Derek Lee

Bio: Mr. Lee became a member of the staff at Bear Creek Archeology in 1996. At that time, he assisted in the transition to digital graphic production and helped lay the framework for increased reliance on electronic data collection. Mr. Lee has been instrumental in the design and implementation of the piece-plotting method of archeological site excavation used on over 40 sites. Other specialties include total station mapping, database design, technology training, GIS development, GPS applications, bathymetric survey, and inter-application software design.

The Search For Fort L’Huillier: An Interdisciplinary Academic and Private Sector Geomentoring Model

Located near present day Mankato, Minnesota, Fort L’Huillier was built in 1700 and abandoned by 1702. Numerous attempts to re-locate this historically significant resource have occurred in the past, but to no avail. Through private sector collaboration, an interdisciplinary geomentoring approach provided GIS graduate students with the opportunity to explore ‘real-world’ modeling scenarios with applied outcomes. The classroom portion utilized current GIS technology and data, evidence from past investigations, and detailed historical accounts to select the most likely location for Fort L’Huillier. Archeological investigations were then conducted; the results of which will further refine future modeling efforts.

Geomentoring, Archaeology, Interdisciplinary, Fort L'Huillier, Historic Preservation