Archaeological LiDAR Survey in Palau

Conduct a high resolution LiDAR scan of key areas in Palau

Client

German Archaeologists in Palau

Project Type

Archaeology

Location

Rock Islands, Palau

Project Overview

In collaboration with two German archaeologists investigating ancient sites in Palau, 2cofly conducted a LiDAR survey to uncover and document man-made features obscured by dense vegetation. The mission focused on two key locations where preliminary findings suggested significant archaeological structures. Utilizing advanced drone-mounted LiDAR technology, 2cofly successfully scanned both sites within a few days, delivering detailed point cloud data to the researchers within a week.

The Challenge

The primary obstacles in this project included:

Dense Vegetation: The sites were heavily forested, making ground-based exploration labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Inaccessible Terrain: Thick jungle and rugged landscapes posed significant challenges for traditional archaeological methods.

Traditional on-foot surveys would have required extensive manual clearing, potentially disturbing the sites and prolonging the research timeline.

Approach & Methodology

LiDAR-Based Aerial Survey

To address these challenges, 2cofly employed drone-mounted LiDAR sensors capable of penetrating dense forest canopies to capture precise ground data. This non-invasive method allowed for rapid data collection without disturbing the natural environment.

Data Processing & Analysis

The collected LiDAR data was processed to generate high-resolution 3D point clouds, revealing the bare-earth topography and man-made structures with exceptional clarity. These models enabled archaeologists to analyze the sites remotely, identifying areas of interest for targeted on-foot exploration.

Deliverables Provided

High-Resolution 3D Point Clouds: Detailed representations of the terrain and archaeological features.
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs): Accurate models depicting the site's topography, essential for further analysis and planning.

Results & Project Impact

Enhanced Archaeological Research

The LiDAR survey unveiled previously hidden structures, providing archaeologists with critical insights into the extent and layout of the ancient sites. This information streamlined their fieldwork, allowing for focused and efficient on-site investigations.

Time and Resource Efficiency

By completing the surveys in a matter of days and delivering processed data within a week, 2cofly significantly reduced the time and resources typically required for such archaeological studies.

Non-Invasive Exploration

Utilizing drone-based LiDAR technology minimized environmental impact, preserving the integrity of the sites while still obtaining comprehensive data.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies the transformative role of drone-mounted LiDAR technology in modern archaeology. By overcoming natural barriers and providing rapid, detailed insights into hidden historical structures, 2cofly facilitated a more efficient and effective archaeological investigation in Palau.

For researchers and organizations seeking innovative solutions in archaeological exploration and documentation, 2cofly offers cutting-edge drone services tailored to uncover and preserve our shared cultural heritage.

2cofly (pronounced Ecofly) is Micronesia's leading drone service and education provider. Our core competency lies in remote sensing via various sensing technologies such as photogrammetry, LiDAR, thermal and more.

Few key deliverables we can output with our drones & sensors: