scholarly journals Re-Discovering Ancient Landscapes: Archaeological Survey of Mound Features from Historical Maps in Northwest India and Implications for Investigating the Large-Scale Distribution of Cultural Heritage Sites in South Asia

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (18) ◽  
pp. 2089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Green ◽  
Orengo ◽  
Alam ◽  
Garcia-Molsosa ◽  
Green ◽  
...  

Incomplete datasets curtail the ability of archaeologists to investigate ancient landscapes, and there are archaeological sites whose locations remain unknown in many parts of the world. To address this problem, we need additional sources of site location data. While remote sensing data can often be used to address this challenge, it is enhanced when integrated with the spatial data found in old and sometimes forgotten sources. The Survey of India 1” to 1-mile maps from the early twentieth century are one such dataset. These maps documented the location of many cultural heritage sites throughout South Asia, including the locations of numerous mound features. An initial study georeferenced a sample of these maps covering northwest India and extracted the location of many potential archaeological sites—historical map mound features. Although numerous historical map mound features were recorded, it was unknown whether these locations corresponded to extant archaeological sites. This article presents the results of archaeological surveys that visited the locations of a sample of these historical map mound features. These surveys revealed which features are associated with extant archaeological sites, which were other kinds of landscape features, and which may represent archaeological mounds that have been destroyed since the maps were completed nearly a century ago. Their results suggest that there remain many unreported cultural heritage sites on the plains of northwest India and the mound features recorded on these maps best correlate with older archaeological sites. They also highlight other possible changes in the large-scale and long-term distribution of settlements in the region. The article concludes that northwest India has witnessed profound changes in its ancient settlement landscapes, creating in a long-term sequence of landscapes that link the past to the present and create a foundation for future research and preservation initiatives.

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Grøn ◽  
Lars Ole Boldreel

Archaeological wrecks exposed on the sea floor are mapped using side-scan and multibeam techniques, whereas the detection of submerged archaeological sites, such as Stone Age settlements, and wrecks, partially or wholly embedded in sea-floor sediments, requires the application of high-resolution subbottom profilers. This paper presents a strategy for cost-effective, large-scale mapping of previously undetected sediment-embedded sites and wrecks based on subbottom profiling with chirp systems. The mapping strategy described includes (a) definition of line spacing depending on the target; (b) interactive surveying, for example, immediate detailed investigation of potential archaeological anomalies on detection with a denser pattern of subbottom survey lines; (c) onboard interpretation during data acquisition; (d) recognition of nongeological anomalies. Consequently, this strategy differs from those employed in several detailed studies of known wreck sites and from the way in which geologists map the sea floor and the geological column beneath it. The strategy has been developed on the basis of extensive practical experience gained during the use of an off-the-shelf 2D chirp system and, given the present state of this technology, it appears well suited to large-scale maritime archaeological mapping.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 326-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna S Cohen ◽  
Rodrigo Solinis-Casparius

Approximately 90% of Mexican archaeological sites are on communal ejido lands and yet the Mexican Constitution stipulates that all cultural heritage is the property of the federal government. Considering this disconnect between federal and local practices, how can archaeologists work with ejido communities to help preserve cultural patrimony? This article explores the micropolitics associated with archaeological fieldwork on communal ejido lands in Western Mexico. We show how long-standing practices based on local histories, community political theater, and interpersonal relations shape fieldwork and cultural conservation initiatives in important and unintended ways. In our study near the site of Angamuco, Michoacán, we draw upon ethnographic and archival research and outreach projects over five field seasons, and address the tensions that emerge when informal micropolitical and formal top–down sociopolitical practices interface. We show how aspects of a policy science approach are appropriate for long-term community-supported archaeology and cultural heritage management.


2019 ◽  
pp. 129-139
Author(s):  
Tamara Mykolayivna Kurach ◽  
Iryna Aleksandrovna Pidlisetskaya

The goal is to develop a tourist interactive map "Landmarks of Bohuslav". The methodology. The methodological and theoretical basis of the study is modern geographical and cartographic science in the field of thematic mapping with the involvement of web-mapping technologies. Results. A large-scale tourist web map of the cultural heritage of the Boguslavsky region - “Sights of Boguslavshchina” was created. Scientific novelty. Approbation of the methodology and technology for the development of interactive large-scale web maps of tourism topics involving the Leaflet JavaScript library. Practical value. An interactive tourist web map of the historical and cultural heritage sites “Sights of Bohuslavshchina” will be published on the website of the health-improving institution of sanatorium-type “Chaika”. Convenient using, visualization, prompt receipt of information will help to increase the attractiveness of tourist Boguslavschina routes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athanasia-Maria Tompolidi ◽  
Issaak Parcharidis ◽  
Constantinos Loupasakis ◽  
Michalis Fragkiadakis ◽  
Pantelis Soupios ◽  
...  

<p>Cultural heritage is a key element of history as the ancient monuments and archaeological sites enrich today’s societies and help connect us to our cultural origins. The project entitled ''SpaCeborne SAR Interferometry as a Nonivasive tool to assess the vulnerability over Cultural hEritage sites (SCIENCE)'' has as ultimate objective to predict the vulnerability of the archaeological sites to ground deformation in time and space and protect them against natural/man-made damage. The SCIENCE project aims to develop, demonstrate, and validate, in terms of geotechnical local conditions and monuments’ structural health, SAR interferometric techniques to monitor potential ground deformation affecting the archaeological sites and monuments of great importance. </p><p>During the last few years, spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry has proven to be a powerful remote sensing tool for detecting and measuring ground deformation and studying the deformation’s impact on man-made structures. It provides centimeter to millimeter resolution and even single buildings/monuments can be mapped from space. Considering the limitations of conventional MT-InSAR techniques, such as Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI), in this project a two-step Tomography-based Persistent Scatterers (PS) Interferometry (Tomo-PSInSAR) approach is proposed for monitoring ground deformation and structural instabilities over the Ancient City Walls (Ming Dynasty) in Nanjing city, China and in the Great Wall in Zhangjiakou, China. The Tomo-PSInSAR is capable of separating overlaid PS in the same location, minimizing the unfavorable layover effects of slant-range imaging in SAR data. Moreover, the demonstrations are performed on well-known test sites in China and in Greece, such as: a) Ming Dynasty City Walls in Nanjing, b) Great Wall in Zhangjiakou, c) Acropolis complex of Athens and d) Heraklion walls (Crete Island), respectively.</p><p>In particular, in the framework of SCIENCE project are processed several radar datasets such as Sentinel 1 A & B data of Copernicus program and the high resolution TerraSAR-X data. The products of Persistent Scatterers Interferometry (PSI) are exported in various formats for the identification of the persistent scatterers using high resolution optical images, aerial photographs and fusing with high accuracy Digital Surface Models (DSM). In addition, the validation of the results is taking place through in-situ measurements (geological, geothechnical e.t.c) and data for the cultural heritage sites conditions.</p><p>SCIENCE project’s final goal is the risk assessment analysis of the cultural heritage monuments and their surrounding areas aiming to benefit institutions, organizations, stakeholders and private agencies in the cultural heritage domain through the creation of a validated pre-operation non-invasive system and service based on earth observation data supporting end-user needs by the provision knowledge about cultural heritage protection. In conclusion, SCIENCE project is composed by a bilateral consortium of the Greek delegation of Harokopio University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, Terra Spatium S.A, Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion (Crete), Acropolis Restoration Service (Athens) of Ministry of Culture and Sports and by the Chinese delegation of Science Academy of China (Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth) and  International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO (HIST-UNESCO).</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Giuliani ◽  
Rosa Grazia De Paoli ◽  
Enrica Di Miceli

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and validate a large-scale methodology for risk assessment and management in cultural heritage sites, taking into account their specific tangible or intangible values. Emphasis is given to historic centres that are key resources in building resilience to disasters but are also highly vulnerable due to several factors, such as the characteristics of the built environment, the community and social life, the lack of risk awareness and maintenance and finally the poor regulatory framework for their management and valorisation.Design/methodology/approachThe multi-step procedure starts from the assessment of the attributes of cultural heritage in order to identify priorities and address the analysis. Then, it evaluates the primary and secondary hazards in the area, the vulnerabilities and threats of the site and the impacts of the chain of events. Finally, it allows for calibrating a site-specific set of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures.FindingsThe application to two case studies in the Italian peninsula, the historic centres of San Gimignano and Reggio Calabria, allows for identifying research gaps and practical opportunities towards the adoption of common guidelines for the selection of safety measures.Originality/valueBy providing a qualitative assessment of risks, the research points out the potentialities of the methodology in the disaster risk management of cultural heritage due to its capacity to be comprehensive and inclusive towards disciplines and professionals.


2018 ◽  
pp. 804-825
Author(s):  
Eric G. Poitras ◽  
Jason M. Harley ◽  
Timothy Compeau ◽  
Kevin Kee ◽  
Susanne P. Lajoie

Cultural heritage sites and museums are faced with an important challenge – how best to balance the needs of engaging visitors in meaningful and entertaining experiences, while at the same time exploiting the affordances of exhibits for instructional purposes. In this chapter, we examine the use of augmented reality in the context of informal learning environments, and how this type of technology can be used as a means to enhance learning about history. The research case studies are reviewed in terms of the use of historical locations, experience mechanics, narrative/plot, and role-playing (the later two representing game-based elements) in the design guidelines of instructional activities and applications (Dunleavy & Dede, 2014). In doing so, we critique the theoretical, methodological, and instructional underpinnings of studies that evaluate augmented reality applications and draw several recommendations for future research in this field.


Author(s):  
Eric G. Poitras ◽  
Jason M. Harley ◽  
Timothy Compeau ◽  
Kevin Kee ◽  
Susanne P. Lajoie

Cultural heritage sites and museums are faced with an important challenge – how best to balance the needs of engaging visitors in meaningful and entertaining experiences, while at the same time exploiting the affordances of exhibits for instructional purposes. In this chapter, we examine the use of augmented reality in the context of informal learning environments, and how this type of technology can be used as a means to enhance learning about history. The research case studies are reviewed in terms of the use of historical locations, experience mechanics, narrative/plot, and role-playing (the later two representing game-based elements) in the design guidelines of instructional activities and applications (Dunleavy & Dede, 2014). In doing so, we critique the theoretical, methodological, and instructional underpinnings of studies that evaluate augmented reality applications and draw several recommendations for future research in this field.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Tim Forssman ◽  
Matt Lotter ◽  
John Parkington ◽  
Jeremy Hollmann ◽  
Jessica Angel ◽  
...  

Abstract Much of Lesotho’s cultural heritage has been studied as a result of dam developments. Where dams have been built, heritage studies have provided crucial data for improving our understanding of local archaeological sequences. Ahead of the construction of the Lesotho Highland Development Authority’s (LHDA) new Polihali Dam in Lesotho’s Mokhotlong District and following the recommendations of a heritage assessment (CES 2014), a large-scale five-year cultural heritage management program was launched in 2018 that seeks to excavate and mitigate a number of heritage sites. Here, we provide the background to one of southern Africa’s largest heritage mitigation contracts by contextualising the current research program. We then present the archaeology of Lesotho’s eastern highlands basalt region using data collected during the inception phase of this program. The findings challenge current preconceived notions about the sparsity of archaeological remains for this region.


2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (5) ◽  
pp. 627-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namho Chung ◽  
Hyunae Lee ◽  
Jin-Young Kim ◽  
Chulmo Koo

In cultural heritage sites around the globe, augmented reality (AR) is being utilized as a tool to provide visitors with better experiences while preserving the integrity of the sites. However, little research has examined the impact of AR on customers’ attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the sites. By integrating the post-acceptance model of information systems (IS) continuance, balance theory, and the theory of reasoned action (TRA), we investigate the causal mechanism underlying consumers’ beliefs about AR (perceived advantage, aesthetic experience, and perceived enjoyment) and AR satisfaction in conjunction with the attitudes and behavioral intentions toward the destination. The results show that the perceived advantage and aesthetics of AR influence AR satisfaction. In turn, AR satisfaction affects behavioral intentions toward the heritage destination, indirectly via the attitude toward the destination through AR. Based on these findings, we present theoretical and practical implications as well as suggestions for future research.


Author(s):  
A. Georgopoulos ◽  
C. Oikonomou ◽  
E. Adamopoulos ◽  
E. K. Stathopoulou

When it comes to large scale mapping of limited areas especially for cultural heritage sites, things become critical. Optical and non-optical sensors are developed to such sizes and weights that can be lifted by such platforms, like e.g. LiDAR units. At the same time there is an increase in emphasis on solutions that enable users to get access to 3D information faster and cheaper. Considering the multitude of platforms, cameras and the advancement of algorithms in conjunction with the increase of available computing power this challenge should and indeed is further investigated. In this paper a short review of the UAS technologies today is attempted. A discussion follows as to their applicability and advantages, depending on their specifications, which vary immensely. The on-board cameras available are also compared and evaluated for large scale mapping. Furthermore a thorough analysis, review and experimentation with different software implementations of Structure from Motion and Multiple View Stereo algorithms, able to process such dense and mostly unordered sequence of digital images is also conducted and presented. As test data set, we use a rich optical and thermal data set from both fixed wing and multi-rotor platforms over an archaeological excavation with adverse height variations and using different cameras. Dense 3D point clouds, digital terrain models and orthophotos have been produced and evaluated for their radiometric as well as metric qualities.


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