Digital Archaeological Map of Lasithi

The research project was carried out under the framework of Applied Research program (sub-program 1) of the Prefecturial Functional Program of Crete (1994-1999) and was funded by the Prefecture of Crete, through the European framework of development-II. The campaign was undertaken by the Laboratory of Geophysical-Satellite Remote Sensing & Archaeo-environment of the Institute for Mediterranean Studies/Foundation of Research & Technology, Hellas (F.O.R.T.H.).

The major aim of the project was the creation of a Geographic Information System (G.I.S.) that contains different information layers. These layers present the mapping and the digital archival of the most important archaeological sites of the wider region of Lasithi, located in E. Crete.

The final product consists of an integrated archaeological geographical data base of the cultural resources of the Lasithi district, based on the principles of a Geographic Information System. The background layers of the digital archaeological map of the region consist of a complete map mosaic (topography, geology, landuse, land capability maps, DEM), SPOT and Landsat satellite images, which are used for a better presentation of the distribution of archaeological sites. The geographic data base contains a catalogue of the most significant archaeological sites of the Lasithi district, environmental information, chronology, general information, references and photographic material from the archaeological sites. The Geographical Information System offers the posibility of synthesis of different information layers and the creation of thematic maps of the archaeological sites of the region. In this way, this project can be considered as an initiative for the development of a digital archaeological cadastral registry of Crete. It has the dynamic potential to be used as a tool in the decision making process of the development of the region and as a detailed research guide of the cultural resources of the region, with direct consequences in the protection, conservation and management of the ancient environment.

Through the mapping of the geomorphological and archaeological variables of the region, this system can be used for the development of settlement pattern models, the enhancement and management of cultural resources, the protection of monuments and the parallel economic and tourist development of the region.