The Application of RGB, Multispectral, and Thermal Imagery to Document and Monitor Archaeological Sites in the Arctic: A Case Study from South Greenland

A combination of RGB imaging and digital surface models proves highly effective for identifying and mapping archaeological ruins and structures, offering cultural heritage managers a rapid, non-invasive tool to document vulnerable Arctic sites. The study also demonstrates that RGB and NDVI maps can effectively monitor vegetation damage caused by human activity, addressing the dual threats of climate change and increased tourism. However, attempts to estimate soil moisture content using thermal imagery and the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) yielded limited success in Arctic contexts. Conducted at two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kujataa, Greenland, this research highlights the potential of drone-based remote sensing for archaeological documentation while underscoring the need for tailored approaches to monitor environmental impacts in fragile polar landscapes.

Hollesen, J., Jepsen, M. S., & Harmsen, H. (2023). The Application of RGB, Multispectral, and Thermal Imagery to Document and Monitor Archaeological Sites in the Arctic: A Case Study from South Greenland. Drones, 7(2), 115. https://doi.org/10.3390/drones7020115