Internet Archaeol. 16. Trick. Problems in landscape archaeology

5.0 Problems in landscape archaeology

Research within the phenomenological paradigm, and in particular the work of Tilley (1994) has, however, been criticised (Brück 1998; Fleming 1999). Much of the criticism centres on methodology, and the manner in which results have been presented. Phenomenological research has not involved a standard method; instead the form has been dictated by the particular configuration of monuments in the locale under study. Results are usually presented as a collection of photographs illustrating significant visual scenes. Such materials often fail, however, to communicate the character of the landscape satisfactorily, and also fail to support the arguments of the author convincingly.

A recent article by Vicki Cummings and her colleagues has articulated the problems with such subjective forms of recording and presentation, and has suggested that more neutral, reproducible forms are necessary. As such they have forwarded the use of 360 degree field sketches and panoramic photography as a means of empirically communicating landscape character (Cummings et al. 2002). An earlier article by Llobera also recognised methodological inconsistencies in landscape studies, and similarly called for more rigorous methods to be introduced. In answer to these issues Llobera put forward the GIS as an appropriate analytical environment in which to carry out visual analysis, conforming to a strict methodological framework (Llobera 1996).