RESEARCH METHOD
GIS, LiDAR & spatial analysis
Spatial relationships among archaeology, soil signals and relief.
01
What the method shows
Spatial relationships among archaeological features, soil signals, relief and historical landscape structure.
How we use it in HEL
When accurate coordinates, LiDAR, historical maps and well-defined analytical variables can be combined.
02
How the method works
GIS combines spatially referenced data within a common coordinate system. Vector layers describe points, lines and polygons; rasters carry continuous information such as LiDAR-derived terrain models or values interpolated from sampling grids.
Analysis can compare archaeological features, geochemical zones, topography and historical maps, measure distance and density, and guide sampling. LiDAR adds very fine topographic information, including terrain beneath vegetation.
A map is not a neutral representation of reality. Results depend on georeferencing accuracy, resolution, interpolation choices, scale and spatial autocorrelation.
geochemistry, LiDAR, field survey, historical maps and statistical modelling.
03
In practice
- Input / materialcoordinates, rasters, LiDAR/DEM, historical maps and sample tables
- Scale / resolutionsite to landscape
- Sampling / preparationspatially explicit design and documented coordinate reference systems
- Typical outputmaps, spatial zones, terrain models and sampling designs
04
Limits and control
Results are constrained by input accuracy, scale and spatial autocorrelation; a map alone does not explain process.
Třebokov: LiDAR, relict fields and geochemical zones; Ravat: canal, field and homestead network.
05
References and HEL studies
Selected studies underpinning the method descriptions and examples used by Human Earth Lab.