Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photography: Exploring the Medieval City of Merv, on the Silk Roads of Central Asia

Aerial survey technology revolutionizes the study of Merv, revealing unprecedented details of its medieval Islamic cityscape. The Ancient Merv Project employed Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to capture systematic vertical photographs, offering a comprehensive view of this Silk Road metropolis's ruins. This approach enabled precise analysis of urban structures and spatial organization, overcoming traditional survey limitations. Initial findings highlight the potential for UAVs in archaeological documentation, particularly in protecting and conserving World Heritage Sites like Merv. The collaboration between Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Culture and UCL Institute of Archaeology demonstrates how modern technology can enhance our understanding of historic cities while supporting their preservation efforts.

Williams, T. (2012). Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Photography: Exploring the Medieval City of Merv, on the Silk Roads of Central Asia. Archaeology International, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/ai.1522