Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
1035980 Journal of Archaeological Science 2011 9 Pages PDF
Abstract

The aim of this paper is to extend the range of current analytical procedures that archaeologists use to understand movement. In particular, how a landscape becomes ordered by simply defining a destination. More specifically, this study proposes the derivation of a focal mobility network, i.e. the network of most likely paths towards a given destination, and explores several of its applications within a landscape archaeology framework. The suggested extensions are based on existing standard procedures within most GIS. A series of synthetic control surfaces and an archaeological study focused around Iron Age hillforts in Galicia (NW Spain) are used as case studies to illustrate different analytical possibilities.

Research highlights► Landscapes become structured when moving towards a specific destination. ► GIS calculated accumulated cost surface provides an expression of this structure. ► A focal mobility network describes most likely paths to destination. ► Movement is characterized by accessibility signatures, indexes and mobility basins. ► Accessibility for NW Spain Iron Age hillforts from different periods are compared.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Materials Science Materials Science (General)
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