Prehistoric land use and hydrology: a multi-scalar spatial analysis in central Arizona

► This paper presents a multi-scalar GIS study of prehistoric rainfall/runoff agriculture in a semi-arid environment. ► GIS analyses combined LiDAR and archaeological data (e.g. sites and rock alignments) for a hydrological model. ► Rock alignments were suitably placed to manage and harvest runoff water for cultivation. ► Rock alignments were reducing the volume of runoff flowing through the cultivated areas by promoting soil infiltration.