Integrated Close Range Remote Sensing Techniques for Detecting, Documenting, and Interpreting Lost Medieval Settlements under Canopy: The Case of Altanum (RC, Italy)

Nicodemo Abate (), Diego Ronchi, Valentino Vitale, Nicola Masini, Andrea Angelini, Francesco Giuri, Antonio Minervino Amodio, Andrea Maria Gennaro and Daniele Ferdani
Additional contact information
Nicodemo Abate: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, C.da Santa Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ, Italy
Diego Ronchi: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, Strada della Neve s.n.c., 00010 Montelibretti, RM, Italy
Valentino Vitale: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, C.da Santa Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ, Italy
Nicola Masini: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, C.da Santa Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ, Italy
Andrea Angelini: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, Strada della Neve s.n.c., 00010 Montelibretti, RM, Italy
Francesco Giuri: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, Strada prov.le Lecce, Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, LE, Italy
Antonio Minervino Amodio: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, C.da Santa Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, PZ, Italy
Andrea Maria Gennaro: Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la città metropolitana di Reggio Calabria e provincia di Vibo Valentia, Via Fata Morgana, 3, 89125 Reggio Calabria, RC, Italy
Daniele Ferdani: CNR, Institute of Heritage Science, Strada della Neve s.n.c., 00010 Montelibretti, RM, Italy

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-24

Abstract: This paper focuses on the potential of an integrated approach using aerial LiDAR, aerial and terrestrial photogrammetry, terrestrial laser scanning, and archaeological survey to detect the presence and configuration of lost medieval settlements under canopy. This approach was applied to the site of Altanum (Calabria, Italy), on the hill of Sant’Eusebio, completely covered by vegetation. Altanum was a large fortified settlement characterised by a long occupation, especially during the Byzantine and Norman-Swabian periods. The activity began by carrying out a LiDAR survey of the whole hill. The acquired LiDAR data were processed and filtered in order to obtain a DFM (Digital Feature Model) useful for the identification of features of archaeological interest. Several enhancement techniques were performed on DFM to increase the visibility of archaeological features. The features thus identified were subsequently surveyed through the use of terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry integrated with laser scanning to document the visible buildings. The most significant result of the study was to create a single GIS platform with the integration of all data in order to delineate the whole settlement layout, as well as to produce 2D and 3D datasets useful for the for knowledge and protection of the identified remains.

Keywords: landscape medieval archaeology; LiDAR; photogrammetry; terrestrial laser scanner; GIS; remote sensing in archaeology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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