Abstract

The application of terrestrial laser scanning incomplex archaeologicalsites is an increasingly common fact in the last years. This equipment allows a quick and massive digitalization of the scanned surface, what reverts to achieve very detailed time series of the study area in a low-cost way. The main problem for this labour is to have the expertise to stablish the minimum number of scanning stations and their optimal location. If the archaeological site is really complex, the in situ decisions about the number and positions of scans can be very difficult only suitable for experts in laser scanning. Trying to provide a useful tool for archaeologists, this paper presents a methodology for planning and optimizing the scans locations taking advance of existing cartographic products. As a result, the archaeologist can plan the scanning surveying, improving and optimizing the scan positions from the office. This approach was validated over the complex archaeological site of El Tolmo de Minateda located in Albacete (Spain).