Analysis of spatial distribution of archaeological sites in the central Baraba forest steppe (Vengerovo county, Novosibirsk province) based on GIS technologies

The article presents the result of spatial distribution analyse of archaeological sites as well as their location depending on favorability of paleoenvironment. The work bases on GIS-technologies. As adaptation mechanism of interaction with the environment is typical for ancient human, the terrain is structural framework of landscapes and is key element for assessing favorability of paleoenvironment. Using the Vengerovo County of Novosibirsk Province as an example, the spatial distribution of archaeological sites in relation to paleolandscape conditions was analyzed. The georeferenced database was initially compiled, and later checked during the fieldwork. Geomorphological map of the Vengerovo County was created based on surface relief digital model. It was found out that the Iron Age sites are located on the higher elevations compared to the Bronze Age sites, and this may be explained by the dominance of nomadic and semi-nomadic animal husbandry in the Iron Age economy. Also, the GIS analysis allowed us to show that landscape preferences of the Bronze–Iron Age people depended not only on economy but also on paleoclimate (wet or dry conditions).