A Python Script for Geometric Interval Classification in QGIS: A Useful Tool for Archaeologists

Abstract

Graduated colour maps, created through the mathematical classification of quantitative variables, are frequently used in archaeology. A Python script for implementing a classification method based on geometric intervals in QGIS is presented here. This method is more suitable than the standard methods in case the quantitative attribute to be classified follows a right-skewed distribution, which is common among archaeological data. After an overview of the main classification methods, this paper focuses on the benefits of the geometric interval subdivision scheme, describes the technical features of the script and demonstrates how it works. A final thought on the advantages of using FLOSS is proposed.