Establishing a method for visibility and viewshed analysis for late 4th century fortifications in Gallia Belgica and the Germanic Provinces

Abstract

This paper examines the spatial distribution of defended settlements in late 4^th century provinces Lugdunensis and Gallia Belgica. The variety of fortification in Late Antiquity has made it difficult to apply modern GIS analysis to the defensive pattern. Our understanding of the visibility and viewshed of the network and the fortifications is in its infancy. This paper develops a method for addressing visibility in a complex morphological environment. It will apply this to two test regions and demonstrate the validity of visibility analysis as a research tool. This will build up a picture of visibility, connectivity, and surveillance in Late Antique Belgica Prima and Lugdunensis Senonia.