Integrated data analysis at an archaeological site: A case study using 3D GPR, magnetic, and high-resolution topographic data

Geophysics ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. B169-B176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Urs Böniger ◽  
Jens Tronicke
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Digital Terrain Model ◽  
Positional Information ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Topographic Data ◽  
3D Gpr ◽  
Difficult Terrain

We have collected magnetic, 3D ground-penetrating-radar (GPR), and topographic data at an archaeological site within the Palace Garden of Paretz, Germany. The survey site covers an area of approximately [Formula: see text] across a hill structure (dips of up to 15°) that is partly covered by trees. The primary goal of this study was to detect and locate the remains of ancient architectural elements, which, from historical records, were expected to be buried in the subsurface at this site. To acquire our geophysical data, we used a recently developed surveying approach that combines the magnetic and GPR instrument with a tracking total station (TTS). Besides efficient data acquisition, this approach provides positional information at an accuracy within the centimeter range. At the Paretz field site, this information was critical for processing and analyzing our geophysical data (in particular, GPR data) and enabled us to generate a high-resolution digital terrain model (DTM) of the surveyed area. Integrated analysis and interpretation based on composite images of the magnetic, 3D GPR, and high-resolution DTM data as well as selected attributes derived from these data sets allowed us to outline the remains of an artificial grotto and temple. Our work illustrates the benefit of using multiple surveying technologies, analyzing and interpreting the resulting data in an integrated fashion. It further demonstrates how modern surveying solutions allow for efficient, accurate data acquisition even in difficult terrain.

scholarly journals Studying the Construction of Floor Mosaics in the Roman Villa of Pisões (Portugal) Using Noninvasive Methods: High-Resolution 3D GPR and Photogrammetry

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 1882 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bento Caldeira ◽  
Rui Jorge Oliveira ◽  
Teresa Teixidó ◽  
José Fernando Borges ◽  
Renato Henriques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Noninvasive Methods ◽  
Noninvasive Sensors ◽  
Roman Villa ◽  
3D Gpr ◽  
Ground Penetrating ◽  
Structural Levels ◽  
Very High

Over the past decade, high-resolution noninvasive sensors have been widely used in explorations of the first few meters underground at archaeological sites. However, remote sensing actions aimed at the study of structural elements that require a very high resolution are rare. In this study, layer characterization of the floor mosaic substrate of the Pisões Roman archaeological site was carried out. This work was performed with two noninvasive techniques: 3D ground penetrating radar (3D GPR) operating with a 1.6 GHz central frequency antenna, which is a very high-resolution geophysical method, and photogrammetry with imagery obtained by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is a very high-resolution optical method. The first method allows penetration up to 30–40 cm depth and 3D models can be obtained, and with the second method, very high detail surface images and digital surface models can be obtained. In this study, we analyze a combination of data from both sensors to study a portion of the floor mosaic of the Pisões Roman Villa (Beja, Portugal) to obtain evidence of the inner structure. In this context, we have detected the main structural levels of the Roman mosaic and some internal characteristics, such as etched guides, internal cracking, and detection of higher humidity areas. The methodology that we introduce in this work can be referenced for the documentation of ancient pavements and may be used prior to carrying out preservation activities. Additionally, we intend to show that a Roman mosaic, understood as an archaeological structure, does not consist of only beautiful superficial drawings defined by the tesserae, but these mosaics are much more complex elements that must be considered in their entirety for preservation.

scholarly journals Automated Resistivity Profiling (ARP) to Explore Wide Archaeological Areas: The Prehistoric Site of Mont’e Prama, Sardinia, Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 461 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Piroddi ◽  
Sergio Vincenzo Calcina ◽  
Antonio Trogu ◽  
Gaetano Ranieri
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Digital Terrain Model ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Differential Gps ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Archaeological Areas ◽  
New Research ◽  
Resistivity Profiling

This paper deals with the resistivity continuous surveys on extensive area carried out at the Mont’e Prama archaeological site, in Sardinia (Italy). From 2013 to 2015, new research was performed using both non-destructive surveys and traditional archaeological excavations. The measurements were done in order to find geophysical anomalies related to unseen buried archaeological remains and to define the spatial extension of the ancient necropolis. The electrical resistivity of soils was measured by means of the Automated Resistivity Profiling (ARP©) system. This multi-pole method provided high-resolution maps of electrical resistivity in the whole investigated area using a computer-assisted acquisition tool, towed by a small vehicle. Through this acquisition layout, a surface of 22,800 m2 was covered. The electrical resistivity data were derived in real time with centimetric horizontal precision through a differential GPS positioning system. Thanks to the simultaneous acquisition of ARP and GPS data, the rigorous georeferencing of the tridimensional experimental dataset was made possible, as well as the reconstruction of a detailed Digital Terrain Model. Here, the experimental results are analyzed and critically discussed by means of the integration of the results obtained by a high-resolution prospection performed with a multi-channel Ground Penetrating Radar system and taking into account other information derived from previous geological and archaeological studies. Geophysical results, jointly with topographic reconstruction, clearly permitted the identification of more interesting areas where future archaeological investigations could be focused.

Innovative Exploration Drilling and Data Acquisition – Test Center (I-EDDA-TC), Örebro, Central Sweden

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bjarne Almqvist ◽  
Maria Ask ◽  
Linus Brander ◽  
Stefan Buske ◽  
Christoph Büttner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Data Acquisition ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Mineral Resources ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Exploration Drilling ◽  
Center Site

<p>Increasing the effectiveness of exploration for mineral resources is vital to meet future societal, economic and environmental challenges. Effective exploration drilling for mineral resources is an area where industrial innovation plays an important role. Measurements-while-drilling, data acquisition and next generation logging sondes represent three important areas that need development in the mineral exploration sector. Despite this need, there is a lack of test beds that allow to test novel drilling equipment. This limits the development and implementation of equipment with technology that has been proven, but does not yet fulfil the requirements of a product on the commercial market. Although a variety of test sites exist throughout Europe, they are constrained to existing infrastructure, which limits users to pre-existing conditions that may not fit their purpose or need. The I-EDDA-TC provides a unique environment for the development of drilling, and related, equipment used for exploration of mineral resources.</p><p>The regional geology around the test center site is dominated by Svecokarelian age granitoid intrusive and acid volcanic rocks (rhyolites) that strike east-west and dip sub-vertical. During 2019 and 2020, two boreholes were drilled at the test center site, as part of an EIT Raw Materials upscaling project. The first borehole is a fully cored 970 m deep borehole drilled with diamond bit (HQ dimension). The second borehole was drilled in the late summer of 2020, and is a 200 m deep percussion-drilled borehole with ~220 mm diameter. Here we present a preliminary synthesis of results from a geophysical survey, borehole logging and geological logging of drill core.</p><p>In summer 2019 a comprehensive geophysical surveying program was performed at the site, including 3D high resolution seismic, 2D deeper seismic with a large vibrator source, a series of high-resolution resistivity profiles and magnetic profiles. The 3D seismic data provided detailed velocity information in the near-surface at the site, allowing interpretation of depths to the groundwater table and bedrock in 3D. Data gained from two downhole logging campaigns provides a robust base for the detailed differentiation and characterization of the formations. A first look on the data shows well defined correlations amongst the various geophysical downhole parameters. Geological logging focused both on material properties (e.g. mineralogy, grain-size, texture, alteration and mineralization) and rock mass (joints and RQD). Magnetic susceptibility and ultrasonic pulse velocity were measured at regular intervals along the full core length, and 66 specimens were prepared and analysed with respect to porosity, density, abrasivity, major chemical elements, indirect tensile strength and uniaxial compressive strength. The integrated analysis of core data, surface and borehole seismic data, and the continuous logging profiles allows for the 3-dimensional characterization of the underground below the test center platform, as well as provides reference data for assessment of work conducted at the site (e.g. development of geophysical instruments, testing of drillabilaty and wear on drill bits). Our results will be open access published so that data can be compared to drilling and instruments test of commercial and academic parties utilizing this testing facility in future.</p>

Mapping and Monitoring of the Land Use/Cover Changes in the Wider Area of ltanos, Crete, Using Very High Resolution EO Imagery With Specific Interest in Archaeological Sites

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sawyer Reid stippa ◽  
George Petropoulos ◽  
Leonidas Toulios ◽  
Prashant K. Srivastava
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
Digital Photography ◽  
Archaeological Sites ◽  
Large Area ◽  
High Resolution Imagery ◽  
Site Mapping ◽  
Rule Sets

Archaeological site mapping is important for both understanding the history as well as protecting them from excavation during the developmental activities. As archaeological sites generally spread over a large area, use of high spatial resolution remote sensing imagery is becoming increasingly applicable in the world. The main objective of this study was to map the land cover of the Itanos area of Crete and of its changes, with specific focus on the detection of the landscape’s archaeological features. Six satellite images were acquired from the Pleiades and WorldView-2 satellites over a period of 3 years. In addition, digital photography of two known archaeological sites was used for validation. An Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) classification was subsequently developed using the five acquired satellite images. Two rule-sets were created, one using the standard four bands which both satellites have and another for the two WorldView-2 images their four extra bands included. Validation of the thematic maps produced from the classification scenarios confirmed a difference in accuracy amongst the five images. Comparing the results of a 4-band rule-set versus the 8-band showed a slight increase in classification accuracy using extra bands. The resultant classifications showed a good level of accuracy exceeding 70%. Yet, separating the archaeological sites from the open spaces with little or no vegetation proved challenging. This was mainly due to the high spectral similarity between rocks and the archaeological ruins. The satellite data spatial resolution allowed for the accuracy in defining larger archaeological sites, but still was a difficulty in distinguishing smaller areas of interest. The digital photography data provided a very good 3D representation for the archaeological sites, assisting as well in validating the satellite-derived classification maps. All in all, our study provided further evidence that use of high resolution imagery may allow for archaeological sites to be located, but only where they are of a suitable size archaeological features.

Airborne geophysical surveys in Greenland in 1998

1999 ◽  
pp. 34-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorkild M. Rasmussen ◽  
Leif Thorning
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Geological Survey ◽  
Magnetic Data ◽  
Magnetic Survey ◽  
Original Series ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
The Government

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article, for example: Rasmussen, T. M., & Thorning, L. (1999). Airborne geophysical surveys in Greenland in 1998. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 183, 34-38. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v183.5202 _______________ Airborne geophysical surveying in Greenland during 1998 consisted of a magnetic project referred to as ‘Aeromag 1998’ and a combined electromagnetic and magnetic project referred to as ‘AEM Greenland 1998’. The Government of Greenland financed both with administration managed by the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS). With the completion of the two projects, approximately 305 000 line km of regional high-resolution magnetic data and approximately 75 000 line km of detailed multiparameter data (electromagnetic, magnetic and partly radiometric) are now available from government financed projects. Figure 1 shows the location of the surveyed areas with highresolution geophysical data together with the area selected for a magnetic survey in 1999. Completion of the two projects was marked by the release of data on 1 March, 1999. The data are included in the geoscientific databases at the Survey for public use; digital data and maps may be purchased from the Survey.

Aeromagnetic survey in central West Greenland: project Aeromag 2001

2002 ◽  
pp. 67-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thorkild M. Rasmussen
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Magnetic Measurements ◽  
Geophysical Data ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Aeromagnetic Survey ◽  
Original Series ◽  
West Greenland ◽  
Airborne Measurements ◽  
Geophysical Surveys ◽  
Airborne Geophysical Data

NOTE: This article was published in a former series of GEUS Bulletin. Please use the original series name when citing this article. Rasmussen, T. M. (1). Aeromagnetic survey in central West Greenland: project Aeromag 2001. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin, 191, 67-72. https://doi.org/10.34194/ggub.v191.5130 The series of government-funded geophysical surveys in Greenland was continued during the spring and summer of 2001 with a regional aeromagnetic survey north of Uummannaq, project Aeromag 2001 (Fig. 1). The survey added about 70 000 line kilometres of high-quality magnetic measurements to the existing database of modern airborne geophysical data from Greenland. This database includes both regional high-resolution aeromagnetic surveys and detailed surveys with combined electromagnetic and magnetic airborne measurements.

scholarly journals Ultra-High-Resolution 1 m/pixel CaSSIS DTM Using Super-Resolution Restoration and Shape-from-Shading: Demonstration over Oxia Planum on Mars

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2185
Author(s):  
Yu Tao ◽  
Sylvain Douté ◽  
Jan-Peter Muller ◽  
Susan J. Conway ◽  
Nicolas Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
3D Reconstruction ◽  
Imaging System ◽  
Processing System ◽  
Digital Terrain Model ◽  
Super Resolution ◽  
Landing Site ◽  
Shape From Shading ◽  
Stereo Pair ◽  
Terrain Model

We introduce a novel ultra-high-resolution Digital Terrain Model (DTM) processing system using a combination of photogrammetric 3D reconstruction, image co-registration, image super-resolution restoration, shape-from-shading DTM refinement, and 3D co-alignment methods. Technical details of the method are described, and results are demonstrated using a 4 m/pixel Trace Gas Orbiter Colour and Stereo Surface Imaging System (CaSSIS) panchromatic image and an overlapping 6 m/pixel Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Context Camera (CTX) stereo pair to produce a 1 m/pixel CaSSIS Super-Resolution Restoration (SRR) DTM for different areas over Oxia Planum on Mars—the future ESA ExoMars 2022 Rosalind Franklin rover’s landing site. Quantitative assessments are made using profile measurements and the counting of resolvable craters, in comparison with the publicly available 1 m/pixel High-Resolution Imaging Experiment (HiRISE) DTM. These assessments demonstrate that the final resultant 1 m/pixel CaSSIS DTM from the proposed processing system has achieved comparable and sometimes more detailed 3D reconstruction compared to the overlapping HiRISE DTM.

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