Aerial Remote Sensing for Precision Archaeology Using RGB–Multispectral Image Fusion of UAS Data

A novel RGB–multispectral image fusion workflow for precision archaeology achieves sub-centimeter accuracy, preserving nearly all spectral information despite acquisition gaps. The method combines PPK-based georeferencing with UAS data, enabling high-resolution documentation of archaeological sites like Aigai's Sanctuary of Eukleia and Philippi's funerary ensemble. Digital surface models (DSMs) and orthophotomosaics were generated at resolutions of ~2 cm (RGB) and ~14 cm (MS), with fusion improving MS resolution to 1 cm while maintaining spectral fidelity (average correlation ≈0.99 for Philippi, ≈0.85 for Aigai). The approach offers a reliable tool for material classification and pathology detection in archaeological features.

Dimitris, K. (2026). Aerial Remote Sensing for Precision Archaeology Using RGB–Multispectral Image Fusion of UAS Data. Drones and Autonomous Vehicles, 3(2), 10009. https://doi.org/10.70322/dav.2026.10009