A methodology for semi-automatic documentation of archaeological elements using RPAS imagery

E. Angelats, M. E. Parés, C. Mas-Florit, M.A Cau-Ontiveros
Abstract:
One of the main tasks of archaeologists is to document (map) their sites at a level where stones may be clearly distinguished and to provide centimetrelevel reliable measurements of man-built structures. One of the goals of the project ARCHREMOTELANDS is to develop a methodology to generate those maps semi-automatically combining RPAS imagery, photogrammetry and machine learning techniques. In this context, this paper presents a conceptual framework to determine the minimum number of pixels, and so the required Ground Sampling distance and altitude needed to fly a RPAS allowing very detailed documentation and digitalization of archaeological sites by processing the acquired images. These images are used firstly to generate a high resolution orthophoto. Then, archaeological elements of interest are documented almost automatically using 2D unsupervised clustering techniques. The approach has been experimentally tested and validated in the early Christian complex of Son Peretó (Manacor, Mallorca, Spain).
Download:
IMEKO-TC4-METROARCHAEO-2019-2.pdf
DOI:
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Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 MetroArchaeo 2019
Title:

IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Place:
Florence, ITALY
Time:
04 December 2019 - 06 December 2019