Title
UAV Laser scanning technology: a potential cost-effective tool for micro-topography detection over wooded areas for archaeological prospection
Abstract
Airborne laser scanning (ALS) has recently been identified as a potential tool in topographic mapping for archaeological prospection. However, most existing applications in this field refers to manned ALS systems, for which the high operation and maintenance costs limits its application in small-scale archaeological investigation. In this paper, we conducted an exploratory study on the application of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) laser scanning (ULS) system in ancient micro-topography detection over wooded areas. Compared with manned ALS technology, we analyzed the advantages and potentials of ULS technology for archaeological applications. Then we outlined existing mainstream survey-grade UAV-based laser scanners, data processing and visualization approaches. Furthermore, we performed case studies in three cultural heritage sites in Zhejiang Province, China using two representative mainstream survey-grade ULS systems. Results were then verified by an in-site investigation. Finally, the correct selection of ULS devices, the planning of data acquisition missions and the use of appropriate data processing methods specifically for archaeological prospection were discussed. This paper provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for micro-topography detection in wooded areas. ULS technology, as demonstrated here, can be an important supplement to existing archaeological investigation methods, particularly for small-scale areas, and has promising prospects in archaeological applications.
Year
DOI
Venue
2020
10.1080/17538947.2019.1711209
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIGITAL EARTH
Keywords
DocType
Volume
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),light detection and ranging (LiDAR),archaeological prospection,micro-topography mapping,forest
Journal
13.0
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
11.0
1753-8947
0
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.34
0
13
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Wei Zhou131.46
Fulong Chen2126.51
Huadong Guo345984.66
Mingyuan Hu400.68
Qi Li500.34
Panpan Tang6205.74
Wenwu Zheng700.34
Jian’an Liu800.34
Rupeng Luo900.34
Kaikai Yan1000.34
Ru Li1100.34
Pilong Shi1252.95
Sheng Nie1323.47