Marine remote sensing and photogrammetric survey of an UCH site: A cluster of cannons in the SW Gulf of Patras, Greece

Abstract

This study combines marine remote sensing and photogrammetry to investigate underwater cultural heritage (UCH) sites in the Gulf of Patras, Greece. The research utilized multibeam echosounders, side scan sonar, and marine magnetometers to detect potential UCH sites, followed by visual inspections using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) equipped with a GoPro camera. Photogrammetry techniques were applied to create high-quality 3D models of the identified UCH site, revealing sunken cannons within a Posidonia oceanica meadow. Despite shape alteration caused by concretions and biological colonization, the 3D models provided valuable morphometric data. This integrated approach demonstrates the effectiveness of marine remote sensing and photogrammetry in mapping and documenting UCH sites, contributing to the preservation and exploration of underwater heritage.