The concentration of monuments in the area surrounding the Ness of Brodgar hints at the importance the area had within the ceremonies of the Neolithic people of Orkney.

The area is ideally suited for the construction of their ceremonial monuments - a massive natural "cauldron" formed by the hills of the surrounding countryside and therefore bordered by hill, water and sky.

Aside from the major monuments shown on the map, the areas marked in brown represent mounds, burials and other areas of Neolithic activity.