Crema, ER;
Bevan, A;
Lake, MW;
(2010)
A probabilistic framework for assessing spatio-temporal point patterns in the archaeological record.
Journal of Archaeological Science
, 37
(5)
1118 - 1130.
10.1016/j.jas.2009.12.012.
Preview |
PDF
148634_Cremaetal10_postprint.pdf Available under License : See the attached licence file. Download (1MB) |
Abstract
The assessment of spatial patterns in archaeology is hampered by a number of constraints, one of the most serious of which is the intrinsic temporal uncertainty associated with most of the archaeological record. Different types of chronological definition or different degrees of temporal knowledge will suggest different kinds of spatial pattern, ultimately obscuring and restricting our interpretation of the background process, especially in cases where we are seeking a diachronic perspective. This paper addresses these problems by adopting both a probabilistic approach and a more standardised framework for diachronic analysis. First, we define the notion of temporal uncertainty and explore its analytical consequences. Second, we consider two methods by which it might be formally quantified, emphasising (a) the advantages of probability-weighted spatial analysis and (b) the comparison of alternative spatio-temporal patterns via Monte-Carlo simulation. Finally, we apply these methods to a case study that considers the distribution of Middle to Late Jomon (ca.5000-3000 BP) pithouses recorded in the Chiba New Town area of Japan (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved
Type: | Article |
---|---|
Title: | A probabilistic framework for assessing spatio-temporal point patterns in the archaeological record |
Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
DOI: | 10.1016/j.jas.2009.12.012 |
Publisher version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2009.12.012 |
Language: | English |
Keywords: | Temporal uncertainty, Spatial analysis, Aoristic analysis, Monte-Carlo method, Settlement pattern, Jomon |
UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Institute of Archaeology UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL SLASH > Faculty of S&HS > Institute of Archaeology > Institute of Archaeology Gordon Square |
URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/148634 |
Archive Staff Only
View Item |