Spatiotemporal analysis for assessing the cultural significance of Pella (Tabaqat Fahl), Jordan

Abstract Pella (Tabaqat Fahl) in Jordan is an outstanding testimony of long-term human occupation that extends from the Neolithic to the Islamic period. Despite its historical significance, the site has often been overlooked in conservation discourse due to the abundance of cultural heritage sites in Jordan. This study applies a spatiotemporal analysis that integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and aerial photography to document and interpret Pella’s cultural layers. By compiling boundary data, environmental setting, and archaeological remains, a multi-layered GIS model was developed to visualize settlement dynamics and their relation to the site’s geology and natural resources. The analysis reveals how cultural patterns were shaped by topographic conditions, highlighting the site’s resilience across successive civilizations. This approach demonstrates the value of spatial technologies in heritage studies, providing a replicable method for assessing cultural significance and supporting conservation planning at both national and international levels.