New Perspectives for UAV-Based Modelling the Roman Gold Mining Infrastructure in NW Spain

This contribution discusses the potential of UAV-assisted (unmanned aerial vehicles) photogrammetry for the study and preservation of mining heritage sites using the example of Roman gold mining infrastructure in northwestern Spain. The study area represents the largest gold area in Roman times and...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Fernández-Lozano, Javier, González-Díez, Alberto, Gutiérrez-Alonso, Gabriel, Carrasco González, Rosa María, De Pedraza Gilsanz, Javier, García-Talegón, Jacinta, Alonso-Gavilán, Gaspar, Remondo, Juan, Bonachea, Jaime, Morellón Marteles, Mario
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:España
Institución:Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM)
Repositorio:Docta Complutense
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:docta.ucm.es:20.500.14352/18733
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/18733
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:622
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
Roman gold mining
photogrammetry
mining
geoheritage
Geodinámica
Historia antigua
2507 Geofísica
5504.01 Historia Antigua
Descripción
Sumario:This contribution discusses the potential of UAV-assisted (unmanned aerial vehicles) photogrammetry for the study and preservation of mining heritage sites using the example of Roman gold mining infrastructure in northwestern Spain. The study area represents the largest gold area in Roman times and comprises 7 mining elements of interest that characterize the most representative examples of such ancient works. UAV technology provides a non-invasive procedure valuable for the acquisition of digital information in remote, difficult to access areas or under the risk of destruction. The proposed approach is a cost-effective, robust and rapid method for image processing in remote areas were no traditional surveying technologies are available. It is based on a combination of data provided by aerial orthoimage and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) to improve the accuracy of UAV derived data. The results provide high-resolution orthomosaic, DEMs and 3D textured models that aim for the documentation of ancient mining scenarios, providing high-resolution digital information that improves the identification, description and interpretation of mining elements such as the hydraulic infrastructure, the presence of open-cast mines which exemplifies the different exploitation methods, and settlements. However, beyond the scientific and technical information provided by the data, the 3D documentation of ancient mining scenarios is a powerful tool for an effective and wider public diffusion ensuring the visualization, preservation and awareness over the importance and conservation of world mining heritage sites.