Introduction

Spatial Analysis

As mentioned above, the data pre-processing was completed in ESRI ArcGIS and the entire analysis was completed using IDRISI Kilimanjaro. A series of reclass proceedures of the DEM_Rivers layer was completed to determine the best method to creating the desired series of archaeological site based cost surfaces and least cost pathways. These final images were called friction1_1 and friction2_1 as shown in the images below. Friction1_1 is composed of a friction surface that uses elevation to increase surface friction and asses the river at an insignificant friction level, which would promote a least cost path to utilise this fluvial path. Friction2_1 employs a similar increase of friction by elevation but uses the rivers as a high friction barrier. It is important to note that the rivers are not an absolute barrier and they have to be crossed at some point, just minimizing the cost and frequency of crossing in the process.

The use of IDRISI Kilimanjaro macro modeller function, a great deal of the iterative processing that was invovled in the creation and re-creation of the appropriate friction surfaces. The time saving of the macro modeller cannot be underplayed. Three models were used to create the 4 output types. These models emphasize the iterative nature of the proceedures that were being used but also allow the various processing techniques to be highlighted.