U of A Research Paper Selected as Article of the Month by Cambridge University Press

CAST Researcher Malcolm Williamson conducting field work in Egypt with an Optech ILRIS-3D scanner.
Photo Submitted

CAST Researcher Malcolm Williamson conducting field work in Egypt with an Optech ILRIS-3D scanner.

An article on planning for international travel with "high-tech" field equipment published by U of A researchers Fred Limp and Malcolm Williamson has been selected as the February 2018 Journal Article of the Month by Cambridge University Press. The selected article, "Strategies for International Travel with 'High-Tech' Archaeological Field Equipment," was originally published in the journal Advances in Archaeological Practice in August 2017 and will be free of charge on the Cambridge University Press website through the end of March 2018 on the Cambridge Core blog.

Cambridge Core provides access to unique, scholarly content published by Cambridge University Press, in one user-friendly and fully searchable online platform. A wide range of high-quality academic content is available across Cambridge Core, including leading journals, research monographs, reference works and textbooks.

The article discusses the complex legal and operational questions that field researchers need to consider when travelling internationally with "high-tech" research instruments, as well as the many U.S. regulations that control the use of high technology instruments around the world.  These include such technologies as portable X-ray diffraction; ground penetrating radar; high-precision global navigation satellite system receivers; laser scanners; multispectral, thermal, lidar, and hyperspectral instruments on uncrewed aerial vehicles; and many others.

Researchers must be aware of restrictions that limit travel with selected specialized devices, as failure to plan for these can lead to substantial costs, denial of entry and, possibly, criminal indictments. The article also reviews the various duties and taxes that can be assessed on instruments when they are brought into foreign countries, and provides strategies to reduce or eliminate such charges. Practical advice on shipping and baggage alternatives are also covered.

The article draws upon the extensive experience that researchers from the U of A Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies have developed during their engagement in global field research. Over the last decade, CAST has conducted field research in more than 30 countries across 6 continents, including China, India, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Bolivia, Peru, Haiti, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Limp and Williamson were greatly assisted in the development of their article by the help of Candita Meek the U of A's Export Compliance Coordinator in the office of the Vice Provost for Research.

About the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies: The Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies is a multi-disciplinary center for spatial research and technology housed within the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. Established in 1991, CAST offers students, faculty, and the public opportunities to learn about the various applications of geographic information systems. CAST investigators span the social and physical sciences with expertise in the measurement and analysis of spatially referenced, multi-scalar data and processes, and are funded primarily through external sponsorships. More information about CAST can be found at cast.uark.edu. For ongoing news, follow CAST on Facebook and Twitter.

Contacts

Nani Verzon, public information specialist
Center For Advanced Spatial Technologies
479-575-8614, hverzon@uark.edu

Headlines

Food Scientists Show Rice Malt Has Potential to Play a Bigger Role in Beer

With Arkansas growing about half of the rice in the United States, and shortages of traditional raw materials such as barley, evaluating rice cultivars for use in malted brewing was one goal of U of A researchers.

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Senior Design Projects Reviewed by Alumni

Students condensed their design work into senior design projects and presented them for department alumni and other industry professionals, gaining insights from peers and faculty members.

An Evening With NWA Soldier Songs and Voices: The Healing Power of Music

Members of the Northwest Arkansas chapter of Soldier Songs and Voices will share their experiences and perform music in the Pryor Center atrium at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5.

University Not Pursuing Full External Management of Custodial and Grounds Services

Following an evaluation process that provided the U of A with the opportunity to learn more about its current operations compared to the market, the university will maintain its current workforce.

NAHJ UARK: Free Churros and Sodas During J-Days Celebration

 The U of A chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists will offer churros and sodas on the north patio of Kimpel Hall from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday. Stop by and support your local journalist.

News Daily