Ulrike GRIMM
(University of Leipzig, Institute of Geography, Leipzig, Germany)
Keywords: DEM, GIS, Geoarcheology, Leipzig, Palaeorelief
Abstract:
2015 marked the millennium of the first documentary evidence of the city of Leipzig as “urbs Libzi”. Inspired by this event a digital elevation model from the palaeorelief (palaeo-DEM) of the first settlers will be modelled in 2/3 Dimensions by applying a geographic information system (GIS). The topic of the ongoing PhD-project combines various geographical disciplines such as geomorphology and statistics. Qualitative data, mainly from archaeological excavations and geological drills, are linked by using GIS through surveying techniques. By applying the same method as for the palaeo-DEM a recent-DEM is created. Furthermore, a comparison is conducted between this recent-DEM and another recent DEM, which was generated with LiDAR data from the »State Operation Geobasisinformation and Surveying Saxony«. A correlation analysis and the descriptive comparison validate a close connection between the two recent DEMs. This supports the proposed methodology as being well suited to generate a visualization of the palaeorelief. However, models represent only a limited picture of reality. Undoubtedly, strong anthropogenic influences in the entire study area represent limiting factors which are hard to quantify. Therefore, the palaeo-DEM shows the minimum extent of the palaeorelief for the founding of the city of Leipzig. Nevertheless, the ongoing PhD-project supports further research on the landscape and settlement genesis at the study area. The palaeo-DEM allows the exploration of the palaeorelief and specific natural conditions during the Holocene. Furthermore, it´s possible to draw inferences about how the environment has been shaped and structured by humans in this area over the last 1000 years. The research has the character of a case study that subsequently will open up opportunities to other regions.
Relevance conference:
My interdisciplinary multiproxy-solution to model the ancient surface for landscape reconstruction in Leipzig’s centre with GIS-Technology, fits perfectly into the conference’s overarching topic. (“Cultural Heritage and New Technologies”)
Relevance session:
The presentation of my ongoing PhD-project shares innovative multiproxy ideas to reconstruct the palaeosurface for a city centre with GIS-Technology.
Innovation:
Strong anthropogenic influences in the study area result in limiting factors which are hard to quantify. Nevertheless, it is possible to visualize the surface for the founding of the city of Leipzig.
References:
At the moment no publication is available.
My supervisors are:
Prof. Dr. Jürgen HEINRICH, Institute of Geography, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee, 19a, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
Dr. Thomas WESTPHALEN, Archaeological Heritage Office Saxony, Zur Wetterwarte 7, 01109 Dresden, Germany
