A multiscale approach for reconstructing archaeological landscapes: Applications in Northern Apulia (Italy)

Abstract

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.

Study of the Variations of Archaeological Marks at Neolithic Site of Lucera, Italy Using High-Resolution Multispectral Datasets

“…In this area, a large number of crop marks that reveal traces of long human habitation since the Neolithic age have been identified [27,28].…”

“…In the Tavoliere territory, which covers approximately 3000 km 2 , the combination of the soil geo-pedological features due to its peculiar geomorphological characteristics (located between the Apennine Mountain and the Adriatic sea), type of vegetation, and agricultural practice have created special conditions for the appearance of crop marks [27,28]. These marks can be generally recorded from above during the spring to autumn when crops are in the growing phase.…”

“…The area has already been investigated in the past, using integrated satellite remote sensing datasets and ground geophysical techniques (see more in [27,28]). Recently, a satellite multi-temporal investigation, along with in situ analysis of the soil, has been performed by [29].…”

The potential of integrated GPR survey and aerial photographic analysis of historic urban areas: A case study and digital reconstruction of a Late Roman villa in Durrës (Albania)

“…This method is commonly employed in archaeological applications (Ciminale et al, 2009) to measure the extent to which the occurrence of one object/feature is influenced by similar objects/features in adjacent areas.…”

Monitoring cultural heritage by comparing DEMs derived from historical aerial photographs and airborne laser scanning

“…Data used for this purpose are typically satellite images, aerial photographs and (so far to a lesser degree) ALS data, which is the most recent remote sensing method. Multi-temporal satellite imagery has been used for monitoring cultural heritage in landscapes [8], [9], [10] sometimes in combination with aerial photographs [11], [12]. Other monitoring projects are based primarily on aerial photographs , which are repeatedly acquired within pre-defined intervals and combined with register data and field work [13].…”