Lidar visualization techniques for the construction of geoarchaeological deposit models: An overview and evaluation in alluvial environments
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Lidar has become an essential tool for the mapping and interpretation of natural and archaeological features within the landscape. It is also increasingly integrated and visualized within geoarchaeological deposit models, providing valuable topographic and stratigraphic control from the contemporary ground surface downwards. However, there is a wide range of methods available for the visualization of lidar elevation models and a review of existing research suggests that it remains unclear which are most appropriate for geoarchaeological applications. This paper addresses this issue by providing an overview and quantitative evaluation of these techniques with examples from archaeologically resource‐rich alluvial environments. Owing to the relatively low‐relief nature of the terrain within these temperate lowland flood plain environments, the results show that there is a small number of visualization methods that demonstrably improve the detection of geomorphological landforms that can be related to the variable distribution of archaeological resources. More specifically, a combination of Relative Elevation Models combined with Simple Local Relief Models offered an optimal approach that subsequently allows integration with deposit models. Whilst the presented examples are from a flood plain setting, deposit models are pertinent to a range of landscape contexts and the methodology applied here has wider applicability.
Source: Geoarchaeology
DOI: 10.1002/gea.21959
Authors: Nicholas Crabb, Chris Carey, Andy J. Howard, Matthew Brolly
Institutions: University of Brighton, Landscape Research & Management
Language: English
Subfield: Space and Planetary Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,580
OpenAlex ID: W4360976443