Field Survey And Data Processing For Archaeological Heritage Protection And Management

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

The main aim of the course is to provide theoretical and practical background for applying field survey methods in heritage protection and management using satellite- and geodetic-based positioning systems. The teaching comprises field survey and labs combined at various stages of the course. Students will be introduced to basic principles of positioning techniques using geodetic system (Total Station) and satellite navigation of various precision (hand-held GPS, GPS RTK), instrument maintenance and good practice for an efficient survey. Field survey will comprise of all-day practical exercises in location and measurements of archaeological sites at various stages of preservation (earthworks to levelled sites) to document their condition and identify potential threats to archaeological heritage. At least two different measurement strategies will be compared and critically assessed for their efficiency. Data obtained during field exercise will be processed by programs that include MapSource, QGIS, GPS Essentials, etc. Students will learn about data nature, maintenance and use in archaeological practice. The course will allow students to prepare data which can be used at different stages of building heritage strategies: processing archival information, obtaining data to assess sites’ condition and preparing it for use with other sources of spatial information (aerial photography, satellite imagery etc.).

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

No

Syllabus

Week 1: Basic principles 1: instrument maintenance and data acquisition (3h)

Week 2: Field survey 1: site location, recording and documenting (8h)

Week 3: Data processing 1: downloading, maintenance, assessment, analysis (3h)

Week 4: Basic principles 2: instrument maintenance and data acquisition (3h)

Week 5: Field survey 2: high-precision measurements for 3D modelling and georeferencing (7h)

Week 6: Data processing 2: downloading, maintenance, assessment, analysis (3h)

Week 7: Data preparation for further use in 3D modelling and georeferencing other sources of spatial data (site plans, aerial photography, satellite imagery) (3h)

+ 5 hrs tutorial

Reading list

Bowden M. 1999. Unravelling the Landscape: An Inquisitive Approach to Archaeology. Stroud: Tempus Publishing.
Historic England 2015. Where on Earth Are We? The Role of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in Archaeological Field Survey. Swindon: Historic England.
Historic England 2016. Traversing the Past: the total station theodolite in archaeological landscape survey. Swindon: Historic England.
Historic England 2017. Understanding the Archaeology of Landscapes. Swindon: Historic England.
Historic England 2018. 3D Laser Scanning for Heritage. Swindon: Historic England.