GIS APPROACH TOWARDS A METHODOLOGY FOR IDENTIFYING DISTRIBUTION AND VISIBILITY OF OPEN-AIR PALAEOLITHIC SITES: CASE STUDY OF ZAPADNA MORAVA (SERBIA) RIVER VALLEY

Apart from rare finds from 19^th century and some recent research, open air Palaeolithic sites are almost unknown in Serbia. Therefore, methodology specialized in recognizing them in today’s landscape is needed. This study is an attempt to approach these questions using available geological and geomorphological data. One should also have in mind that even slightly different geographic areas might need very different approach. Area considered in this research is one of the biggest river valleys in Serbia - Zapadna Morava valley, which represents a specific kind of natural environment. The river valley which emerged during Plio-pleistocene lies on a tectonic rift, connecting several drained Miocene lake basins. During the time, 3 to 4 river terraces were formed, due to tectonic movements and climate change (both global and regional), which is also geologically interesting, but still not very well studied or dated, since Quarternary geology is poorly studied in Serbia.

The methodology included overlapping of various raster and vector data: GPS data from surveys, topographic, geological, geomorphological maps, and satellite images. The data was manipulated on DEM model base (ASTER DEM Worldwide Elevation Data 1.5 arc-second Resolution) by GIS software.

Problems considered mostly geomorphological questions, such are – formations of river terraces, Holocene deposits coverage, slope, and other – anthropological impacts on relocating or destroying the sites by building, ploughing or quarrying.

The research showed that sites are most likely to be found in areas of lower altitude (250-350 m asl), on mid-slope hillsides, between small mountain stream beds, on the hill edges turned towards wide Zapadna Morava river valley. In terms of geomorphological forms, they lie above proluvial fans made of material brought by those creeks. In terms of geology, they are placed on high river terraces (3^rd and 4^th terraces), or on boundary with Miocene lake sediments. Concerning the slope, the area includes mostly 2^o-5^o mild slope characterized by slow accumulation and mild erosional processes which leave most of the sites’ surroundings undisturbed. Finally, if these locations should be archaeologically interpreted, they might represent ideal dominant places on hilltops, suitable for observing large mammal movements in vast valley.