Archaeological Site Monitoring: UAV Photogrammetry Can be an Answer

Aerial photogrammetry using UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) offers a rapid and accurate alternative to traditional total station surveys for daily monitoring of archaeological excavations. This study demonstrates that UAV-based photogrammetry can capture high-resolution images at distances of 4–20 meters, enabling the generation of orthophotos, digital surface models (DSMs), and excavation plans with centimeter-level precision. Tested at a Roman villa site in Aquileia, Italythis low-cost system, developed by researchers at Politecnico di Torino, provides archaeologists with timely, comprehensive data to plan future excavation activities without the risk of 'loss of memory' associated with traditional methods. The approach leverages pre-planned flight schemes and digital photogrammetric software for automated orientation and rapid output generation, offering a scalable solution for archaeological site management.

Rinaudo, F., Chiabrando, F., Lingua, A., & Spanò, A. (2012). ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE MONITORING: UAV PHOTOGRAMMETRY CAN BE AN ANSWER. The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XXXIX-B5, 583–588. https://doi.org/10.5194/isprsarchives-xxxix-b5-583-2012