An Aerial Micro-Topographical Landscape Survey on Montserrat, West Indies

Summary

During the 2016 field season, the Survey and Landscape Archaeology on Montserrat (SLAM) project undertook an intensive micro-landscape survey of targeted areas within the northern and north-central regions of Montserrat. A mountainous, volcanic island of the Lesser Antilles situated within the southeastern Caribbean, pedestrian survey on Montserrat presents a particularly challenging set of logistical difficulties and calls for alternative strategies of data acquisition, especially the use of remotely-sensed information and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Drone-based investigation of the Montserratian landscape in three areas of archaeological interest with evidence of sustained prehistoric and historic period occupation - Valentine Ghaut, Thatch Valley, and the Upper Blake’s Estate – has revealed specific land use trends, indications of which are still visible through intensive aerial observation. This poster aims to present the preliminary results of the 2016 survey on Montserrat and suggest a possible methodology for other similar areas. 

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Poster Submission 2017   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2017

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Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): 577