# Doctoral Dissertation Research: Long Term Settlement De-nucleation

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Washington University (MO) · $22,714

## Abstract

Urbanization has remained a dominant global demographic trend since its origins nearly 6,000 years ago. This doctoral dissertation research project examines what factors are most predictive of urbanization, deurbanization, and urban de-nucleation. Much of the archaeological data has focused on sedentary societies in arable river valleys, which yield models of gradual settlement growth and decline largely based on population and agricultural surplus. A larger, more varied dataset is necessary to get a clearer archaeological understanding of more rapid trajectories toward urbanization and deurbanization among non-farming societies. A crucial component of this research involves using satellite imagery to identify and map small non-urban settlements surrounding known urban sites. In doing so, this project will help to develop U.S. geospatial research capabilities by refining and publishing open-source and reproducible methodologies on a large satellite image dataset. This effort will provide students with valuable training in geospatial methods. This project responds to research priorities in the science of artificial intelligence through the study and usage of computers and software through the development satellite imagery-based machine learning and other deep learning models.

To better understand the social and environmental factors surrounding urbanization and deurbanization, it is necessary to determine functional differences between large central settlements and the smal

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532016
- **Awardee organization:** Washington University (MO)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** L6NFUM28LQM5
- **PI:** Michael D Frachetti
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), ARCHAEOLOGY, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $22,714
- **Funds obligated:** $22,714
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 03/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532016

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532016, Doctoral Dissertation Research: Long Term Settlement De-nucleation. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532016. Licensed CC0.

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