Spatial analysis of charcoal kilns in Val Suzon (Burgundy, France): A geographical approach of wood charcoal economy

Abstract

Many forests have preserved traces for their past exploitation, in particular for charcoal production. In the Val Suzon forest (France, Burgundy), the analysis of the LiDAR data presented in this study has revealed more than 5,600 charcoal kilns across around 3,000 ha of woodland. According to archaeological and historical data, these remains attest to a recurrent craft activity over several centuries, since at least the 15th century. In order to understand how this practice has taken place in this area, and more generally how this forest has been managed and exploited, we conducted a spatial analysis of the charcoal kilns. As a result, we have identified variations in the distribution and density of these sites, and more specifically layout patterns based on topography, from the bottom of the valleys to the tops of the plateaus. Finally, we proposed explanations concerning the distribution of charcoal production sites in the Val Suzon, which are most probably due to technical constraints for their construction, their supply and the allocation of wood resources.