Cutting-edge prospection methods such as using three-dimensional surveying of individual finds in the field, aerial photography, and geophysics, make it possible today to systematically examine and analyse the settlement history of a large area in a more economical and less invasive way, usually avoiding large-scale excavation. The project area of the "Rheinbach Loess Plateau," 36 square kilometres large with loess deposits of up to 2 meters thick, has been examined almost in its entirety within five years of work using different methods of prospection. With numerous examples and colour illustrations, the systematic field work and fundamental research, as well as the use, fine-tuning, modification, and assessment of the methods used are described and analysed. All in all, 216 archaeological sites ranging from Neolithic to Medieval times could be localised, and for every period, the respective settlement pattern could be created. Colour maps showing spread, created with a geographical information system and put in relation to physiographic and historical maps, illustrate the diachronic settlement processes. German text.