High resolution or optimum resolution? Spatial analysis of the Federmesser site at Andernach, Germany *

This paper discusses spatial analysis at site level. It is suggested that spatial analysis has to proceed in several levels, from global to more detailed questions, and that optimum resolution should be established when applying any quantitative methods in this field. As an example, the ring and sector method is applied to two hearths excavated at the Federmesser site of Andernach in Germany. One hearth can be shown to have been present inside a dwelling, while the second one was out in the open.