model for Finger Lake and Mount Robson Provincial Parks
• An Archaeological Predictive model developed for the City of Prince George (ARFT)

Our models include localized research and site analysis, review and analysis of previous archaeological work. Our work includes ongoing testing, refinement and proposes statistically valid archaeological inventories for the future. The benefits of applying our concepts of predictive modeling to the developmental planning process are significant and offer the only viable alternative to the present systems.

Our goal is to develop predictive models that emphasize archaeological site protection and to minimize its adverse effects on planned development activities. Development planners demonstrate a growing awareness of the value of heritage resources and are incorporating these resources into their augmented designs.