An Integrated Heavy-Lift Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Remote Sensing Platform

Summary

We describe an integrated heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and remote sensing platform used to map archaeological features under the forest canopy in the northern Yucatán. We collaborated with Mobile Recon Systems Inc. to construct a UAV-based aerial mapping system that can be used to create high-resolution maps and 3D models of archaeological ruins, excavations, caves, and cenotes for small to medium-sized areas of the forested environment. The system integrates Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and multispectral sensors with RGB light cameras into a large UAV for simultaneous recording of visible light, near-infrared, and topographical data. The major components include the UAV, sensors, inertial measurement unit, dual channel GNSS receiver and base station, radio transmitters, control points, and mission control equipment and software. Our goal is to create a practical and cost-effective system to facilitate rapid and accurate mapping of archaeological remains and associated environmental features.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 22654