Streamlined Archaeo-Geophysical Data Processing and Integration for DoD Field Use
RC-200611
Objective
Commonly used resistance instruments and configurations: (a) TR/CIA resistance meter using .50-m twin probe array; (b) Geoscan RM-15 with MPX multiplexer using .50-m twin probe array.
Evaluating the eligibility of archaeological sites for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is an ongoing activity at Department of Defense (DoD) installations in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) project RC-1263 previously demonstrated the use of a suite of remote sensing techniques (e.g., ground, aerial, and space-based) to reduce the invasiveness of excavation and dramatically improve the reliability of NRHP evaluations. That project also developed new methods for integrating data collected by multiple sensors, thereby dramatically enhancing their information content and resource management value. The objective of this follow-on ESTCP project is to assemble and demonstrate a single software package, ArchaeoMapper, that will facilitate widespread use of an integrated, multisensor geophysical approach to site evaluation.
Technology Description
Illustration of the twin probe array and theoretical uniform ground currents. The distance between the mobile and remote probes must always be equal to or greater than 30 times the distance between mobile probes. This distance is kept between the remote probes and the closest edge of the area being surveyed. Not drawn to scale.
Archaeological sites are highly variable, and multiple sensors (magnetic, electrical receptivity, conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, and ground penetrating radar) are necessary to detect a wide range of archaeological feature types and varying geophysical properties. Geophysical practitioners currently process data from each sensor type with a variety of disparate software packages that are idiosyncratic and require many repetitive actions. This approach does not provide a suitable medium for integrating data from diverse sensors in a cost-saving manner. ArchaeoMapper will be assembled in MATLAB 7, a high-level computing language and interactive environment for algorithm development, analysis, computation, and visualization. Established processing routines used in commercial software will be combined with a number of distinct methods for integrating or fusing data from multiple sensors in support of data integration. This project will involve DoD geophysicists; representatives of federal, state, and tribal historic preservation offices; cultural resource management practitioners; and federal and state land managers.
To access end-user products developed through this research, please visit the Cultural Resources Management section on the RC Tools and Training page.
Benefits
ArchaeoMapper will dramatically streamline the processing and integration of geophysical data, permitting a wide range of DoD and other cultural resource programs to realize the cost and reliability benefits of a multisensor, integrated approach to site evaluation. By reducing the amount of hand excavation required, this approach will dramatically reduce the costs of mitigating archaeological sites in the future, thereby making it more feasible to clear lands needed for military training and other government undertakings. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2011)
Project Documents
Symposium & Workshop
FY 2013 New Start Project Selections
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Michael Hargrave
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Phone: 217-373-5858
Fax: 217-373-7222
Program Manager
Resource Conservation and Climate Change
SERDP and ESTCP
Project Documents
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.
Featured Initiatives
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