Spatial and spectral analysis of soil surface properties for an archaeological area in Aksum, Ethiopia, applying high and medium resolution data

The primary aim of this paper is to determine the spatial distribution of soil surface properties using high and medium resolution imagery data. Identification of these properties is important for determining environmental conditions resulting from anthropogenic influences, and for identifying land degradation processes within the study area which is an archaeologically important region situated to the north of Aksum (northern Ethiopia). Site specific field data were used to identify and verify the spatial distribution of soil surface properties such as soil colour, texture, and organic matter content obtained with IKONOS and ASTER images. As a result, distribution maps present the preliminary associations between land cover and soil characteristics as well as the location of archaeological sites. For all Aksumite cultural phases, the general pattern of ancient settlement remained the same and is similar to that of today: residential structures were built on well drained, high relief terrain.