Here, a model of settlement location and tribute flows, developed by Vincas P. Steponaitis specifically for chiefdoms is tested against data from the Alto Magdalena Regional Classic period (1 AD–900 AD). The model envisions regional centers being relocated by their chiefly elite in order to reduce costs of tribute flows from smaller centers. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to evaluate the model using the location of monumental sites obtained during regional surveys, exploring the effect of the rugged elevation. The
