Drone Use in Archaeology is Growing
The archaeological field is constantly on the lookout for new technologies and methodologies with which to expand an ever-growing arsenal of techniques and tricks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of research. One of the latest technologies to be adopted is the use of unmanned aerial drones for remote sensing of both known and suspected archaeological sites. This is simultaneously a simple evolution from using aircraft and satellite imagery and a revolutionary innovation in survey techniques.
A Brief History of Remote Sensing in Archaeology
Links about UAV/Drones in Archaeology and Elsewhere.
Remote sensing in archaeology started, in the most basic sense, when humans began looking for the remains of the past; after all, what are eyes but organic remote sensors for the brain? In a more conventional sense, remote sensing started with the advent of aerial photography during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its rapid expansion as a reconnaissance tool during the First and Second World Wars led to much of the world being photographed. Looking at these aerial images, archaeologists were able to notice many things. First, ancient ruins, including temples and cities, were suddenly visible where none were before. Second, archaeologists noticed patterns in agricultural fields which proved to be the outlines of buried structures. As it turned out, subterranean features had both positive and negative effects on ground cover, which can appear in aerial photographs.
As technology developed, so did the art of archaeological aerial survey. Infrared film and cameras could reveal even more features hidden under the ground; satellites provided large-scale images and even more options for sensors and could access even more of the world. Sarah Parcak, for example, used satellite imagery to investigate the Valley of the Kings and other locations in Egypt and was able to identify over a thousand potential new features. Drones provide yet another source of imagery for the archaeologist, and at a much smaller scale than satellites and traditional aerial photographs.
Negative crop marks reveal ancient structures in an aerial photograph.
https://libarnaarchproject.org/2018/05/09/crop-encounters-of-the-archaeological-kind/
A Phantom 4 Pro with Sentera Near-Infrared Camera. Such a drone provides not only high-resolution aerial imagery, it allows captures images in the near-infrared spectrum, which has the potential to reveal buried features not visible to the human eye.
Types of Imagery
RGB
This is the traditional true-color image generally associated with photography. These images can be used to local ruins or other archaeological evidence which is readily visible to the human eye, as well as being used in site monitoring and reconnaissance.
Near-Infrared (NIR) Imagery
Using NIR imagery, a skilled observer can spot subtle changes in vegetation patterns, which can indicate the presence of subterranean features.
3D Elevation Model
Drone imagery can be used to construct highly-accurate 3D models of archaeological sites and the landscapes in which they exist. This allows an archaeologist not only to explore the layout of a site’s features, but also how those features fit into the surrounding landscape.
New to the Archaeologist’s Tool Kit: The Drone
Discusses the use of drones in archaeological site monitoring and research.
UAVs in Context: Archaeological Airborne Recording in a National Body of Survey and Record. https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/2/1/2/htm
Paper discusses the development of a UAV survey program for Historic Environment Scotland. Topics covered include considerations taken into account when purchasing drones, drone capabilities, and how different operating procedures were required for different types of work.
“Drones Bring New Dimension to Archaeology.” https://www.uchicago.edu/features/Drones_bring_new_dimension_to_archaeology/
Discusses the various uses of drones in archaeological survey. Briefly touches upon 3D landscape reconstruction, site monitoring, and feature mapping.
“Drones Transform Archaeology”. Inside Unmanned Systems. http://insideunmannedsystems.com/drones-transform-archaeology/
Discusses how unmanned aerial surveys are changing the practice of archaeology, including changing the shape and procedure of archaeological survey and research.
Archaeological Mapping with Drone Mapping
https://blog.micasense.com/archaeological-surveys-with-drone-mapping-563ac0329208
Discusses the use of drones and multispectral sensors in archaeological survey. This includes a brief discussion as to why such a survey technique works.
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for High-Resolution Reconstruction of Topography: The Structure from Motion Approach on Coastal Environments.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/5/12/6880/htm
Not related to archaeology directly, this article discusses the use of drones in landscape reconstruction. While specifically focused on the topographical reconstruction of coastal environments and dune systems, this information should be applicable to archaeological reconstructions.
Archaeologists Don’t Always Need to Dig, They’ve Got Drones. https://www.wired.com/story/archaeologists-dont-always-need-to-digtheyve-got-drones/
Discusses the application of drones in 3D mapping and landscape reconstruction.
Drones in Archaeology. State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/arp.1569
Paper discusses the current state of drone use within the field of archaeology and common uses for such technology. It also discusses issues with current tech and the way that both tech and the field should develop in order for their use to expand.
Using Drones in Archeology – An Omani Case Study.
https://waypoint.sensefly.com/drones-archeology-case-study/
The paper takes a detailed look at the use of a drone in aerial survey and how it enabled an archaeological team to identify structures which may have been overlooked in traditional surveys.
Can Drones Revolutionize Archaeology?
https://www.history.com/news/can-drones-revolutionize-archaeology
A short article addressing the use of drones in archaeology and how the field is shifting in order to make use of this new technology.
FAA Regulations
The Federal Aviation Administration has established rules and regulations regarding the use of UAVs and drones. Their website contains these rules as well as information on licensing, filing flight plans, and other aspects of drone use.
Helpful Tips
http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/
Know Before You Fly provides a lot of information for casual, research, and business use of drones, such as educational resources and a news reel that shares the latest research and uses of UAS technology.
Except where otherwise specified, all images are the property of the author. Cover image is Smuttynose, Star, Malaga, and Cedar Islands, Isles of Shoals, Maine and New Hampshire. Taken from watch tower, Appledore Island.