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Heritage
Special Issues
Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation
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Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2019) | Viewed by 35953

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Pier Matteo Barone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Archaeology and Classics Program, American University of Rome, Via Pietro Roselli 4, 00153 Rome, Italy
Interests: archaeological methods and science; remote sensing and GIS; landscape archaeology; archaeological prospections; forensic archaeology; forensic geophysics; forensic geoscience; art crime; cultural heritage protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Alastair Ruffell

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of the Natural Built Environment, Queen’s University, University Road, Belfast BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
Interests: archaeological prospections; geoarchaeology; cultural heritage diagnostics; remote sensing; GIS; geoscience; forensic archaeology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Grigorios Tsokas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Exploration Geophysics, School of Geology, Aristotle University f Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: development of archaeological prospection data acquisition; mediterranean geoarchaeology; processing and interpretation techniques; potential fields theory and practice and complex attributes analysis in archaeological exploration geophysics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Enzo Rizzo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Methodology for Environmental Analysis, National Research Council Address: C.da S. Loja, Tito, Potenza, Italy
Interests: geophysical prospection for archeology; environment; engineering and hydrogeology; data inversion; data integration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Heritage aims to gather high-quality original research articles, reviews, and technical notes on the use of Geophysics for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation. During the last few years, geophysical survey has developed considerably in terms of instrumentation, data processing and visualization methods, and also image processing and fusion techniques. Together with remote sensing and GIS, it is becoming increasingly integrated into archaeological investigations as the best solution, swiftly applicable, efficient, low cost and within non-destructive techniques (NDTs). This Special Issue aims to highlight the most recent advances of geophysics applied to Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation worldwide, bearing in mind the geographical constraints of the regions, and the significance, diversity, and number of ancient monuments. The application of all the main techniques of geophysical survey to a wide range of archaeological targets carried out recently is discussed critically. Current developments in instrumentation data processing, as well as multi-technique approach risk analysis studies to evaluate the potential of archaeological and cultural heritage investigations are presented. The next generation of geophysical works, which will have to meet challenges in relation to the protection and management of cultural resources, are also considered. In view of the need to create a common platform for the preservation of cultural heritage, and arguing that geophysical prospection techniques have to become an inseparable component of the archaeological investigation process, I would like to invite you to submit articles about your recent works, experimental research, or case studies, with respect to the above and/or the following topics:

  • Archaeological Prospections
  • Geophysics applied to Archaeology
  • Remote Sensing and GIS in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

I also encourage you to send me a short abstract outlining the purpose of the research and the principal results obtained, in order to verify at an early stage if the contribution you intend to make fits with the objectives of the Special Issue.

Dr. Pier Matteo Barone
Dr. Alastair Ruffell
Prof. Gregory Tsokas
Dr. Enzo Rizzo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Archaeological Prospection
  • Near-Surface Geophysics
  • Surveying Techniques
  • Archaeological Risk Analysis
  • NDT
  • Remote Sensing
  • GIS

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation
by Pier Matteo Barone, Alastair Ruffell, Gregory N. Tsokas and Enzo Rizzo
Heritage 2019, 2(4), 2814-2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2040174 - 11 Dec 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3083
Abstract
The knowledge that archaeological prospection is shaped by modern attitudes and procedures is important to the future of archaeology. Although geophysical studies have been applied to archaeological and historical sites over time with intermittent success, it is possible to derive great effects when [...] Read more.
The knowledge that archaeological prospection is shaped by modern attitudes and procedures is important to the future of archaeology. Although geophysical studies have been applied to archaeological and historical sites over time with intermittent success, it is possible to derive great effects when used appropriately. It is most significant when applied in a well-integrated research design where interpretations are established and explored. The representation of survey data involves the knowledge of both archaeological evidence and the way it is stated in geophysical terms. Proper instrumentation, study design, and information processing are important for success, and these must be adapted according to the specific geology and archaeological evidence of each survey location. In this context, the regulation of information quality and spatial quality are important. This Special Issue of the Heritage journal expects to accumulate unique research articles on geophysical surveys for archaeology and cultural heritage preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)

Research

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12 pages, 6259 KiB  
Article
3DGPR for the Non-Destructive Monitoring of Subsurface Weathering of Sandstone Masonry
by Brian J. Johnston, Alastair Ruffell, Patricia Warke and Jennifer McKinley
Heritage 2019, 2(4), 2802-2813; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2040173 - 4 Dec 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2697
Abstract
Remote sensing techniques, such as LiDAR and photogrammetry, are used by researchers exploring the spatial distribution of weathering features in historic masonry. These well-established tools provide users with a perspective of the processes affecting the surface of masonry blocks; however, they cannot provide [...] Read more.
Remote sensing techniques, such as LiDAR and photogrammetry, are used by researchers exploring the spatial distribution of weathering features in historic masonry. These well-established tools provide users with a perspective of the processes affecting the surface of masonry blocks; however, they cannot provide information on the alteration occurring subsurface. Geophysical tools are being explored as a potential approach to observe the variation in material properties beneath masonry block surfaces and to examine the patterns of deterioration across wall sections. Applying such techniques inform the development of conceptual models of weathering at the block to building wall scale. In this study, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was selected to inspect the subsurface condition of the wall section of an historic church wall, where areas of granular disintegration and flaking can be observed. 3DGPR was selected for this task, as its use of regular grids during data collection make it better suited for detecting features within an area. Three high-frequency antennas, 1.2 Ghz, 1.6 Ghz and 2.3 Ghz, were run across the study area in a series of 80 cm by 80 cm grids. The data were collated within GIS, where observed features were annotated onto a schematic of the wall surface. The 3DGPR outputs identified anomalies within this structure that could not have been as easily interpreted using a 2DGPR transect. However, as 3DGPR relies upon interpolative techniques to estimate the returns between observation transects, the validity of features detected in these locations need to be tested. The results of this application of 3DGPR identified variable weathering response across the wall section, relative to elevation. These observations were used to develop a conceptual model linking these findings to seasonal variation in the capillary rise of groundwater, upward from the base of the church wall. Through these findings it is possible to see how GPR can assist in developing our understanding of the processes threatening heritage buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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8 pages, 1962 KiB  
Communication
Bombed Archaeology: Towards a Precise Identification and a Safe Management of WWII’s Dangerous Unexploded Bombs
by Pier Matteo Barone
Heritage 2019, 2(4), 2704-2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2040167 - 24 Sep 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4320
Abstract
The massive bombings during World War II (WWII) have had a lasting impact across the Italian landscape. The problem of dangerous unexploded bombs is particularly relevant since the bombsites are buried beneath the soil close to inhabited and/or touristic areas. Archaeological sites, such [...] Read more.
The massive bombings during World War II (WWII) have had a lasting impact across the Italian landscape. The problem of dangerous unexploded bombs is particularly relevant since the bombsites are buried beneath the soil close to inhabited and/or touristic areas. Archaeological sites, such as Pompeii and Vulci, were heavily bombed, and nowadays, archaeologists excavate these bombs during their digs. Thus, there is a real risk to people’s safety. While the aerial photo collection is a powerful record of the landscapes of wartime Italy, plotting buried unexploded bomb hazard maps remains important in identifying their precise location in the modern landscape. Ground penetrating radar (GPR)—a non-destructive technique (NDT)—can help detect these bombs buried beneath the soil by providing an accurate horizontal and vertical position. Using aerial photos and NDTs, such as GPR, this future project explores the WWII human experience to preserve and manage the safety of both the archaeological heritage and involved users by using the data to create an open-access WebGIS platform. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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34 pages, 28206 KiB  
Article
Ground Penetrating Radar Investigation of Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor), Hunedoara, Romania
by Isabel Morris, Julia Cleary, Andre Gonciar and Branko Glisic
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1316-1349; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020085 - 6 May 2019
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 11742
Abstract
Corvin Castle, located in Hunedoara County (Transylvania), is an important Romanian cultural site. Originally, a fort constructed in the 14th century, it was first converted into a castle by Ioan de Hunedoara in the 15th century, frequently changing owners (with significant construction in [...] Read more.
Corvin Castle, located in Hunedoara County (Transylvania), is an important Romanian cultural site. Originally, a fort constructed in the 14th century, it was first converted into a castle by Ioan de Hunedoara in the 15th century, frequently changing owners (with significant construction in the 15th and 17th centuries) until it was abandoned in the mid-19th century. After undergoing various ill-fated reconstruction efforts in the late 19th century, the castle reopened in the 1950s when the Romanian government renewed its interest in cultural sites and undertook a series of sparsely-documented archaeological investigations and conservation projects. Presently, restoration efforts require renewed investigation of Corvin Castle’s construction and history. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a promising tool for investigating the construction phases of heritage structures like Corvin Castle, where invasive methods are inappropriate and extensive historical modification has left incomplete records. In 2017, a comprehensive GPR survey of the castle was conducted. The survey recognizes features mentioned in texts, discovers previously unknown constructions, locates areas of moisture ingress around the courtyard, and identifies the extent and composition of the building foundations. Information gained from these scans, especially combined with printed sources, is an asset in planning restoration efforts and understanding the effects of past modifications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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18 pages, 51214 KiB  
Article
Searching for the History of the Ancient Basilicata: Archaeogeophysics Applied to the Roman Site of Forentum
by Luigi Capozzoli, Sabrina Mutino, Maria Grazia Liseno and Gregory De Martino
Heritage 2019, 2(2), 1097-1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage2020072 - 9 Apr 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3374
Abstract
This paper describes the results obtained using an archaeogeophysical-based approach for discovering new Roman structures belonging to the ancient settlement of Forentum, currently identifiable by a well-preserved sanctuary from the third century BC. The investigated area has been affected by invasive anthropic [...] Read more.
This paper describes the results obtained using an archaeogeophysical-based approach for discovering new Roman structures belonging to the ancient settlement of Forentum, currently identifiable by a well-preserved sanctuary from the third century BC. The investigated area has been affected by invasive anthropic activities that have partially damaged the Roman structures. Extensive geophysical measurements, including detailed ground-penetrating radar investigations supported by magnetometric data, have allowed for the identification of an impressive complex of structures composed of various buildings. Magnetometric and electromagnetic anomalies suggest the existence of an “urban” dimension close to the Gravetta Sanctuary, totally unearthed and unknown until now, organized into regular patterns in a similar way to the most famous site in the vicinity of Bantia, or the famous Apulian archaeological sites of Ordona and Arpi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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21 pages, 8278 KiB  
Article
Cultural Routes in Kynouria of Arcadia: Geospatial Database Design and Software Development for Web Mapping of the Spatio-Historical Information
by Lampros Boukouvalas, Gregory Grigorakakis and Andreas Tsatsaris
Heritage 2018, 1(1), 142-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage1010010 - 20 Jul 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5462
Abstract
On the occasion of Kynouria and in order to achieve the protection and projection of antiquities, a web-based model is proposed for highlighting individual monuments and archaeological sites, having in mind the historical and archaeological evidence of the region, the topography, the demographic [...] Read more.
On the occasion of Kynouria and in order to achieve the protection and projection of antiquities, a web-based model is proposed for highlighting individual monuments and archaeological sites, having in mind the historical and archaeological evidence of the region, the topography, the demographic profile, and the tourist infrastructure, and combining them with the development programs for cultural routes. Therefore, creating suitable databases and mapping the monuments in the area are key prerequisites of the process, as they contribute to an objective assessment of the current situation and to make rational decisions. In this frame, modern technology provides some important planning tools (GIS, GPS, and OMS) that allow for the recording and mapping of data, viewing the relationships between them in the area where they appear, and managing their projection. The complete study of Kynouria’s archaeological routes contains the implementation of a website using free or open-source software, which should include all the necessary procedures and the historical and archaeological information material (text, maps, and photographs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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Other

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8 pages, 5273 KiB  
Technical Note
Non-Invasive Moisture Detection for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
by Pier Matteo Barone and Carlotta Ferrara
Heritage 2018, 1(1), 163-170; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage1010011 - 10 Aug 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3687
Abstract
Moisture damage is the most critical issue regarding the preservation and integrity of cultural heritage sites. The electromagnetic (EM) sensitivity to the presence of moisture, in both soils and structural materials, is a well-known phenomenon. Thereby, studying the EM response to the presence [...] Read more.
Moisture damage is the most critical issue regarding the preservation and integrity of cultural heritage sites. The electromagnetic (EM) sensitivity to the presence of moisture, in both soils and structural materials, is a well-known phenomenon. Thereby, studying the EM response to the presence of moisture, in order to prevent the damages done to sites of cultural heritage, is a well-established method. This paper will discuss the ability of a geophysical non-destructive technique (NDT), present in a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) system, to investigate a very precious building in Rome that is affected by a moisture problem (the Turkish Room at Villa Medici). This geophysical instrument is able to locate and estimate the extent of water ingression, which can aid in the development of restoration plans before permanent damage occurs. The main objective of this paper is to help restorers understand the related hazards, due to the presence of moisture in the wall structures, in real-time and to rapidly and non-invasively develop strategies for the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geophysical Surveys for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Preservation)
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