The DOI matches its Crossref record; 4 of the 6 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 33 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.
El uso de la fotointerpretación en la investigación de paisajes arqueológicos: el caso de estudio de una meseta andina colombiana
Open accessAbstract
El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar el uso de la fotografía aérea para la reconstrucción de áreas arqueológicas hoy en día desaparecidas por el crecimiento urbano, apoyada por los datos provenientes de las excavaciones o de la documentación colonial. En este caso se pretende reconstruir y analizar el sistema hidráulico de campos elevados de cultivo construidos por los grupos prehispánicos de la Sabana de Bogotá en los Andes colombianos. Los resultados muestran que el sistema hidráulico transformó significativamente el medio ecológico: controló la movilidad de los ríos y las inundaciones estacionales, bloqueó flujos de agua e inundó zonas específicas de la Sabana. El objetivo de los grupos prehispánicos no fue desecar la Sabana sino manejar el agua para sacar el máximo provecho, conviviendo con ella.
Overview
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
The paper uses historical aerial photographs (IGAC 1938–1956) to reconstruct the pre-Hispanic raised-field hydraulic system of the Bogotá savanna, much of which has disappeared under urban growth. It argues that Late Muisca groups did not drain the savanna but managed water through channels and platforms, transforming the floodplain for agriculture and settlement.
Key findings
- Photointerpretation revealed a hydraulic system that covered over 15,800 hectares and operated until the 16th-century Spanish colonization; it controlled river mobility and seasonal floods, blocked water flows, and flooded specific areas rather than draining the plain.
- Four structure types were identified: linear channels, parallel raised fields, irregular raised fields, and checkerboard raised fields. Linear channels could reach up to 2 km long by 12 m wide; checkerboard platforms were 70–90 cm high, 20–50 m long, and 2–5 m wide, with channels 50 cm–2 m wide.
- Sector differences: the northern sector was dominated by checkerboard fields and few drainage channels, with the whole northern region cultivated; the central sector had about 10 channels per 150 m, up to 900 m long, and fewer checkerboard fields; the southern sector was mainly drainage works, with San Bernardino channels up to 2 km and the Bosatama paleo-course indicating two construction moments.
- El Guali was likely blocked to prevent flooding; maize pollen from a sediment column showed accumulation began only in the agricultural phase, and a 1704 colonial document proposed blocking the same point.
Methods
- Historical aerial photointerpretation: more than 35 boxes of photographs from 25 IGAC flights, 1938–1956, oblique and vertical, taken at different times of year; photos were digitized at 600 dpi, modern layers were “removed,” and paleomeanders, drainage valleys, wetlands, channels, and platforms were identified, with overlaps used to detect diachrony.
- Study area: the Bogotá savanna, 1.413 km² at 2600 m elevation, divided into northern, central, and southern sectors; analysis focused on the Late Muisca period (AD 1000–1550).
- Photointerpretation results were correlated with archaeological excavation data, colonial documentation, old and current maps, and satellite imagery.
Limitations
- Stated: aerial photographs show only the last operational phase before Spanish colonization, so the analysis focuses on the Late Muisca; the 20th-century landscape does not exactly match that of 500 years ago because deactivation changed the savanna, rivers and meanders moved, wetlands were desiccated, the water table declined, and urban growth and biota modification occurred. Previous analyses did not account for these post-deactivation transformations.
- Stated: photointerpretation is only a tool and needs field verification and combination with excavation, geological/soil, paleoenvironmental, and ceramic analyses; the eye tends to see more than what actually exists.
- Evident from the text: the study relies on old photographs plus existing archaeological and colonial records and does not report new systematic field verification of the photointerpreted traces; visibility of earth structures depends on subtle color or plant-growth differences and may be incomplete.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
0 of 33 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
The hydraulic system built by pre-Hispanic groups in the Bogotá savanna significantly transformed the ecological environment.
“The results show that the hydraulic system significantly transformed the ecological environment: it controlled the mobility of rivers and seasonal floods, blocked water flows and flooded specific areas of the savanna.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
According to photointerpretation, the raised fields covered the entire area between Guaymaral-Las Mercedes and small isolated groups still identifiable in La Conejera, Juan Amarillo, the Suba hill and the left bank of Chicú River.
“According to photointerpretation, the raised fields covered the entire area between Guaymaral-Las Mercedes and small isolated groups which are still identifiable in La Conejera, Juan Amarillo, the Suba hill and the left bank of Chicú River”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The hydraulic system blocked water flows.
“The results show that the hydraulic system significantly transformed the ecological environment: it controlled the mobility of rivers and seasonal floods, blocked water flows and flooded specific areas of the savanna.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The hydraulic system flooded specific areas of the savanna.
“The results show that the hydraulic system significantly transformed the ecological environment: it controlled the mobility of rivers and seasonal floods, blocked water flows and flooded specific areas of the savanna.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
Only in some sectors of the northern area are earthen structures still visible on the ground.
“but only in some sectors are earthen structures still visible on the ground.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
- Findingown data
The current course of the Chicú River was modified in modern times.
“We also established that the current course of the Chicú River was modified in modern times, since, in the photographs, we can still see in the middle of flooded lowland, traces of the original paleo-course with checkerboard raised fields on its left bank.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the central sector, the number of checkerboard raised fields diminishes considerably, being visible only in small areas along the rivers' banks and in wetlands.
“The number of checkerboard raised fields diminishes considerably, being visible only in small areas along the rivers' banks and in wetlands.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Most paleo-meanders recorded in photographs were active in the Late Muisca period.
“Most paleo-meanders recorded in photographs were active in the Late Muisca period, since it is possible to observe traces of raised fields that articulate well with raised fields of active meanders shown at the time the photos were taken.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The hydraulic system controlled the mobility of rivers and seasonal floods.
“The results show that the hydraulic system significantly transformed the ecological environment: it controlled the mobility of rivers and seasonal floods, blocked water flows and flooded specific areas of the savanna.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
Except for two natural terraces along the Bogotá River, the rest of the plain is located at the same level of this river.
“Except for two natural terraces along the Bogotá River, the rest of the plain is located at the same level of this river.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingnone given
On the eastern side of the lowland, the archaeological remains are minimal.
“On the eastern side of the lowland, the archaeological remains are minimal.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
A high density of channels radiated from both banks of the Bogotá River and the Tunjuelito River reaching, in the best-preserved areas, two kilometers in length (San Bernardino area).
“A high density of channels radiated from both banks of the Bogotá River and the Tunjuelito River reaching, in the best-preserved areas, two kilometers in length (San Bernardino area).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
The southern sector has another area which is the driest region of the savanna, especially in the southwest mountains.
“and another which is also the driest region of the savanna, especially in the southwest mountains.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingreasoning
Possible diachronies in the construction of the hydraulic system were detected through the analysis of overlaps in channels and elevated platforms, and the relationship of paleomeanders and paleo-rivers with archaeological remains.
“Then, possible diachronies in the construction of the hydraulic system were detected through the analysis of overlaps in channels and elevated platforms, and the relationship of paleomeanders and paleo-rivers with archaeological remains.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingnone given
The old confluence is not visible today on the aerial photographs.
“although this is not visible today on the aerial photographs (Figure 9).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In the Bosatama area at the southern confluence of the Tunjuelito River with the Bogotá River a paleo-course was identified.
“In the Bosatama area at the southern confluence of the Tunjuelito River with the Bogotá River a paleo-course was identified.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Traces of cultivated fields in the meander El Corzo, the Balsillas River and around Soacha village area are visible.
“However, traces of cultivated fields in the meander El Corzo, the Balsillas River and around Soacha village area are also visible.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Photointerpretation showed that the region between Tibaitatá and San Bernardino was mainly dedicated to drainage works.
“Regarding the first feature, the photointerpretation showed that, in fact, this region was mainly dedicated to drainage works.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In the southern sector, an important example of diachrony in the construction of the hydraulic system was found.
“In this southern sector, we also found an important example of diachrony in the construction of the hydraulic system.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The original length of the central sector channels was probably larger, extending to the interior of the plain.
“(the original length of the channels was probably larger, extending to the interior of the plain, if we take into consideration that their traces are only visible in the floodplain).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The construction of both parallel and irregular raised fields along the Bogotá River floodplain demonstrates the effectiveness of the hydraulic system to prevent flooding of the plain and crops.
“However, the fact that both the parallel and irregular raised fields were constructed along the Bogotá River floodplain (from Chía to Soacha) demonstrates the effectiveness of the hydraulic system to prevent the flooding of the plain and crops.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisereasoning
Where there were structures such as wells, ditches or channels, greater depth of soil and higher capacity to accumulate moisture and nutrients will stimulate growth of higher and leafy plants.
“On the contrary, where there were structures such as wells, ditches or channels, the greater depth of the soil and its consequent higher capacity to accumulate moisture and nutrients will stimulate the growth of higher and leafy plants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Archaeological evidence demonstrates dense population living in a number of nucleated settlements and other habitations scattered around the raised fields for the Late Muisca period.
“Also, archaeological evidence demonstrates dense population living in a number of nucleated settlements and other habitations scattered around the raised fields for the Late Muisca period (Boada, 2006).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisereasoning
An aerial view allows subtle differences in height and density to translate into color differences that show the original shape of the structure in the ground.
“While these differences in height and density are very difficult to identify in the field, an aerial view allows such subtle differences to translate into color differences that show the original shape of the structure in the ground.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The current wetland did not exist during the pre-Hispanic period.
“This also shows that the current wetland did not exist during the pre-Hispanic period, since the hydraulic system would have kept the water flows under control, avoiding the flooding of this sector”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
Old aerial photographs retain a great advantage over modern geo-referenced aerial photographs and satellite images because they were taken before heavy machinery was used heavily.
“Although nowadays it is possible to obtain geo-referenced aerial photographs and high-resolution satellite images that can be used on computer programs in combination with other data, the old aerial photographs still retain a great advantage: the fact that they were taken at a time when heavy machinery was still not being used or employed heavily.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Elevated platforms covered much of the central sector ground.
“However, the fact that they are scattered over various parts of this sector, and because this area also has andisols, leads us to believe that elevated platforms covered much of this ground.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The whole northern region of the Bogotá savanna was cultivated.
“revealing therefore that the whole northern region was cultivated”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Photography from the air is an essential tool in Landscape Archaeology because it provides an objective and intelligible record of a disappeared archaeological site.
“Photography from the air is an essential tool in Landscape Archaeology, since by providing an aerial view of a place it allows us to have an objective and intelligible record of a disappeared archaeological site (Cox, 1992;Joseph, 1945;Harp, 1975;Musson, 1994).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Cox, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Joseph, 1945
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Harp, 1975
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisenone given
There is a photographic collection of more than 35 boxes with aerial photographs from 25 flights by IGAC over 1938-1956, at different times of year and with different tilt.
“There is an excellent photographic collection, consisting of more than 35 boxes with aerial photographs, which belong to 25 flights made by the Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi (IGAC) over the period 1938-1956, at different times of the year and with different types of tilt (oblique and vertical).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Foregoing analyses where aerial photographs were used did not take into account the transformations on the land once the hydraulic system was deactivated.
“We call attention to this point because foregoing analyzes where aerial photographs were used did not take into account the transformations on the land, once the hydraulic system has been deactivated (see Boada, 2006;Broadbent, 1968).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Broadbent, 1968
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisenone given
The vestiges of the raised field systems in the Bogotá savanna have disappeared due to urban growth of Bogotá over the last fifty years.
“There, the pre-Hispanic groups built raised field systems, whose vestiges today have disappeared due to the urban growth of the country's capital -Bogotá-over the last fifty years (Figure 1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
In the Pre-Hispanic period, the current wetlands of La Conejera, Juan Amarillo and Chicú were probably drainage valleys with a well-defined basin.
“In the Pre-Hispanic period, the current wetlands of La Conejera, Juan Amarillo and Chicú were probably drainage valleys with a well-defined basin, since in these three cases we observed platforms for cultivation partially covered by water”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The permanent flooding of the floodplain took place after the abandonment of the hydraulic system.
“showing that the permanent flooding of the floodplain took place after the abandonment of the hydraulic system.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
In the Bogotá savanna, there are four types of raised field structures: linear channels, parallel raised fields, irregular raised fields and checkerboard raised fields.
“In the Bogotá savanna, we find four types of structures: linear channels, parallel raised fields, irregular raised fields and checkerboard raised fields (Rodriguez Gallo, 2015) (Figure 4).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rodriguez Gallo, 2015
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisenone given
The pre-Hispanic groups built raised field systems in the Bogotá savanna.
“There, the pre-Hispanic groups built raised field systems, whose vestiges today have disappeared due to the urban growth of the country's capital -Bogotá-over the last fifty years (Figure 1).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
Prior work on the hydraulic system was partial, dealing with photointerpretation of some areas of the savanna, not its totality.
“However, their work was partial, dealing with the photointerpretation of some areas of the savanna, and not of its totality.In this article, an analysis of the whole system is presented.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Broadbent, 1968
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Rodriguez Gallo, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisereasoning
In landscape studies on old land structures relating to agriculture, use of aerial photography is critical due to their fragility and difficulty of preservation.
“In the case of landscape studies on old land structures relating to agriculture, the use of aerial photography is critical due to their fragility and difficulty of preservation over time.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
Former crop areas in grassland used for livestock can be identified through a more yellowish color caused by soil erosion.
“In the case of ground color differentiation, former crop areas in grassland used for livestock, for example, can be identified through a more yellowish color caused by the soil erosion they suffered.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
We can only have a fuller picture of the ancient agricultural system through the use of aerial photographs of the Bogotá savanna taken between the 1930s and 50s.
“Therefore, although one can carry out excavations at specific sites of the plateau, we can only have a fuller picture of the ancient agricultural system through the use of aerial photographs of the Bogotá savanna, taken between the 1930s and 50s.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
By the time of Spanish colonization, the hydraulic system covered an area of over 15,800 hectares.
“According to the oldest dates available, the hydraulic system began to be built around 1324 ± 40 b.C., probably still linked to the development of horticulture (Boada, 2006), and was in operation until the Spanish colonization in the Sixteenth Century, by then covering an area of over 15,800 hectares (Boada, 2006;Rodriguez Gallo, 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Rodriguez Gallo, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisenone given
The hydraulic system occupied the site of present-day Bogotá and the municipalities of Chia, Cota, Funza, Mosquera, Soacha and Sibaté.
“It occupied the site of the present-day city of Bogotá and the municipalities of Chia, Cota, Funza, Mosquera, Soacha and Sibaté.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The use of aerial photographs from the first half of the twentieth century is essential for knowing about the raised fields system that covered the entire plain.
“Therefore, the use of aerial photographs from the first half of the twentieth century is in this case essential.Without them, nowadays we would hardly have any news about the raised fields system that covered the entire plain, since once the Spanish colonization began the system was abandoned and forgotten (Figure 6).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The landscape seen in aerial photographs of the first half of the twentieth century does not exactly match the one that existed 500 years ago.
“We cannot forget that the landscape we see in aerial photographs of the first half of the twentieth century does not exactly match the one that existed 500 years ago.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning
The remains of the hydraulic system are still visible in many sectors of the plain, especially along the alluvial valley of the Bogotá River, in photographs taken before urban sprawl and modern machinery.
“Since photographs were taken in a period prior to the urban sprawl and the use of modern machinery for agricultural purposes, the remains of the hydraulic system are still visible in many sectors of the plain, especially along the alluvial valley of the Bogotá River.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
There were no further changes until the final abandonment of the hydraulic system.
“There were no further changes until the final abandonment of the hydraulic system.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
There was a complex management system of floods that guaranteed crops and settlements remained safe, even when located in the floodplain.
“suggesting the existence of a complex management system of the floods that guaranteed that crops and settlements both remained safe, even when located in the floodplain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given
A deactivated riverbed with raised fields alongside a present-day active riverbed also with raised fields indicates that the paleo-river raised fields belong to a different and earlier period in the construction of the hydraulic system.
“A deactivated riverbed with raised fields alongside a present-day active riverbed also with raised fields indicates, for example, that the paleo-river raised fields belong to a different and earlier period in the construction of the hydraulic system.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The indigenous communities did not maintain a perfect balance with nature.
“This does not mean that the indigenous communities did not practice a form of responsible exploitation of the environment, but neither that they had maintained a perfect balance with nature, as this concept would imply the existence of an immobile system.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
A previous article showed that the hydraulic system did not reach the medium and high Tunjuelito.
“With regard to the second feature, a previous article (Rodríguez Gallo, 2011) showed that the hydraulic system did not reach the medium and high Tunjuelito”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rodríguez Gallo, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationreasoning
This example of channels irrigating fields must have been repeated across other areas of the Sabana.
“This example must have been repeated across other areas of the Sabana.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
In 1704 the administrators proposed to block the same point because of the periodic flooding of the Funza valley as a result of Bogotá River overflowing through the El Guali.
“In 1704 the administrators proposed to block this same point because of the periodic flooding of the Funza valley as a result of Bogotá River overflowing through the El Guali (Testimonio de Autos, 1704).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Testimonio de Autos, 1704
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data
El Guali was not initially a wetland but a drainage valley.
“This means that El Guali was not initially a wetland but a drainage valley.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The case of the Bogotá savanna is an example of how to combine old aerial photographs with data from excavations and documentation for the reconstruction of ancient landscapes.
“The case of the Bogotá savanna is an example of how to combine old aerial photographs with data from excavations and documentation for the reconstruction of ancient landscapes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The need to obstruct the drainage valley at the confluence of the Gauli with Bogotá was due to the fact that when there were floods, water overflowed at this point, flooding the Funza valley.
“The need to obstruct the drainage valley at the confluence of the Gauli with Bogotá was due to the fact that when there were floods, water overflowed at this point, flooding the Funza valley.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Colonial documentation from 1704 reflects hydrological conditions relevant to the pre-Hispanic El Guali.
- Interpretationreasoning
The wetland El Guali was most likely blocked by pre-Hispanic groups to prevent flooding around it.
“It is important to note that the wetland El Guali was most likely blocked by pre-Hispanic groups to prevent flooding around it”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Colonial documentation from 1704 reflects hydrological conditions relevant to the pre-Hispanic El Guali.
- Interpretationcitation
Weaving activity was probably the major occupation in the southern area, rather than cultivation of crops on raised fields.
“the latter probably being the major occupation in this area, rather than cultivation of crops on raised fields”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Bonilla 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bonilla 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Broadbent, 1961
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The earliest date for the settlement of the South savanna is AD 770.
- Interpretationreasoning
It is likely that the eastern side of the lowland was used mostly for drainage, with large mitigation areas (water reservoirs to prevent water from spreading across the plain).
“It is likely that this area was used mostly for drainage, with large mitigation areas (water reservoirs to prevent the water from spreading across the plain).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
There was no accumulation of sediments in El Guali initially.
“For this reason, there was no accumulation of sediments.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Scattered settlements and nucleated villages were recorded within the plain, on natural terraces, and along the flood valley itself.
“Scattered settlements and nucleated villages were recorded not only within the plain and on natural terraces, but also along the flood valley itself (Boada, 2006;Kruschek, 2003).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Kruschek, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- It may state two separate claims as one. 31
- Probably not a substantial claim. 4
- The quote only partly states this claim. 2
It may state two separate claims as one.
FindingreasoningIn the central sector, the number of channels for drainage increases with an average of 10 channels each 150 m and with a length of up to 900 m.
“Consequently, the number of channels for drainage increases with an average of 10 channels each 150 m and with a length of up to 900 m”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
FindingreasoningThe northern sector is characterized by the predominance of checkerboard raised fields and a few drainage channels.
“The sector is also characterized by the predominance of checkerboard raised fields and a few drainage channels.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataThe northern sector of the Bogotá savanna showed little mobility of the Bogotá River, with some growth and truncation of meanders, but no real migration or changes in the river course.
“The northern sector showed little mobility of the Bogotá River, with some growth and truncation of meanders, but no real migration or changes in the river course.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingnone givenIn the central sector, the floodplain widens considerably, mainly on the east side of the Bogotá River, leaving much of the sector at the same river level.
“The floodplain widens considerably, mainly on the east side of the Bogotá River, leaving much of the sector at the same river level.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataThe southern sector has an area between Tibaitatá and San Bernardino which is the lowest point of the savanna and therefore susceptible to flooding.
“The southern sector has two special characteristics: an area between the sectors Tibaitatá and San Bernardino which is the lowest point of the savanna and therefore susceptible to flooding”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataStill visible in the paleo-course are a number of channels for drainage radiating from the waterline, while the current confluence also features channels for drainage associated with the two rivers.
“Still visible in the paleo-course are a number of channels for drainage radiating from the waterline, while the current confluence also features channels for drainage associated with the two rivers.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationArchaeological evidence confirms flooding control because settlements from Herrera, Early and Late Muisca have been found in the Bogotá River alluvial valley.
“The archaeological evidence also confirms this flooding control, since settlements from the Herrera, Early and Late Muisca have been found in the Bogotá River alluvial valley (Bernal, 1990;Boada, 2000Boada, , 2006;;Kruschek, 2003).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Bernal, 1990
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Boada, 2000, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Kruschek, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone givenWith the beginning of Spanish colonization, the agricultural system was abandoned and the swampy plain was converted into pastureland for livestock, and the hydraulic system was no longer used.
“With the beginning of the Spanish colonization the agricultural system was abandoned.The swampy and marshy plain was converted into pastureland for livestock production and the hydraulic system was no longer used.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Premisenone givenToday, the city occupies much of what was once the area of the hydraulic system, and farming has been so intense that satellite images reveal nothing of the ancient remains.
“Today, the city occupies much of what was once the area of the hydraulic system.Small sites are still undeveloped, but farming has been so intense that the satellite images reveal nothing of the ancient remains (Figure 6).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningAfter deactivation, many sectors of the plain that remained dry in the pre-Hispanic period were flooded, and rivers and meanders could freely move and change.
“Many sectors of the plain, that in the pre-Hispanic period remained dry, were flooded, while the course of the rivers and the growth and migration of meandering, which was restricted by the hydraulic system, could now freely move and change.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisereasoningThe hydraulic system was rediscovered in the mid-twentieth century thanks to aerial photography, because the ground revealed nothing of these remains.
“Only in the mid-twentieth century was it rediscovered thanks to the use of aerial photography, since the ground, leveled and under other uses, revealed nothing of these remains.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationnone givenWhat we see today in aerial photographs is an image of the raised fields at the time of their abandonment in the Sixteenth Century, but transformed by constant changes of space in following centuries, including urban growth and modification of original biota.
“So, what we see today in the aerial photographs is an image of the raised fields at the time of their abandonment in the Sixteenth Century, but transformed by the constant changes of space in the following centuries, which also include urban growth and modification of the original biota.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThe objective of the pre-Hispanic groups was not to drain the savanna, but to manage the water to get the most out of it, coexisting with it.
“The objective of the pre-Hispanic groups was not to drain the savanna, but to manage the water to get the most out of it, coexisting with it.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe Bogotá savanna is a floodplain with numerous marshes and lakes due to multiple tributaries whose only drainage valley was the Bogotá River and sandy-clay soil that was hard to drain.
“The presence of multiple tributaries, whose only drainage valley was the Bogotá River, and its sandy-clay soil that was hard to drain, made of the savanna a floodplain with numerous marshes and lakes (Van der Hammen, 1995).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Van der Hammen, 1995
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThe apparent chaos of irregular raised fields is the result of partial destruction of the hydraulic system and not a predetermined construction standard, because they are located in the floodplain and have been exposed to seasonal flooding and sedimentation.
“From our point of view, this apparent chaos is the result of the partial destruction of the hydraulic system and not the result of a predetermined construction standard, since, as the irregular raised fields are located in the floodplain, they have been exposed in recent centuries to seasonal flooding and a constant process of sedimentation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisereasoningCurrently cultivated areas in formerly cultivated sectors will be eroded and poorer in nutrients, so modern plants will grow less well.
“In the case of growth patterns of plants, currently cultivated areas in formerly cultivated sectors will be eroded and will be poorer in nutrients, meaning that modern plants will grow less well due to inferior soil quality.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningBecause the northern sector had a high-water table that generated constant flooding, it was necessary to build platforms to keep the roots of the plants dry.
“However, because it had a high-water table that generated constant flooding, it was necessary to build platforms to keep the roots of the plants dry.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningIn the northern region the alluvial valley is narrow and therefore the plain is sheltered from floods.
“This is because in this region the alluvial valley is narrow and therefore the plain is sheltered from floods.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisereasoningThe identification of earth structures depends solely on differentiation in ground color or on growth patterns of currently existing plants.
“In these cases, the identification of the earth structures depends solely on differentiation in the ground color or on growth patterns of currently existing plants.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe northern area of the savanna has excellent soil quality for farming, andisols type 1.
“This area of the savanna has excellent soil quality for farming, andisols type 1”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Van der Hammen, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Premisenone givenThe water table level has declined by excessive use of groundwater sources.
“Furthermore, the water table level has declined by excessive use of groundwater sources.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimThe quote only partly states this claim.
PremisecitationArchaeological evidence demonstrates the existence of dense settlements on the west side of the Bogotá River and along its floodplains in the central sector.
“Archaeological evidence again demonstrates the existence of dense settlements on the west side of the Bogotá River and along its floodplains.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Kruschek, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe hydraulic system began to be built around 1324 ± 40 b.C. and was in operation until the Spanish colonization in the Sixteenth Century.
“According to the oldest dates available, the hydraulic system began to be built around 1324 ± 40 b.C., probably still linked to the development of horticulture (Boada, 2006), and was in operation until the Spanish colonization in the Sixteenth Century, by then covering an area of over 15,800 hectares (Boada, 2006;Rodriguez Gallo, 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Boada, 2006
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Rodriguez Gallo, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Interpretationnone givenThe deactivation of the pre-Hispanic hydraulic system changed completely the characteristics of the savanna.
“The deactivation of the pre-Hispanic hydraulic system changed completely the characteristics of the savanna.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThe paleo-course was an old course of the Bogotá River, which would flow more to the southeast in relation to the current location of the Bogotá River, and would therefore have a confluence with the Tunjulito more to the east.
“We interpreted it as an old course of the Bogotá River, which would flow, thus, more to the southeast in relation to the current location of the Bogotá River, and it would therefore have a confluence with the Tunjulito more to the east”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThere were two different moments in the construction of the hydraulic system: firstly, when the paleo-river was active and secondly, after the watercourse changed direction.
“This means that there were two different moments in the construction of the hydraulic system: firstly, when the paleo-river was active and secondly, after the watercourse changed direction.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationown dataAs the inhabitants of the Andean highlands (Herrera and Muisca) were developing agricultural practices, they were also shaping and transforming their environment and developing a cultural system that was not limited to gagging the water or trying to dry the plain in order to install crops and houses in its place.
“Thanks to the analysis of this information we can conclude that, as the inhabitants of the Andean highlands (Herrera and Muisca) were developing agricultural practices, they were also shaping and transforming their environment and developing a cultural system that was not limited to “gagging” the water or trying to dry the plain in order to install crops and houses in its place.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThe system used water for the benefit of these human groups, raising the soil, building platforms for cultivation and housing and digging channels to direct its energy.
“Rather, it was a system that used water for the benefit of these human groups, raising the soil, building platforms for cultivation and housing and digging channels to direct its energy.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationnone givenTo achieve this, significant changes to the ecological structure of the plain were required, such as deforestation to clear areas for cultivation, obstruction of erosive valleys to minimize the effects of flooding, as was the case of El Guali, or seasonal flooding in large areas.
“To achieve this, significant changes to the ecological structure of the plain were required, such as deforestation to clear areas for cultivation, obstruction of erosive valleys to minimize the effects of flooding, as was the case of El Guali, or seasonal flooding in large areas.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationArchaeological remains show significant changes after AD 770, with predominantly nucleated settlements and an important weaving activity.
“However, archaeological remains show significant changes after AD 770, with predominantly nucleated settlements and an important weaving activity”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Bonilla 2005
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Bonilla 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Broadbent, 1961
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Rests on an assumption: The earliest date for the settlement of the South savanna is AD 770.
It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.
InterpretationreasoningFor the Late Muisca period the landscape of the Bogotá savanna consisted of a channel network system that controlled the water rivers, streams and groundwater, among which land platforms for cultivation rose from the ground; mitigation areas; nucleated or dispersed settlements; and areas for hunting and fishing.
“The analysis of the hydraulic system and its relationship with the settlements, allows us to conclude that for the Late Muisca period the landscape of the Bogotá savanna consisted of a channel network system that controlled the water rivers, streams and groundwater, among which land platforms for the cultivation rose from the ground; in mitigation areas, where excess water during floods was AccumU”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationAnalysis of maize pollen from a sediment column from a wetland showed that accumulation of sediment began only in the agricultural phase, since there is pollen along the whole column.
“Analysis of maize pollen taken from a column of sediment extracted from a wetland showed that the accumulation of sediment began only in the agricultural phase, since there is pollen along the whole column (Van der Hammen, 2003).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Van der Hammen, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe medium and high Tunjuelito valley has little suitable land for agriculture, with clay soils and abundant presence of stones and gravel, which does not facilitate the organic enrichment of the land.
“due to the fact that this valley has little suitable land for agriculture, with clay soils and abundant presence of stones and gravel, this does not facilitate the organic enrichment of the land.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Rodríguez Gallo, 2011
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThese changes were the product of the ongoing dialogue between the human groups and their environment, a dialectical relationship between the interests of the two.
“On the contrary, these changes were the product of the ongoing dialogue between the human groups and their environment, a dialectical relationship between the interests of the two.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
InterpretationreasoningThe San Bernardino channels extend to the beginning of a small area of cultivation, which indicates that these channels not only drained the excess water into the plain, but that they also irrigated these fields.
“The San Bernardino channels extend to the beginning of a small area of cultivation, which indicates that these channels not only drained the excess water into the plain, but that they also irrigated these fields.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
The aerial photographs used for reconstruction only show the last operational phase of the hydraulic system, just before Spanish colonization.
“However, as aerial photographs used for reconstitution and study of the hydraulic system only show its last operational phase, just before the Spanish colonization, our analysis will focus on the last Pre-Hispanic period, the Late Muisca.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The continuity of traces of raised fields in paleo-meanders with traces of raised fields in today's water line indicates that those paleo-meanders were part of the river at the time when the hydraulic system was in operation.
“The continuity of the traces of raised fields in paleo-meanders with traces of raised fields in today's water line would indicate that those paleo-meanders were part of the river at the time when the hydraulic system was in operation.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The presence of a darker color of the old water lines, associated with raised fields, indicates that it was a drainage valley in the Pre-Hispanic period.
“In this case, the presence of a darker color of the old water lines, associated with raised fields, would indicate that in fact it was a drainage valley in the Pre-Hispanic period.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The earliest date for the settlement of the South savanna is AD 770.
“the earliest date for the settlement of the South savanna is AD 770”
The paper relies on this without support.
The north and center of the savanna were populated by the first agriculturalist groups, while migration to the south was only undertaken by the Muisca at the end of the Early Muisca period.
“while the north and center of the savanna were populated by the first agriculturalist groups, the migration to the south of the savanna was only undertaken by the Muisca at the end of the Early Muisca period”
The paper relies on this without support.
Colonial documentation from 1704 reflects hydrological conditions relevant to the pre-Hispanic El Guali.
“This situation was confirmed by colonial documentation.”
Citations
Cites
The Research Program of Historical Ecology
Balée, W. (2006) · Annual Review of Anthropology · doi:10.1146/annurev.anthro.35.081705.123231 · Cited by 543
Historical Ecology: Cultural Knowledge and Changing Landscapes
Fagan, B. M., & Crumley, C. L. (1996) · The Journal of Interdisciplinary History · doi:10.2307/206476 · Cited by 480
Denevan, W. M. (1970) · Science · doi:10.1126/science.169.3946.647 · Cited by 104
Historical ecology cultural knowledge and changing landscapes
Crumley, C. L. (1994) · Cited by 47
Flagged first, then by citations
2 of the 6 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.
Research works printed but not linked: 7
- » Bernal, F. (1990). Investigaciones arqueológicas en el antiguo cacicazgo de Bogotá (Funza-Cundinamarca). Boletín de Arqueología, 5(3), 31-46.
- Broadbent, S. (1968). A prehistoric field system in Chibcha territory, Colombia. Ñawpa Pacha. Journal of Andean Archaeology, 2, 135-147.
- Broadbent, S. (1987). En busca de los primeros agricultores del altiplano Cundiboyacense. Maguaré, 5(5), 99-125.
- Cox, C. (1992). Satellite imagery, aerial photography and wetland archaeology An interim report on an application of remote sensing to wetland archaeology: The pilot study in Cumbria, England. Journal of World Archaeology, 24, 249-267.
- Crumley, C. (2007). Historical ecology: Integrated thinking at multiple temporal and spatial scales. In A. Hornborg and C. Crumley (Eds.), The World System and The Earth System: Global Socio-Environmental Change and Sustainability Since the Neolithic (pp. 15- 28). Walnut Creek: Left Coast Press.
- » Delgado-Espinoza, F. (2002). Intensive Agriculture and Political Economy in the Yaguachi Chiefdom of the lower Guayas Basin, Coastal Ecuador. (PhD dissertation), University of Pittsburgh, USA.
- Denevan, W. (1970). Aboriginal drained-field cultivation in the Americas. Science, 169(3946), 647-654.
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Rivera-González, O. D., & Gort, M. F. T. R. V. (2026) · LATAM Revista Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades · doi:10.56712/latam.v7i1.5491
Metadata
- Authors
- Rodríguez Gallo, L.
- Venue
- Arqueología
- Published
- 2019-04-15
- Volume
- 25
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 169
- ISSN
- 0327-5159 (ISSN-L)
- 1853-8126
- OpenAlex
- W2946781106
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 6
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- es
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by-nc-sa
- Locations
- Arqueología (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-sa)
- Repositorio Digital Institucional de la Universidad de Buenos Aires (Universidad de Buenos Aires) (publishedVersion)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
- Universidade de São Paulo
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeological Research and Protection
- Social Sciences › Anthropology › Archaeology and Natural History
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Keywords
- aerial photography, hydraulic systems, raised-field agriculture, pre-Hispanic societies, Sabana de Bogotá, Andean highlands, urban expansion, seasonal flooding, water management, colonial documentation
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-10, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-10 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
