Ground‐penetrating radar: a modern three‐dimensional prospection method

Abstract

This article gives an overview of the various aspects of ground-penetrating radaras used in archaeology. Aftera short overview ofthe historicaldevelopment ofthe technique, the most important physical parameters and principles are explained. This includes relative dielectric constant, conductivity, attenuation, horizontal and vertical resolution, wavelength and footprint.The focus is on data processing and some ofthe pitfallsinvolved.Severalalgorithmsfrom seismic data processing are described, including migration. Stress is laid on the generation of time-or depth-slices as the basis for displaying the data. Using three-dimensional visualization techniques can enhance this, but interpretation in combination with other data, preferably within a geographical information system, remains the important last step.The advantages of modelling are explained and presented with the range of possible applications. Many the techniques and methods described are subsequently used in four case histories, ranging from a survey on a lake to a three-dimensional model of a part of a roman town.Finally some thoughts about the future development of the method are presented.

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 reflection surface is interpreted as a compact layer associated with the 1928 floor surface, prior to filling and levelling for subsequent urban construction. A useful method of GPR data 3D visualization is amplitude slice-mapping, which creates maps of reflected wave amplitude differences in discreet horizontal time slices within a grid (Conyers, 2004(Conyers, , 2006Goodman et al, 1998Goodman et al, , 2004Leckebusch, 2003;Conyers, 2012Conyers, , 2013. This type of visualization plays an important role in unravelling the complex layers within urban settings and the evolution of buildings and urban landscapes through time (Conyers, 2012(Conyers, , 2013.…”

Multidisciplinary investigations at Stalag Luft III allied prisoner‐of‐war camp: The site of the 1944 “great escape,” Zagan, Western Poland

“…(See Leckebusch [2003] for a useful overview of the GPR theory and archaeological applications.) It was hoped that angular supports used for tunnel shoring might still be in place, and therefore be imaged by the GPR survey.…”

3D ground-penetrating radar imaging of ice complex deposits in northern East Siberia

“…Although in many different GPR applications (e.g., in archaeology, sedimentology, hydrology), the benefits of 3D data collection and analysis have been acknowledged (e.g., Leckebusch, 2003;Grasmück et al, 2004;Tronicke et al, 2006;Bradford and Wu, 2007;Harper et al, 2010;Schmelzbach et al, 2011;Böniger and Tronicke, 2012), such 3D strategies have not yet been fully exploited in permafrost environments. Up to now, only a limited number of case studies have been published.…”