This paper is focused on the joint use of multiscale remote sensing technologies for supporting archaeological prospection. Satellite imagery, aerial photographs and high-resolution magnetic surveyswere adopted for studying theTavoliere, an extended agriculturalregionlocatedin Northern Apulia (Italy) that is characterized by an abundant presence of archaeological sites. A first recognition of the archaeological features was performed by historical aerial photographs and satellite QuickBird images were used to obtain an up-to-date synoptic view of the study area. Archaeological features extracted from both aerialand satellite images, were further investigated by high-resolution magnetic survey, which provided detailed identification of buried remains. All data were stored in a GIS in order to integrate them properly. This database was used to cross-check information of different types and determine significant correlations. The multilayer analysis in the GIS environment allowed for a comprehensive reconstruction of ancient landscapes and their palaeoenvironmental context, as well as the present geomorphological and territorial setting. Moreover it represents an open information system that could always be upgraded by inputting new data from future studies. Results from our analysessuggest that thismultidisciplinaryandmultiscaleapproach, inadditiontoitsimportant scientific implications, could yield meaningful information for the preservation, monitoring and management of the cultural resource, from a single site to a landscape perspective; thus this integrated tool could play a strategic role in defining proper policies of sustainable development in this region.
A non-intrusive investigation integrating complementary technologies was carried out at four vast archaeological settlements located in the northern part of Apulia (Southern Italy). An aerial photographic survey combined with a high-resolution magnetic investigation was used to detect many buried archaeological features. After processing, both crop marks and magnetic anomalies appeared very sharp and well-defined, outlining the shape and plan of the buried structures with notable accuracy.Furthermore, differentialglobalpositioning system measurementswere carried out in order to geocode the magnetic grids, to orthorectify the oblique coloured photographs and to make these data sets suitable for input into a GIS; a very good spatial correlation and a more rigorous and comprehensive interpretation of the various data elements were attained. Finally, as a result of this combined and accurate multilayer analysis, an archaeologicalinterpretation was proposed, enabling useful information to be obtained on the transformations that have occurred over time at these study sites.
A high‐resolution magnetic survey was performed on a large cultivated field located inside a heavily built‐up town in Southern Italy. Measurements with a vertical gradiometer were even carried out relatively close (down to 35 m) to sources of strong magnetic noise. Despite these particularly unfavourable surroundings, the geophysical investigation made it possible to detect and recognize buried archaeological remains from the Neolithic age.
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