Integrated method for tracking changes in archeolandscapes using remote and close-range technologies: Monitoring of change and risk assessment methodologies

Abstract

The importance of visible built heritage and archeolandscapes for preservation of collective memory and identity is widely acknowledged across disciplines regarding heritage protection and valorisation. The complex analysis of archaeolandscape transformations through time needs multilevel geospatial information. To this purpose, it is necessary to consider different domains of technological tools but also an appropriate geospatial framework, applying a multi-scale, multi-temporal and multi-sensor approach. In this way, the capabilities of new technologies can be further expanded aiming towards to an effective integration and improvement of preservation strategies and protection methodologies for cultural heritage sites. This paper illustrates the integration of in situ surveying campaigns, close range photogrammetry, aerial and satellite remote sensing imagery for identify change detection at the 'Nea Paphos', a UNESCO protected archaeological site of Cyprus. In particular, this paper examines the evolution of a buried archaeological feature (amphitheatre?) which is already known to experts but has not yet been excavated. Changes of shape and size have been documented, interpreted and mapped using resources covering a temporal arch of circa last 50 years. While soil and vegetation marks of the buried feature are very clear in the historic aerial imagery, these traces are disturbed on the recent images. An integrated method of detecting natural and physical consequences for evolving landscapes, using remote sensing techniques, airborne, and 3D photogrammetric models developed using open-source tools has been applied. Such integration is envisaged to (1) provide new kind of information and possible scenarios for retrieving geospatial knowledge of evolving archeolandscapes and their multiple layers of history and to (2) enable archaeologists, public administration and conservation professionals to pursue specific tailored-made preservation strategies of specific archaeological sites and to support them in more informed decision making. © 2013 IEEE.