Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, in partnership with the National Agency of Land Conservation, Cadastre, and Cartography (ANCFCC), announced on Friday the creation of Morocco’s first national archaeological map.
“The map compiles known or previously published archaeological sites based on data from the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage, as well as the Directorate of Cultural Heritage,” the ministry stated in a press release.
The map includes sites from various regions such as Dakhla, Essaouira, Casablanca, Rabat-Salé-Kénitra, Asilah, and the Eastern region. There are plans to expand the map to include sites from Tan Tan, Zagora, Tamanart, Rehamna, and Béni Mellal-Khénifra regions.
In addition to classic sites from Prehistory to the modern era, the ministry highlighted that other sites were discovered during scheduled research or heritage inventory missions.
The ministry, in collaboration with the National Institute of Archaeological Sciences and Heritage and the Directorate of Cultural Heritage, is in the process of developing regional digital maps, known as “predictive” maps. These maps will serve as a monitoring system against the degradation of archaeological sites and will help identify priority areas for archaeological surveys.
The ministry also noted that regional atlases are currently under development, which will facilitate the creation of tourist plans incorporating cultural heritage, including archaeological sites.
The project will require regular updates as discoveries, survey operations, and regional inventories progress. It is expected to serve as a vital document, providing researchers and students with comprehensive insights into the national heritage.