This contribution reports on the investigations
at the Neolithic site of Ottenburg, located in the
loess area of Flanders. The research must lead to the
evaluation of the preservation of this archaeological
site with regard to both historic and present-day
water and tillage erosion. Additionally, it serves as
a test case for the use of the newly developed highresolution digital terrain model (DTM) of Flanders.
The identification of historic erosion is based on
the current depths of (calcareous loess and clay
illuviation) soil horizons, detected by means of hand
augeringthe current erosion is simulated with a
spatially distributed erosion and sediment delivery
model. At Ottenburg, the results of both approaches
correspond quite well, allowing the identification of
four zones with a different magnitude of soil erosion.
Taking into account the established extension of the
Neolithic site, based on the distribution of artefacts at
the surface and microtopographic features identified
on the DTM, a number of site management guidelines
are proposed. Ultimately, this should result in the
elaboration of a detailed site management plan
