This thesis uses Historical Resources Impact Assessment reports and interviews with archaeological consultants to analyse the development and use of predictive models in the Oilsands region of northeastern Alberta. While these models have resulted in the discovery of hundreds of prehistoric archaeological sites, closer scrutiny shows that flaws exist in the models make-up. This occurs especially when previous site location data are used because the previous survey methods used to locate sites, have been biased towards waterways and raised terrain features. Therefore, areas other than those considered to have high potential for archaeological resources have been neglected. By neglecting low and moderate potential areas, the results cannot be critically evaluated. This research recommends that post-impact assessments or monitoring of the area during developments could improve our understanding of low and moderate potential areas.