GIS analysis of the spatial location of kurgans in the context of their preservation as objects of historical and cultural heritage

DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-188-201

View or download the article (Rus)

About the Author

Arseniy O. Poletaev

Belgorod State National Research University, Institute of Earth Sciences,
Pobedy str., 85, 308015, Belgorod, Russia,
E-mail: poletaev@bsu.edu.ru

Abstract

The article provides an overview of the mounds as unique objects of natural, historical and cultural significance. Scientific directions are identified, the objects of study of which are mounds. Brief information is given on such databases as the Eurasian Kurgan Database and the geoportal “Archaeological sites of Crimea”. Various types of GIS analysis (analysis of the density of mounds, analysis of the location of mounds relative to land plots, analysis of the location of mounds by height above sea level, analysis of aggregation of mounds at various distances) were carried out within a research site located on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula. The technique of using ArcGIS geoprocessing tools in this study is described. During the analysis, a database of mounds was used, which was created earlier on the basis of high-resolution satellite images, archival cartographic materials covering data on the study area since the 19th century. The structure of the database of mounds used in this study is shown. It was revealed that the density of mounds within the research site at the beginning of the 21st century was 0.4 mounds per km2. It is established that 38 % of the mounds are located on land plots. It was revealed that most of the mounds are located at altitudes of 100-200 m above sea level. It was shown that single mounds are the most numerous among groups of mounds with a higher level of aggregation. Peculiarities of using the method of grouping mounds by aggregation levels are revealed. When using information on aggregation levels, the mounds located on land plots were divided into groups; recommendations were made on measures to ensure the safety of the mounds in each group.

Keywords

mounds, historical and cultural heritage, database of mounds, GIS analysis, aggregation of mounds

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For citation: Poletaev A.O. GIS analysis of the spatial location of kurgans in the context of their preservation as objects of historical and cultural heritage. InterCarto. InterGIS. GI support of sustainable development of territories: Proceedings of the International conference. Moscow: Moscow University Press, 2020. V. 26. Part 4. P. 188–201. DOI: 10.35595/2414-9179-2020-4-26-188-201 (in Russian)