Archaeological research with drone technology

The use of drones can provide new perspectives during archaeological research and excavations. Especially in surveys  covering large areas with many underground artefacts, like old foundations, drone techniques like photogrammetry can reduce time and costs considerably. This way the excavation activities can be more focussed.

Besides 3D mapping of  archaeological excavations, mapping of micro-relief in the landscape and visualizing archaelogical remains.

Advantages of using drones in Archaeology

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

• Infrared (IR) thermography
• Photogrammetry
  
• Magnetometer and gradiometer*

* In test phase