PREHISTORIC SETTLEMENT PATTERNS IN BOHEMIA

PROCESSING SPATIAL INFORMATION

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The "Prehistoric Settlement Patterns in Bohemia" (SPPČ) project processes information about the dispersal of identified spatial phenomena and their mutual relationships using modern analytical methods. Among the most important tools in this regard are the specialist software products known as

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS

These are a means of creating a computerised database that enables the storage, retrieval, analytical processing (by mathematical operation) and rapid manipulation (e.g. depiction) of digitised data spatially rooted in a co-ordinate system.

The "Prehistoric Settlement Patterns" project uses GIS in particular for research into the spatial structure of archaeological resources and their (geographical) environment in the landscape. IDRISI and ArcView products are employed in this way.

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Fig. 1. Distance from reconstructed watercourses in the "Prehistoric Settlement Patterns" study area (the Říp region. GIS IDRISI, M. Kuna. Enlarge

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Fig. 2. Model of the relationships between individual settlement area components and their dependence on the fertility of surrounding soils 9or on loess extent) in the Vinoř stream microregion (Prague-East district). GIS IDRISI, D. Dreslerová. Enlarge

Fig.3. 3D image of a prehistoric hill-fort Dřevčice (distr.Prague-East) with green-market areas of artefact concentrations on its surface. Enlarge