The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland
LiDAR and its derived elevation models have revolutionized archaeological research in forested areas around the globe. Almost a third of Switzerland is covered in forests. The number of archaeological sites recorded in forests in Switzerland is, however, limited. Given these circumstances, it is sur...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Remote Sensing |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/15/6/1569 |
| _version_ | 1797609203090587648 |
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| author | Gino Caspari |
| author_facet | Gino Caspari |
| author_sort | Gino Caspari |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | LiDAR and its derived elevation models have revolutionized archaeological research in forested areas around the globe. Almost a third of Switzerland is covered in forests. The number of archaeological sites recorded in forests in Switzerland is, however, limited. Given these circumstances, it is surprising how underutilized LiDAR data are in archaeological research in the country. As the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo is finalizing the acquisition of new LiDAR datasets, increasing the covered area and allowing for limited time series analyses, these data should be used to the fullest extent. This article describes the open access datasets and elaborates on their potential for archaeological research and cultural heritage management. By employing LiDAR data on a large scale, Swiss archaeological research would likely substantially increase the number of recorded heritage sites. Additionally, this will have the effect of complementing the palimpsests of past anthropogenic activity throughout the landscape while reducing survey biases in the archaeological record. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-11T05:57:15Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-6034d9fac9c7453bb8cafbd92c6b23a9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2072-4292 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-11T05:57:15Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Remote Sensing |
| spelling | doaj.art-6034d9fac9c7453bb8cafbd92c6b23a92023-11-17T13:38:54ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922023-03-01156156910.3390/rs15061569The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in SwitzerlandGino Caspari0Department of Archaeology, University of Sydney, The Quadrangle A14, Sydney 2006, AustraliaLiDAR and its derived elevation models have revolutionized archaeological research in forested areas around the globe. Almost a third of Switzerland is covered in forests. The number of archaeological sites recorded in forests in Switzerland is, however, limited. Given these circumstances, it is surprising how underutilized LiDAR data are in archaeological research in the country. As the Federal Office of Topography swisstopo is finalizing the acquisition of new LiDAR datasets, increasing the covered area and allowing for limited time series analyses, these data should be used to the fullest extent. This article describes the open access datasets and elaborates on their potential for archaeological research and cultural heritage management. By employing LiDAR data on a large scale, Swiss archaeological research would likely substantially increase the number of recorded heritage sites. Additionally, this will have the effect of complementing the palimpsests of past anthropogenic activity throughout the landscape while reducing survey biases in the archaeological record.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/15/6/1569LiDARalpine archaeologycanopylandscape archaeologySwitzerlanddigital elevation models |
| spellingShingle | Gino Caspari The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland Remote Sensing LiDAR alpine archaeology canopy landscape archaeology Switzerland digital elevation models |
| title | The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland |
| title_full | The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland |
| title_fullStr | The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland |
| title_short | The Potential of New LiDAR Datasets for Archaeology in Switzerland |
| title_sort | potential of new lidar datasets for archaeology in switzerland |
| topic | LiDAR alpine archaeology canopy landscape archaeology Switzerland digital elevation models |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/15/6/1569 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ginocaspari thepotentialofnewlidardatasetsforarchaeologyinswitzerland AT ginocaspari potentialofnewlidardatasetsforarchaeologyinswitzerland |