Have you ever wondered what Ireland’s prehistoric landscape looked like? I was fascinated by the idea of uncovering the island’s ancient secrets, so I decided to create a map of prehistoric mine locations and lithic assemblages across Ireland.
Using data from the National Monument Service for Ireland and the Department for Communities for Northern Ireland, I set out to create a visual representation of these ancient sites. But I didn’t stop there – I also added in lithic assemblages as a possible proxy for flint locations.
The Challenges of Mapping Prehistory
One of the biggest hurdles was dealing with the differences in data between Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Department for Communities data didn’t provide the same level of detail for mine locations, making it difficult to make direct comparisons.
Despite these challenges, I was determined to create a map that would give us a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past. Using PowerQuery transformations and QGIS, I was able to bring this vision to life.
What the Map Reveals
The map reveals a fascinating pattern of prehistoric mine locations and lithic assemblages across the island. While it’s not a definitive guide, it provides a starting point for further exploration and research.
The Importance of Preserving Our Prehistoric Heritage
By mapping these ancient sites, we can gain a better understanding of the people who came before us. We can learn about their daily lives, their tools, and their traditions.
Preserving our prehistoric heritage is crucial for future generations. It’s a reminder of where we come from and how far we’ve come.
Further Exploration
I’m still learning and improving my mapping skills, and I’d love to hear your feedback on this project. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please share them in the comments below.
Let’s continue to uncover Ireland’s prehistoric past, one map at a time.
*Further reading: National Monument Service*