Application of Visual Archaeological Landscape Analysis: Some Results

• Published in: Norwegian archaeological review 2009-12, Vol.42 (2), p.123-145
• Main Author: JERPASEN, Gro B
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental studies; Europe; Methodology and general studies; North West Europe; Prehistory and protohistory
• ISSN: 0029-3652; 1502-7678
• DOI: 10.1080/00293650903351052

This article compares research work in which the method and concept apparatus in the publication Archaeological Landscape Analysis by Visual Methods (ALAV) (Gansum et al. 1997 ) have been applied and discusses the significance the method has had for Nordic archaeological landscape research. The results from the case studies show that there is great variation in landscapes and monuments to which the method has been applied. Suggestions are put forward on how the method can be further developed and tested by combining it with other approaches such as GIS. The ALAV method is discussed in light of phenomenological landscape archaeology, and particularly within topics on place, setting of monuments and cultural structure. Phenomenological landscape archaeology has been dominated by British research and mainly focused on ceremonial monuments and visual aspects. The Nordic case studies open wider perspectives in terms of time periods, types of monument and site and proving connections for landscapes and monuments other than just the visual. Lack of methodology within phenomenological landscape archaeology has been pointed out. The ALAV method could contribute on this matter but will need improvement. One way of doing this is to combine it with other methods and approaches. What is lacking so far is application of the method in an interdisciplinary setting and for heritage management and land-use planning.