[H-TT13] HIGH-DEFINITION TOPOGRAPHIC SURFACE DATA FOR CONNECTIVITY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE

[HTT13-P01] Tracing the Angkor Civilization's Mobility through GIS Analysis of Least-Cost-Path: A Case Study of the Angkor-Phimai Route

*Sutthikan Khamsiri¹, Pira Venunan², Chawalit Khaokheiw², Praon Silapanth², Santi Pailoplee¹ (1.Chulalongkorn Univ., 2.Silpakorn Univ.)

Keywords:Khmer Royal Road, northeast Thailand, moated site, mountain pass, Angkor period

The civilization of the Angkor Kingdom, which existed from the 19th to the 15th century, has left a significant number of ancient remains in both present-day northeastern Thailand and Cambodia. To better understand the connection between these remains and their socioeconomic ties, a GIS-based Least-Cost-Path (LCP) analysis was conducted along the Angkor-Phimai route. By utilizing geographic parameters, the mobility of 292 moats was tracked through eight mountain passes. The results of the LCP revealed that the Ta Muen Pass was the most efficient route for almost all moats. The results were consistent with previous interpretations of the Angkorian Royal Road. Additionally, this study demonstrated a significant correlation between the location of ancient activities and proximity to the dense LCP route. A majority of the monuments were located within a 1.5 km buffer zone surrounding the LCP track. These findings suggest the validity and reliability of the LCP track obtained in this study and serve as a valuable resource for guiding future studies aimed at uncovering additional information regarding the ancient remains and archaeological evidence in the area.