Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA

This study applies UAV-based photogrammetry to map and examine the stratigraphy and archaeological artifact distribution in two localities within the Post research area in northwest Texas. A DJI Inspire 1 UAV equipped with a Zenmuse X5 camera captured nadir and oblique images. These were processed u...

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Main Authors: Stance Hurst, Eileen Johnson, Doug Cunningham
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Drones
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/684
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author Stance Hurst
Eileen Johnson
Doug Cunningham
author_facet Stance Hurst
Eileen Johnson
Doug Cunningham
author_sort Stance Hurst
collection DOAJ
description This study applies UAV-based photogrammetry to map and examine the stratigraphy and archaeological artifact distribution in two localities within the Post research area in northwest Texas. A DJI Inspire 1 UAV equipped with a Zenmuse X5 camera captured nadir and oblique images. These were processed using Agisoft Metashape to generate 3D models. These models enabled the precise mapping of stratigraphic boundaries, revealing the distinctions between Triassic-age bedrock, Pleistocene-age alluvial deposits, and Holocene-age aeolian sediments. Field surveys from 2022 to 2024 documented over 5000 artifacts with sub-centimeter accuracy, including diagnostic projectile points and ceramics. This research highlights the advantages of UAV-derived 3D models in rapidly and accurately documenting stratigraphy and archaeological data. It demonstrates the value of UAV technology for visualizing landscape-scale processes and artifact contexts, offering a new approach to understanding the interactions between geomorphology and archaeology. The findings contribute to advancing UAV applications in both geomorphological and archaeological research.
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series Drones
spelling doaj-art-a18d258a6eb34dbf9270e251c73d4aae2024-11-26T18:00:50ZengMDPI AGDrones2504-446X2024-11-0181168410.3390/drones8110684Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USAStance Hurst0Eileen Johnson1Doug Cunningham2Heritage and Museum Sciences, Museum of Texas Tech University, 3301 4th St, Lubbock, TX 79415, USAHeritage and Museum Sciences, Museum of Texas Tech University, 3301 4th St, Lubbock, TX 79415, USALubbock Lake Landmark, 2401 Landmark Drive, Lubbock, TX 79415, USAThis study applies UAV-based photogrammetry to map and examine the stratigraphy and archaeological artifact distribution in two localities within the Post research area in northwest Texas. A DJI Inspire 1 UAV equipped with a Zenmuse X5 camera captured nadir and oblique images. These were processed using Agisoft Metashape to generate 3D models. These models enabled the precise mapping of stratigraphic boundaries, revealing the distinctions between Triassic-age bedrock, Pleistocene-age alluvial deposits, and Holocene-age aeolian sediments. Field surveys from 2022 to 2024 documented over 5000 artifacts with sub-centimeter accuracy, including diagnostic projectile points and ceramics. This research highlights the advantages of UAV-derived 3D models in rapidly and accurately documenting stratigraphy and archaeological data. It demonstrates the value of UAV technology for visualizing landscape-scale processes and artifact contexts, offering a new approach to understanding the interactions between geomorphology and archaeology. The findings contribute to advancing UAV applications in both geomorphological and archaeological research.https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/684unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)photogrammetry3D visualizationstratigraphy
spellingShingle Stance Hurst
Eileen Johnson
Doug Cunningham
Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
Drones
unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
photogrammetry
3D visualization
stratigraphy
title Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
title_full Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
title_fullStr Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
title_full_unstemmed Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
title_short Mapping Stratigraphy and Artifact Distribution with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Three-Dimensional Models—A Case Study from the Post Research Area in Northwestern Texas, USA
title_sort mapping stratigraphy and artifact distribution with unmanned aerial vehicle based three dimensional models a case study from the post research area in northwestern texas usa
topic unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
photogrammetry
3D visualization
stratigraphy
url https://www.mdpi.com/2504-446X/8/11/684
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AT dougcunningham mappingstratigraphyandartifactdistributionwithunmannedaerialvehiclebasedthreedimensionalmodelsacasestudyfromthepostresearchareainnorthwesterntexasusa