The role of natural factors in the ecological distribution of archeological sites, in Ardabil province

The study of archaeological sites location in the widespread investigated zone requires a large set of data and processing them with diverse methods. Using of aerial photographs, satellite images, historical and modern maps, books and other writings related to field of study, as well as proper management of all data and understanding the relationship between the natural environment and distribution of the archaeological sites remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) and can be one of the most important archaeological studies. This method allows archaeologists to conduct fieldwork and have systematic management on archaeological sites without heavily field works. This paper studies continuity between geography and its influence on the ecological distribution of archeological sites in Ardabil province. In the archaeological survey conducted in Ardabil province recognize more than 856 archaeological sites from different periods, including the pre-historic period proto historic (Iron age), historic and Islamic periods that are this paper’s statics populations and data.The method of this paper is descriptive and analytical with using of software’s such as geographical information systems: ArcGIS, SPSS, Microsoft Excel and atc. For data analysis, after establishing a database, distribution of archaeological sites have been identified with respect to variables such as slope, elevation, slope, type of weather, distance from the water source, vegetation and soil type. With accomplished analysis conducted, continuity and consistency between distribution of settlement with ecological factor were recognized the most important component in Ardabil province. The Most influence on distribution of settlement has land use and vegetation.