Applying ecological niche factor analysis for predictive modelling in the Kaulonia field survey

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)

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Abstract

During the archaeological survey in Kaulonia (Calabria, Southern Italy), we observed a pattern in the distribution of Bronze Age finds. Due to that observation, we tried to define both a model of these findings and a map of their probability of presence. We have chosen a method applied to model animal distribution, the Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (ENFA) that works without absence data. ENFA computes the suitability function by comparing the species distribution in the eco-geographical variables (EGV) space with that of the whole set of cells. The model describes the Bronze Age findings as more influenced first by high elevations, then by the distance from sea. In the next survey campaigns, we have tested the Habitat Suitability map, surveying new areas and we found new concentrations of Bronze Age finds where there is a high potential on the Habitat Suitability map.