HISTarchers,

The advantages of using one of these programs are well known: they are fast,
help preserve your sanity, and they draw the little boxes for you.

However, NOT using a matrix program forces the archaeologist into a deeper
understanding of the stratigraphic complexity of their site. Being forced to
go through the process of working out these relationships by hand means that
you truly understand the site and can spot apparent stratigraphic
impossibilities that are (dare I say it?) mistakes on the part of person in
the field.

Peace,

Adrian Praetzellis
California