A methodology for rapid archaeological site documentation using ground-penetrating radar and terrestrial photogrammetry

This study demonstrates how a combination of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and terrestrial photogrammetry were used at an archaeological site in Vigo, Spain to quickly detect and document the remains of two megalithic tombs. An investigation was necessary because the tombs were uncovered during the construction of a new highway. A total station survey was conducted to develop a digital terrain model (DTM) of the study area. Then, a GPR investigation of shallow subsoil was carried out with a 900-MHz antenna. Radar imaging enabled the mapping of two groups of very shallow reflectors, and the excavation revealed a layer of stones with some vertical gravestones at both sites. Each structure forms a megalithic tomb similar to the barrows of Western Europe. Finally, a close-range photogrammetric study was conducted to obtain an accurate metric document. The exhaustive documentation enabled a fine-scaled 31) reconstruction of tombs, thereby creating a detailed record of a site which no longer exists. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.