Using GIS and Ecological Variables to Identify High Potential Areas for Paleoanthropological Survey: An Example from Northern Armenia

Abstract

The article presents a study on the identification of areas with high potential for paleoanthropological survey through the use of ecological variables and geographic information system (GIS). The study gathers pre- and post-survey data through a potential Plio-Pleistocene research site located in northern Armenia. The study explores the significance of GIS data in predictive modeling, the status of northern Armenia as a high potential survey area, and the process of site suitability analysis. The results of the study demonstrate the benefits to paleoanthropological survey of integrating GIS and environmental variables in a predictive modeling despite the limitations experienced during the course of the study.