Bronmap

Bronmap is a term used in archaeology and digital humanities to describe a geospatial visualization approach and associated datasets that map Bronze Age sites, artifacts, and inferred trade routes. The name blends references to the Bronze Age with mapping, and it is used for both conceptual methods and concrete project implementations.

Since the early 2010s, scholars have adopted bronmap-inspired workflows to integrate disparate datasets into interactive maps. Bronmap projects commonly emphasize reproducibility and open data, employing open-source GIS tools and standardized metadata schemas to facilitate cross-study comparisons.

Bronmaps typically rely on site coordinates, artifact typologies, radiocarbon dating, and increasingly, isotopic analyses such as lead or strontium isotopes, alongside textual sources when available. Analysts use geographic information systems for spatial analysis, network theory to infer connectivity, and temporal modeling to account for dating uncertainties and evolving site chronologies.

Applications of bronmap include reconstructing Bronze Age trade networks, identifying metallurgical supply routes, mapping cultural interactions, and supporting education and public outreach through accessible visualization dashboards. They also enable comparative studies across regions and time periods, helping researchers test hypotheses about social organization and exchange.

Limitations of bronmap approaches include uneven archaeological sampling and preservation biases, dating imprecision, difficulties distinguishing long-distance trade from local mobility, and the challenge of aligning modern political boundaries with ancient landscapes. Ongoing work focuses on improving data standards, enriching provenance information, and developing transparent methods for uncertainty quantification.

See also: Geographic Information System (GIS), archaeological informatics, network analysis, Bronze Age trade.