Digital Models of the Land Surface (Digital Elevation and Terrain Models)

Abstract

Topography is perhaps the most important characteristic of the physical environment. It has direct relevance for human activities and also influences a multitude of other parameters, many of which are relevant for the availability and accessibility of resources. Digital models of the land surface thus have enormous analytical and modeling potential with regard to past human–environment interactions. These include, for example, visibility, movement, settlement, and resource exploitation. Different technologies are available for the creation of digital elevation models, of which airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is presently by far the most favored due to canopy penetration, spatial resolution, and availability. High‐resolution, LiDAR‐based digital terrain models are commonly used for archaeological prospection. In combination with advanced visualization techniques, this has contributed to a focus shift from individual sites to archaeological landscapes.