The recent development in the field of archaeology involves a U.K.-based team continuing its research work over the Tamar Valley, albeit remotely due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The research process is primarily reliant on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a technology commonly employed by geologists and surveyors to create high-resolution maps. The focus of this article is on this innovative research method and its applications, particularly in the realm of archaeology.
Tamar Valley: An Archaeological Goldmine
Positioned in southern England, Tamar Valley has garnered the interest of archaeologists worldwide, largely due to its rich historical background. With numerous sites hailing from the Iron Age and the Roman era, the area provides a vast landscape for archaeological studies.
Tamar Valley’s historical significance is further cemented by its status as a World Heritage Site, a designation given by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This title designates locations that have special cultural or physical significance. UNESCO’s ‘World Heritage Programme’ administers this list, celebrating and preserving unique historical and cultural locations worldwide. Remarkably, Tamar Valley’s historical mining activities have also contributed to its standing as a World Heritage Site.
Exploring LiDAR: A Remote Sensing Method
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technique heavily relied upon by the U.K. research team. It employs light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure variable distances. In tandem with other data captured by the airborne system, these light pulses generate precise, three-dimensional information about the Earth’s shape and its surface characteristics.
In essence, a LiDAR instrument is made up of three principal components: a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. Aircraft like airplanes and helicopters are usually tasked with acquiring LiDAR data, primarily because they can cover broad areas effectively and efficiently.
Applications of LiDAR
The utility of LiDAR technology is vast and varied. It finds extensive use in several areas such as agriculture, hydrology, water management systems, and geology-related applications. However, its potential has been proven to be of particular significance in the field of archaeology.
In a nutshell, this U.K.-based archaeological team’s innovative use of LiDAR during a period of lockdown brought into the spotlight not only the adaptability of scientific research but also the remarkable capabilities of this remote sensing technology.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024