The New Drones Club
The military potential of unmanned flying ‘drones’ is well known. But what about their use in archaeology?
A new mapping method, developed at Vanderbilt University’s Spatial Analysis Research Laboratory fits into a backpack and creates detailed aerial maps that can identify potential sites of archaeological interest during a single unmanned flight. Encouraged by the decreasing cost and increasing availability of unmanned vehicles, Vanderbilt University has developed mapping drones (above) that work with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software in a bid to make new discoveries. Aerial mapping by drones provides the opportunity to gather information about ancient human structures, paths, waterways or burial sites that may otherwise remain unnoticed beneath vegetal growth, landslides, earthquakes and layers of human habitation.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
