LiDAR-derived high-resolution geomorphological analysis for archaeology: Case study of the Gunditjmara aquaculture engineering systems at Budj Bim, Australia

High-resolution LiDAR-derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) have revolutionized archaeological analysis, enabling the detection of previously undetectable sites due to their small size or deterioration. This study demonstrates their potential in identifying a diverse array of archaeological sites across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Victoria, Australia. By focusing on advanced DEM analysis and visualization, the research highlights the importance of machine learning techniques, particularly when validated by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners and staff from the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (GMTOAC). The study underscores how these methodologies can reveal broad spatial distributions, functional relationships, and patterns of landscape use by past populations over time.

Armstrong, B. J., Huang, Z., Bell, B., Bell, M., Lovett-Murray, T., Nicholson, E., Black, A., & Tomko, M. (2026). LiDAR-derived high-resolution geomorphological analysis for archaeology: Case study of the Gunditjmara aquaculture engineering systems at Budj Bim, Australia. Australian Archaeology, 92(1), 57–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/03122417.2026.2655731