Detecting abuses in archaeological areas using k-mean clustering analysis and UAVs/drones data

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones have made great progress in aerial surveys to research and discover heritage sites and archaeological areas, particularly after having developed their technical capabilities to carry various sensors onboard, whether they are conventional cameras, multispectral cameras, and thermal sensors. The objective of this research is to use the drone technology and k-mean clustering algorithm for the first time in Nineveh Governorate in Iraq to reveal the extent of civil excesses and random construction, as well as the looting and theft that occur in the archaeological areas. DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone was used, in addition to using the specialized Pix4D program to process drone images and make mosaics for them. Multiple flights were performed using a drone to survey multiple locations throughout the area and compare them with satellite images during different years. Drone’s data classification was implemented using a k-means clustering algorithm. The results of the data classification for three different time periods indicated that the percentage of archaeological lands decreased from 90.31% in 2004 to 25.29% in 2018. Where the work revealed the extent of the archaeological area’s great violations. The study also emphasized the importance of directing authorities of local antiquities to ensure the use of drone’s technology to obtain statistical and methodological reports periodically to assess archaeological damage and to avoid overtaking, stolen and looted of these sites.

RFID Data Analysis and Evaluation Based on Big Data and Data Clustering

“…This communication technology originated from the identification application of British fighter jets during World War II and has been commercialized since the 1960s. In particular, the promotion and application of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Walmart supermarkets, such as real-time detection of fresh commodities in supermarkets, intelligent price tag system, inventory control system, and intelligent shopping cart, have greatly expanded the application market of RFID technology in the world [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Study urban expansion in Mosul city using remote sensing data

“…Remote sensing data varied between satellite images and aerial images, including drone images [2], which were used to limit urban lands from agricultural lands [3]. They were also used to indicate the expansion of housing, random encroachments on the outskirts of cities [4], or even encroachments on historical and archaeological lands [5].…”

UAVs/drones for photogrammetry and remote sensing: Nineveh archaeological region as a case study

“…Although conventional airborne remote sensing has still some advantages UAV platforms are a very important alternative and solution for studying and exploring our environment, it can provide dramatic illustrative photographs of sites, but can also be used to create metrically accurate records for survey and conservation work in particular for heritage locations or rapid response applications [4]. UAVs can carry a wide variety of sensors including cameras, multi/hyperspectral imaging units, and even laser scanners.…”