eastern atlas - Archaeogeophysical Prospection

Geophysics in Archaeology

Our range of services includes:
• complete planning and technical preparation of prospection projects,
• technical implementation of geophysical survey,
• aerial photography and topographical field survey
• state-of-the-art data processing and expert interpretation.
• We teach and train students of archaeology.

METHODOLOGICAL VARIETY eastern atlas is a leading specialist and a certified geophysical prospection company (BDG) that offers the whole spectrum of geophysical investigation methods and a broad experience in the archaeo-geophysical prospection on four continents. Archaeological tasks are handled using the best suitable method or combination of methods. They range from fast DGPS-supported magnetic prospection for large areas to detailed 3D exploration of complex underground structures or existing buildings in urban archaeology.

You will find an overview of the different methodologies under TECHNOLOGY. To get information about selected research projects and results, please see PROJECTS.

Examples of the application of archaeogeophysical investigation methods on different sites and periods, see below:

SUB-DISCIPLINES

From Neolithic to Iron Age

Classical Archaeology

Near Eastern Archaeology

Roman Archaeology

Medieval Archaeology

Contemporary Archaeology

Historic Preservation

Laboratory Class

FROM NEOLITHIC TO IRON AGE AERIAL PHOTOS - GEOMAGNETICS - EXCAVATION
Aerial photos and field surveys often provide first hints to archaeological structures in the ground. Subsequent application of geophysical methods, mostly geomagnetic mapping, result in maps displaying the exact ground plans, enclosures, pit alignments or burials. Hence, geophysical data allows to plan and execute purposeful and efficient excavations without disturbing the sites.

Magnetogram (Caesium) of an enclosure in
Sachsen-Anhalt (Germany)
Area: 125 m x 100 m

Scythian Kurgan, Bel'sk (Ukraine) Magnetogram 100 m x 50 m

CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGY TOWN AND HOUSE IN 3D
Pompeii's ruins open a fascinating insight into a typical Roman town of the 1st century AD. However, its urban development in the centuries before remains less clear. Urgent preservation needs and excavation bans - Pompeii is a prominent example among other antique sites in a similar situation. Therefore recent research projects focus on non-destructive investigation primarily on detailed 3D imaging methods as the base for virtual reconstructions.

Geoelectrical Tomography in Pompeii,
Terme Stabiane

NEAR EASTERN ARCHAEOLOGYTHE FERTILE CRESCENT
Tells (From Hebrew: תֵּל‎, tel or tall in Arabic: تلّ‎, tall) are the characteristical archaeological monuments of the Near East. They mainly shape the typical landscapes between the Bosporus and the Shatt al-Arab. Tells emerge from the accumulation of settlement materials over centuries or even millenia. Their conservational investigation requires a combination of geophysical methods, topographical surveys and archaeological knowledge.

Terrain model and geomagnetic data of Tell Djinderis (Syria)

ROMAN ARCHAEOLOGY ON THE EDGES OF THE ROMAN WORLD
Roman engineering and architecture have left countless and impressive monuments between Northern Africa, Britain and Asia Minor: Roman baths in Africa Proconsularis, qanats in Germania Superior up to 20 meters deep and mining centres in Baetica. Geophysical methods help to discover and investigate the relics - quickly and non-destructively.

GPR Timeslice: Roman municipium in Turóbriga (Roman province of Baetica, today Province of Huelva, Spain).

Imperium Romanum
under Trajan (AD 117)

MEDIEVAL ARCHEOLOGYCASTLES, MONASTERIES AND VILLAGES
The application of geophysical prospection methods in the field of medieval archaeology involves the investigation of abandoned settlements and fortifications as well as the architectural survey of still existing constructions. The prospection of castles and monasteries is most promising when tomographical methods like GPR and geoelectrics are combined. This allows not only the localization of walls and foundations but also the detection of ditches, pits and wells. In the case of undeveloped areas high-resolving geomagnetic measurements are recommendable.

Magnetogram of remains of a motte-and-bailey
in Central Germany

CONTEMPORARY ARCHAELOGY
THE RECENT PAST
Vestiges of monuments of the recent past often come along with modern perturbations. Profound experience and a broadly diversified methodology ensure successful prospection results. Even historic excavations can be located and delimited from genuine archaeological features.

Historical map of an archaeological excavation in the 19th century.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION
NONINVASIVE INVESTIGATION
Non-destructive testing like high-frequency GPR and microelectrical prospection permit a cautious investigation of existing buildings even when in danger of collapse. Further fields of application of geophysical methods are the exploration of non-accessible areas, like fault investigation under pavements, the determination of material properties and the investigation of foundations.

Microelectrical prospection of a church
(12th century, Meißen, Germany)

Laboratory ClassWE TEACH AND TRAIN STUDENDS OF ARCHAEOLOGY
We teach and train students of archaeology in the field of archaeogeophysical prospection. Thereby the theoretical background is as important to us as the application of the methods during field studies. Intensive courses and lectures were given at Leipzig University (2004), Hamburg University (2006), UNAM Mexico City (2007) and Humboldt University of Berlin (2008). Practical training of students at the Early Medieval castle of Gro� Thun near Stade (Lower Saxony, Germany). The aim of the field class was to demonstrate the application of geophysical prospection methods. The students learned about the different techniques, the different kind of results that are achieved and the limitations of each method.




Practical Training in Groß Thun	Geoelectrical mapping with twin probe array	Geomagnetic mapping

Project: Castle of Groß Thun

CONTACTCornelius Meyer (cornelius@eastern-atlas.com)