Spatial Documentation and Analysis of Archaeological Sites in the Bani Walid Region Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Abstract

This study investigates the spatial characteristics of archaeological sites in the Bani Walid region and employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to document these sites and analyze their patterns of distribution. The research follows a combination of historical and regional approaches, supported by intensive field surveys, and relies on the collection and processing of spatial and attribute data within a GIS environment to generate maps and spatial analyses that reveal the distribution of archaeological locations.

The results demonstrate that most archaeological sites are concentrated along the main wadis, where water availability, fertile soils, and locally available building materials provided favorable conditions for settlement, while medium-altitude uplands played a key role in controlling the location of ancient habitation. Environmental factors were found to exert a dominant influence on the spatial configuration of early settlement. GIS techniques proved highly effective in documenting archaeological sites and examining their relationships with environmental variables through the use of digital elevation models, proximity analysis, and spatial overlay, which helped identify areas of high archaeological potential and detect sites at risk of encroachment.

The study highlights the need to develop a digital archaeological geodatabase for Bani Walid, intensify systematic field surveys, and delineate protection zones around vulnerable sites, given their considerable historical and cultural value and the necessity of ensuring the long-term preservation of this heritage.