Intensive survey in the Serena Region (Extremadura, Spain): a site-less approach to the understanding or artefact distributions

Resumen del trabajo presentado a XVth Workshop on Archaeological Field Survey, celebrado en Groningen (Holanda) del 11 al 12 de abril de 2008.In recent years several survey projects have been conducted in the La Serena region of Extremadura (Spain). Their diversity in objectives and approaches is representative of the current state of Spanish archaeological survey. In this contribution we briefly review recent progress in research at a territorial scale, then focus on the research proposal of the Merida Institute of Archaeology. Issues to be discussed are new recording and analysis methods with the support of spatial technologies, the recording of sites in heavily cultivated areas, and the interpretation of so-called “background noise”. A detailed explanation of methods is provided. We emphasize the balance between accuracy and flexibility, taking advantage of different levels of complexity in spatial technologies: integration of GPS and GIS technology plays a key role. Lastly, we expect that the improvement of our understanding of small landscape areas can provide a bridge between site-scale research and the archaeological analysis of wider regions and territorial structures.Peer Reviewe