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Archaeology

Archaeologists map sites in detail and use drone sensors to reveal buried features that are invisible from the ground.

Interactive

Example missions

Lawnmower grid

Site model

A low, high-overlap grid documents the excavation each day.

Why this pattern? Parallel, overlapping lines let mapping software match features between photos. More overlap = better models, but more photos and flight time.

What drones do here

Map excavation sites layer by layer
Reveal buried walls with thermal and multispectral imagery
See under vegetation with LiDAR
Document sites threatened by erosion

Real-world examples

Crop marks
Buried walls change how plants grow above them, and multispectral images can reveal these outlines.
LiDAR discovery
Airborne LiDAR, including from drones, has revealed ancient structures hidden under forest canopy.

Drone types

Mapping multirotors
LiDAR platforms

Sensors & payloads

RGB
Thermal
Multispectral
LiDAR

Related STEM

History + science
Soil science
Remote sensing

Skills required

Photogrammetry
Careful documentation
GIS

Careers

Field archaeologist
Cultural resource management (CRM) technician
Geospatial specialist

Education & training

Anthropology/archaeology degree
Field schools

Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Practice with Hamptonian apps

Pathways into this industry

Hamptonian

DroneWorks

Crack the Code. Read the Sky.