Computational Modelling and Human Use of Space
Inferring dynamic past behaviours from the static archaeological record is always a challenge, but computational and quantitative approaches to the human use of space can be helpful.
Our research in this field builds upon a long tradition at the Institute of teaching and research using computers, Geographic Information Systems and numerical methods.
It emphasises approaches that:
- are sensitive to human sensory behaviour and/or mobility patterns,
- foreground issues of spatial interaction, scale and process,
- leverage the flexibility of Monte Carlo simulation,
- address the kinds of complex and uncertain processes that are common in the archaeological record, and
- are perhaps best pursued via very ‘open’ approaches to software, data-sharing and analytical workflow.
In this regard we have a strong interest in point-process models, spatially-explicit regression, spatio-temporal uncertainty, viewsheds and wider sensory perception, cost surfaces, networks, spatial interaction models and agent-based simulation. In several instances, we, along with colleagues and graduate students, have pioneered the use of particular approaches in archaeology as well as developing appropriate bodies of archaeological theory to accompany them
Further details
Funding
- Arts and Humanities Research Council
- AHRC and UCL Graduate Studentships
Links
Project Leaders
- Andrew Bevan
- Mark Lake