Ass.-Prof. Dipl.-Geophys. Immo Trinks, Privatdoz. PhD.: Extensive high-resolution geophysical archaeological prospection

Abstract:

Geophysical archaeological prospection methods permit the non-invasive detection, mapping and investigation of buried archaeological remains. Traditionally, archaeological sites have been surveyed using manually operated sensor systems, permitting the exploration of a few hectares. Through the integration of motorised geophysical multichannel sensor arrays with suitable automatic data positioning methods is has become possible to map very large areas, measuring square kilometres, in unprecedented imaging resolution. Motorised magnetometry as well as ground-penetrating radar measurements are well suited to detect infilled pits, trenches, graves, walls and building remains. Multi-beam sonar and sediment sonar surveys permit the exploration of lakebeds and their subsurface. Airborne laser scanning provides additionally high-resolution digital terrain models. Over the past decade, very large areas have been investigated in the framework of case studies. Methodology, technology and selected results will be presented.