A Visibility Analysis of Early Medieval  High Altitude Fortifications in Liébana, Northern Spain

In Liébana, an area in Northern Spain, one can identify fourteen (14) early medieval fortifications. Each of these fourteen fortifications can be found on high altitude locations. Current research emphasises that visibility from and between these fourteen fortifications is an important aspect. However, no methodological study has been done previously to substantiate visibility as a key characteristics of the fortifications. This research therefore aims to establish an overview of the visibility of the fortifications to create more insight in their use and function in the early medieval society of Liébana. The research makes use of GIS to examine the extend and characteristics of visibility methodologically by creating different viewsheds and an intervisibility network. In order to make this work, a DEM file is created to and coordinates of the fortifications are established. The results of this research are presented in maps. The maps indicate that fortifications were visible...Show moreIn Liébana, an area in Northern Spain, one can identify fourteen (14) early medieval fortifications. Each of these fourteen fortifications can be found on high altitude locations. Current research emphasises that visibility from and between these fourteen fortifications is an important aspect. However, no methodological study has been done previously to substantiate visibility as a key characteristics of the fortifications. This research therefore aims to establish an overview of the visibility of the fortifications to create more insight in their use and function in the early medieval society of Liébana. The research makes use of GIS to examine the extend and characteristics of visibility methodologically by creating different viewsheds and an intervisibility network. In order to make this work, a DEM file is created to and coordinates of the fortifications are established. The results of this research are presented in maps. The maps indicate that fortifications were visible throughout the landscape whilst the fortifications could at the same time actively control the main access points into Liébana. The results presented in the maps in addition show how the fortifications could visually communicate under varying circumstances throughout Liébana. This research therefore shows that visibility is indeed a key characteristic of the high altitude fortificationsShow less

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A Visibility Analysis of Early Medieval High Altitude Fortifications in Liébana, Northern Spain