IDENTIFICATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN SAMARKAND REGION AND GIS-BASED CARTOGRAPHIC MONITORING

Abstract

The integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has transformed archaeological research by enabling the precise identification, mapping, and monitoring of heritage sites. In the Samarkand region and the Middle Zeravshan Valley, GIS technologies have been applied through the Uzbek-Italian Archaeological Project (UIAP) to document and protect archaeological resources. Despite the availability of satellite imagery and digital cartography, there remains a lack of comprehensive and spatially integrated systems for monitoring threats to archaeological assets in Uzbekistan. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of GIS and cartographic methods in identifying, documenting, and conserving archaeological sites in the region. Over 2,000 archaeological sites were identified within a 2,500 km² area using various GIS layers such as Open Street Map, ESRI World Imagery, and topographic datasets. The analysis revealed that approximately 40% of sites have been lost to development and agriculture. High-resolution satellite imagery, digital surface models, and legacy site plans were combined to produce detailed 3D visualizations and interactive maps. The research provides a novel, multi-layered GIS-based monitoring platform—“OrientGIS”—for virtual reconstructions and detailed site analysis, including the Kafir Qal’a complex. These findings contribute to improved strategies for preserving cultural heritage in regions facing rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth. The outcomes serve both scholarly inquiry and practical conservation, supporting long-term heritage management and regional planning.