Data Exploration with GIS Viewsheds and Social Network Analysis

We present a novel exploratory method combining line of sight visibility (viewshed analysis) and techniques from social network analysis to investigate archaeological data. At increasing distances different nodes are connected creating a set of networks, which are subsequently described using centrality measures and clustering coefficients. Networks with significant properties are examined in more detail. We use this method to investigate the placement of hillforts (nodes) in the Gwent region of south-east Wales, UK. We are able to determine distances that support significant transitions in network structure that could have significant archaeological validity.