Research on PHOENIcian-punic sites in Andalusia with eXperimental Unmanned Aerial System with Lidar

ongoing

Among the most recent remote sensing methodologies applied in archaeological research are proximity analysis carried out with UAS (Unmanned Aerial System). Commonly referred to as drones, they are rapidly evolving instruments that allow the use of different acquisition sensors, such as LiDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging). This is a tool that makes it possible to scan not only objects, but also entire landscapes and to observe the ground surface (virtually cutting through vegetation and man-made elements), thus enabling better topographical reading and the identification of archaeological features. LiDAR mounted underneath aircraft has already proven to be a valuable tool for archaeological research in the past, although it is little used due to the high costs and low resolution of the digital terrain models produced in which only the topographical macro-elements are highlighted, such as fortifications and urban districts. Now, with the drastic reduction in prices and the miniaturization of hardware, it is not only possible to equip a drone with LiDAR, but also to obtain data at a centimetric resolution that allows even micro-topography to be appreciated. Despite its considerable potential, there is little pioneering research on the subject and a lack of manuals on the use of these LiDAR UAS and the interpretation of the data. Therefore, the aim of PHOENIX-UASL is the study and experimentation of these new technologies on some case studies that are well suited to the investigation, in order to grasp their potential and limitations; the results of which will be complementary to the classic studies of landscape archaeology and aimed at the diachronic reconstruction of places. Specifically, it is intended to target research at some important archaeological sites in Andalusia (Spain), such as the two Phoenician-Punic walled sites of Castillo de Doña Blanca and Cerro del Castillo (Cadiz), and, on the other hand, the indigenous sites on the hills of Medina Sidonia.