Spacial Analysis (GIS)
Geographic Information Systems -GIS- are spatial analysis computer tools that use maps to model the geographic location of certain elements.
In archaeology, they allow to postulate relationships between human groups and their environment based on the development of models, such as visual basins, optimal paths and circulation corridors, which are then compared with the archaeological record.
Chico river basin
Models of visual basins:
By applying GIS we were able to identify which sectors are visible from a certain point in space and thus evaluate, for example, how rock structures called hunting blinds (parapetos) might have functioned in relation to hunting strategies (Figures 1 and 2). We can see, for example, the visibility in the case of structures called D, E and F in the area of La Gruta (Figure 3).
In the Deseado Massif they would have worked together, controlling the circulation of potential prey (Figure 3). This means that in these cases the hunter-gatherers were hunting the animals collectively.
Santa Cruz river basin
Models of optimal or least energy-cost paths:
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) allow for modeling the most accessible mobility routes for human groups based on terrain characteristics.
Because common elements, such as artifacts made of black obsidian (raw material that can be seen in Figure 4) and rock art with engraved motifs of human and animal footprints (Figure 5) were recovered between the basins of the Santa Cruz river, the Chico river and nearby plateaus, we assume that these spaces would have been used in a complementary way by the same human groups, so optimal paths were modeled between them (Figures 6 and 7).
As an example, we see seasonal paths from the Santa Cruz river basin towards the Guitarra canyon (Figure 6) and towards the northern bank of the Chico river (Figure 7).
Models of optimal or least energy-cost paths and corridors:
The closest sources of black obsidian to the basalt canyons on the northern bank of the Santa Cruz river are those of Pampa del Asador and 17 de Marzo (Figures 8 and 9). Seasonal models—winter and summer— of optimal paths and circulation corridors between ecological cores were created. These cores refer to areas that, due to their resources, may have been attractive to human groups (Figure 9). It was observed that the western area—canyon El Lechuza—shows greater accessibility to PDA, while the eastern area—canyon Yaten Guajen—presents more direct access to 17M. However, in all cases, the distances fall within the range typically covered by hunter-gatherers in these latitudes (Figure 9).