Profile
International Journal of Earth & Environmental Sciences Volume 2 (2017), Article ID 2:IJEES-143, 7 pages
https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-351X/2017/143
Research Article
Optimized Planning of Terrestrial Laser-scanner Surveys in Complex Archaeological Environments

Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera2*, Ana del Campo-Sánchez1, David Hernández-López1 and Susana del Pozo2

1Institute for Regional Development (IDR), Albacete, University of Castilla-La Mancha. Campus Universitario s/n, 02071, Albacete, Spain
2Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering,University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School, Hornos Caleros,50, 05003Avila, Spain
Prof. Diego Gonzalez-Aguilera, Department of Cartographic and Land Engineering,University of Salamanca, Higher Polytechnic School, Hornos Caleros,50, 05003Avila, Spain; E-mail: daguilera@usal.es
04 October 2017; 27 November 2017; 29 November 2017
Gonzalez-Aguilera D, Campo-Sánchez A, Hernández-López D, Pozo S (2017) Optimized Planning of Terrestrial Laser-scanner Surveys in Complex Archaeological Environments. Int J Earth Environ Sci 2: 143. doi: https://doi.org/10.15344/2456-351X/2017/143

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).