The Hidden Cairns—A Case Study of Drone-Based ALS as an Archaeological Site Survey Method

Conducting archaeological site surveys is time consuming, and large sites may have many small features or structures that are difficult to locate interpret. Vegetation cover dense forest hide structures, like cairns, while at the same can cause problems for LiDAR tools. In this case study, drone-based ALS (airborne laser scanning) was tested as an survey tool. The research complex located partially in a forested area, which made it possible evaluate how affects data. methods used were rather simple: visual analysis, point density calculations and, interpretation purposes, digitizing observations viewshed analysis. Using straightforward allowed us minimum skills needed type of survey. Drone-based provided good results increased knowledge its structures. Estimates number cairns interpreted graves more than doubled result high-accuracy Based on could be suitable method sites. However, accuracy, needed.