Archaeological drone research

The use of drones can provide new perspectives during archaeological research and excavations. Especially in surveys covering large areas with many underground artefacts, such as ancient foundations, the use of drones can reduce time and costs and improve the quality of the project considerably. This way the excavation activities can be more focussed.

Besides 3D mapping of archaeological excavations, drones can also be implemented to make maps of micro-relief in the landscape and for visualizing archaelogical remains.

Advantages of archaeological drone research

• From the air it is possible to see structures and patterns that are not visible from the ground, because the overview is missing. 
• Quick insight in the presence of underground artefacts making excavations more focussed reducing costs and time.
• The costs of using a drone are much lower than for manned flights.
  

• Infrared thermography
  
• Photogrammetry
  
• Magnetometer and gradiometer*

* In test phase