An Assessment on the Spatial-Temporal Patterns of Songhor’s Archaeological Sites in GIS

Extended Abstract
Introduction
Despite academic advances in spatial analysis within archaeology, primary uses of computer
based GIS in archaeology were initiated by Cultural Resource Management (CRM) needs in the
world. In conjunction with the development of environmental GIS data within several
organizations, other federal agencies saw its potential for the management and spatial
representation of archaeological data. Therefore, in other ways, developing methods of analysis
and visual representation of data, previously impossible, were started. New methods of
exploratory data analysis became possible and the efficiency within GIS environments for
manipulation and analysis of spatial data contributed to exploratory and experimental use of data.
Developed in catchment analysis of the 1970 in archaeology was a byproduct of settlement
pattern and cultural ecological studies in which archaeologists became interested in the types
and spatial distribution of resources exploited by a given settlement. The concept is based on the
assumption that resource use around a settlement is distance dependant and that sites will be
located so that to maximize exploitation of resource. Typically, the area associated with the
settlement was calculated through Euclidian boundary techniques. Yet Euclidian distance
measures do not take into account aspects of the topography in consideration of distance. Today, 
more sophisticated models utilize cost distance to establish distance in the development of
catchment areas.
Other improvements in spatial analysis can also be seen in settlement pattern analysis. With
GIS, archaeologists are now able to explore and analyze multiple variables across a given
landscape such as distance between archaeological site locations and particular types of
architecture and/or artifacts. These variables can be used to discuss issues related to, for
instance, mobility and socio-political development through time. At more micro-scales, GIS has
been used to manage and analyze the distribution of artifact types at a given site. This type of
analysis is useful for understanding the behavioral patterns at a given site and identifying
specific activity areas within a site through time.
Methodology
This study has tried to analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of Songhor’s archaeological sites in
GIS. To conduct the research, the techniques applied for gathering data will be pervasive
surface survey. Accordingly, all archaeological and historical evidence will be identified and
then recorded, in details. The collected data, including 286 sites and monuments from Neolithic
to late Islamic period, was reported in 2 volumes. Dating of the sites has been carried out based
on sample recognition and comparing the studies of collected surface data. The material
gathered were divided into six general groups, which are Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, Iron,
Historic and late Islamic period. According to current research, from the total 286 sites, two of
them belong to Neolithic periods, 32 of them belong to Chalcolithic period, 25 of them belong
to Bronze period, 46 of them belong to Iron Age and 147 of sites present the culture of the
Achaemanid, Parthian and Sassanian era. Finally, 214 sites and monuments have shown the
traces of the Islamic period which some of them show only a particular time of Islamic era and
mostly present the monuments and architecture of this period. Then these archeological sites are
chosen as our materials and statistical population.
For achieving the research goals, we have used and analyzed geographical information,
using Arc GIS 10 Software. By establishing a data bank, as Geodatabase, for the studywe
carried out an analysis on spatial distribution of the sites. Thus, we focused on natural factors
like height, slope, Landform, climate, flowing waters, rivers, flora (pasture), and rainfall to
understand the role and efficacy of each factor in appearance of the sites. Our study made it
clear that the ancient settlement patterns of Songhor was highly affected by natural factors such
as flora, water sources, rainfall, and height.
Results and Discussion
In addition, according to this research it has been specified that each of the natural factors have
played different roles in the distribution of the ancient sites and there is no same precept for all.
Thus, it is necessary that the role of each natural factor to be studied separately. The analysis
shows that the area under study is affected by Zagros mountain ranges, height, distance to the
river and dense pasture cover.
Conclusion
This area has a cool climate and height and these factors have created special and different
conditions in forming human settlements relative to other areas in central Zagros. Our study
made it clear that the ancient settlement patterns of Songhor were highly affected by natural
factors such as height and distance to the river.