Field Analysis:Topographic Maps

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Topographic (contour) maps
The map scale is very important, small-scale maps covering large areas may provide a picture of the regional or catchment-wide setting, whilst large-scale maps covering smaller areas in more detail can be important for identifying features directly affecting the site such as its being located on a terrace.

The topography setting of a site will influence processes of accumulation and erosion, and affect drainage. For example, on steep slopes natural processes of erosion are likely to outstrip deposition, on toe slopes, terraces and at the margins of valley bottoms we might predict a build up of slope deposits. Whilst on valley floor floodplains, alluvial deposition and river channel erosion are likely to be dominant processes, and there is the potential for deeply buried waterlogged archaeology. A knowledge of these processes can aid in the prediction of likely site locations and their preservation.

Topographic setting may also have influenced human behaviour such as communications or trade at the site. Understanding the topography can also give an appreciation of aspect, shelter, lines of sight, likely frost pockets etc. that might have influenced site location and orientation.

Regional scale topography can provide an insight into changes in the natural setting of a site, for example, sites now distant from the sea may have been affected by sea-level rise or planned reclamation.

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