Abstract

GIS Analyses of Archaeology and Rock Art in Western Mongolia
Track: Archaeology
Authors: Daniel Cole

Mapping and spatial analysis of archeological sites in western Mongolia presents some challenges and opportunities for the field seasons during the summers of 2011 and 2012. Overlaying the collected points of archaeological features and rock art on the images and maps allowed us to conduct evaluations of the landscape in relation to the points. Most of the points representing petroglyphs in the Biluut and Aral Tolgoi areas fall on the slopes and ridges of the hills. Many of these points are easily visible from the surrounding landscape. A majority of these rock art features were placed on all aspects indicating the opportunistic character of the ancient artists. A significant majority of the structural features are found in relatively flat slope areas, whereas the petroglyphs can be found on virtually any slope. And directional line structures point to particular landscape features (sacred peaks), other cultural features, or ancient astronomical events.