Five Ways Drones Have Helped Historians Plan Safer Site Surveys And Archaeological Excavations.

Archaeology is not a very tech-savvy sector, as many historians are still stuck in the age-old land surveying and processing techniques. Fortunately, more and more archaeologists have been turning to modern-day land surveying methods over the years.

Aerial surveys have become a popular medium for surveyors to gather on-site data and keep track of the excavated site.

Earlier, archaeologists used helicopters and aeroplanes for aerial asset inspections and surveys. This was a costly, cumbersome process and required special permits and many open spaces.

With drones, the entire surveying process has become a lot easier. Drone technology has completely changed the way surveyors conduct on-site inspections. These tiny flying machines provide:

Data-heavy, precise maps and photogrammetry.

Allowing workers to identify new dig sites.

Spot Potsherds and other relics.

Drones can cover hundreds of acres in a few hours. It is a better annual to manual inspections as you save a lot of time fieldwalking. Plus, the use of drones improves worksite safety. You don't have to send workers to dangerous underground quarries and excavations.

1. Faster site surveys

Before drones came into the picture, archaeologists relied on "pedestrian surveying" to find artefacts and fossils on the site.

In this process, the workers covered the site area on foot and usually walked in parallel lines

looking for potsherds (i.e. broken pieces of ceramics). Depending on the size and topography of the site location, this entire activity took somewhere between a few days to a whole week!

Also, manual inspections are subject to human errors, and you could miss out on some crucial clues in this process.

According to the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research study, drone surveying is more efficient than manual surveying methods. The study, first published in the Journal of Archaeological Science, found that a small site survey on foot takes at least three days. Drones can get the job done in a matter of minutes!

2. Accurate data collection

Drone surveys are automated. The UAV follows a predetermined path, using the GCPs or ground control points as a reference framework for its flight. Some drones also come equipped with GPS navigation and allow the operator to manoeuvre the flight path while the drone is still in the air.

Therefore, drones are more reliable when it comes to recording consistent and accurate video footage of the site.

With drones, historians can get a low-level aerial survey of the site. This is crucial when exploring historic buildings, landscapes and monuments.

3. Generating 3D models

When combined with machine learning, AI and terrain mapping platforms, drone data can help historians generate 3D models/maps of the site.

I would recommend you hire a professional drone operator for the job to reduce the risk of on-site errors. Ensure that you reach out to a drone operator who can help you collect site data and process and analyse it.

At Avian, for instance, we have a team of land surveyors who can help on-site engineers replicate 2D images and drone footage as 3D maps.

For this, we use various land surveying tools, including 3D laser scanners, LiDARs, thermal drones, eVTOL drones etc., for the job.

3D laser scanning stores site data in point clouds, later exported to a BIM platform to create 3D models.

These 3D models give historians an accurate picture of the site and even recreate the dramatic illustrative images of the site for research purposes.

4. Improving worksite safety

Drones reduce the risk of on-site injuries and accidents. The drone operator can control the UAV safely and ensure that the flight is following the preset path.

This comes in handy when you are at an excavated site. Earlier workers had to physically cover the site ground to measure distances, understand the topography, land elevations, identify artefacts etc.

With drones, the entire surveying and land inspection process becomes a lot safer.

Plus, drones also allow on-site project supervisors to track the excavation activities and ensure that everything is going according to plan.

I would recommend that you talk to your drone operator about the necessary permits and certifications to fly drones around the site.

In Australia, for instance, all drone flight operations fall under the supervision of CASA or the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. You need a drone pilot licence and permit from CASA to fly drones here.

5. Drone mapping for engaging video content

The 3D models and terrain maps generated using drone data are helpful to create engaging videos and content. You can use these videos in your research project, awareness campaigns, proposal presentations etc.

Video content is far more interactive and eye-catching than long reports and studies. Using drone videography gets more people interested in your research and can help you rope in more investors, potential sponsors etc., who can fund your project.

The Bottom Lne

Drones have been around for a while, revolutionising land surveying across all sectors. Engineers, architects, filmmakers, land developers, real estate agents, archaeologists, geologists, builders etc., are all using drone tech to improve their survey accuracy and efficiency.

Invest in a reliable drone service provider, and you can ensure precise measurements, cut down costs and reduce operational downtimes!