Spatial analysis for an efficient use of data from trial trenching. - HAL-SHS - Sciences de l'Homme et de la Société Accéder directement au contenu
Poster De Conférence Année : 2015

Spatial analysis for an efficient use of data from trial trenching.

Résumé

The practice of preventive archaeology in France takes place in two steps: first, preliminary survey (“diagnostic” in french) and second, excavations. The diagnostic consists in assessing the archaeological potential of an area impacted by development. In rural areas this means an opening in the form of trial trenches. This continuous trenching pattern is performed using mechanical devices. Theses trenches are evenly spaced so as to cover around 10% of the surface. This first phase aims to provide sufficient information -on the nature, extent, chronology and degree of preservation of the sites- to the competent authorities (in France, the Ministry of Culture) in view to prescribe or not an excavation. The areas affected by these archaeological surveys are considerable, in some cases tens or hundreds of hectares. Beyond the assessment of archaeological potential, they deliver diachronic information on land-use whose exploitation is often restricted. In the case of large areas surveyed, we let’s suppose that the data mining is useful for archaeological interpretation of the site. This paper presents the methods and results of an experiment based on data from a 226 ha archaeological survey performed at Etrechet in Indre (Centre of France). The aim was to evaluate the contribution of spatial analysis, on one hand to read the results of the trial trenching, secondly to understand the land-use in the studied area. The experiment focused on the use of exploratory spatial data analysis. The methods used are both cartographic with the grid analysis and statistic with data clustering. The aim of this methods is to overcome the division imposed by the trial trenches, and consider the whole area. Results show that it is possible to test interpretive hypothesis on the distribution of the remains. Indeed spatial analysis reveals patterns by periods, confronted to the essential archaeological interpretation. The results meet the two objectives of an archaeological assessment. First, they are useful to interpret the remains and to understand the dynamics of land-use. Secondly, as decision-making tool, they provide elements for the authorities to deal with the archaeological sites (excavations or preservation).
Fichier principal
Vignette du fichier
CAA2015_Poster_A3.pdf (10.29 Mo) Télécharger le fichier
Origine : Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s)

Dates et versions

halshs-01418258 , version 1 (16-12-2016)

Licence

Paternité - Pas d'utilisation commerciale - Pas de modification

Identifiants

  • HAL Id : halshs-01418258 , version 1

Citer

Sylvain Badey, Xavier Rodier. Spatial analysis for an efficient use of data from trial trenching.. Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology “KEEP THE REVOLUTION GOING” Conference (CAA 2015 SIENA), Mar 2015, Sienna, Italy. , 2015. ⟨halshs-01418258⟩
180 Consultations
43 Téléchargements

Partager

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More