Archaeological predictive models for the Elbe valley around Dresden, Saxony, Germany

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008 306 (Abstract)

PDF, English Download (8MB) | Terms of use

Abstract

Three archaeological studies were conducted preceding the construction of a motorway from Dresden to Prague. In 1996 a predictive model was developed to assess the archaeological relevance of the trajectory. The following year a survey was conducted which demonstrated the existence of several areas with high archaeological relevance. From 1999 to 2003 the full length of the trajectory was prospected by trial trenching in order to assess the precise location and extent of archaeological sites. Subsequently, all sites were excavated. During the following research project the results of these studies were compared and two predictive methods were used to develop new predictive maps for the trajectory and the Dresden Elbe Valley. Both methods were found to be useful depending on the context in which they are applied.