Integrated geophysical studies at ancient Itanos (Greece)

Bedrock detection using 2D electrical resistivity imaging along the Peikang River, central Taiwan

“…There are many ways to objectively detect edges in an image (Marr and Hildreth, 1980;Vafidis et al, 2005). Two widespread categories of edge detection are the gradient-and Laplacian-based techniques.…”

“…Although the subsurface resistivity distribution could then be interpreted and mapped by eye, we will show that this subjective method should be done with caution because of the diffusive nature of the electrical field. This paper aims at defining a better location of the electrical interface between a high-resistivity layer and a low-resistivity layer, like the bedrock-sediment contact, by applying the Laplacian edge detection (LED) method (Marr and Hildreth, 1980;Vafidis et al, 2005) to an electrical resistivity image. Thus, we can find the contrasts at where resistivity changing from two main resistivity layers in the resistivity image.…”

Geophysical investigation of tumuli by means of surface 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography

“…Geophysical methods are currently well established techniques which are routinely and successfully used in the detection and mapping of concealed subsurface archaeological structures such as walls, ditches and anthropogenic or natural cavities (Vafidis et al, 2005). The ultimate goal of the geophysical exploration of archaeological sites is the compilation of maps which would be fully understandable by non-experts by transforming the geophysical results into images that resemble the plane view of the buried relics, i.e., the result that could have been drawn if an excavation had taken place (Scollar et al, 1986).…”

Aegean Prehistory as World Archaeology: Recent Trends in the Archaeology of Bronze Age Greece

“…A dramatic increase in interest began around 1990, and now much of the geophysical work is carried out by specialized Greek research units such as that directed by Sarris at the Institute for Mediterranean Studies at Rethymnon, Crete, which publishes its work annually in Archaio-telepiskopika Nea (in Greek and English). These publications show the power of integrated geophysical survey using several different instruments (Vafidis et al 2005) and illustrate many superb examples of GIS imaging of integrated geophysical, archaeological, and environmental data. To mention just one project relevant to the Greek Bronze Age, at the spectacular Mycenaean center at Dimini, geophysical mapping of 29,000 m 2 using magnetic, electromagnetic, and soil resistance methods revealed the two main megaron complexes and numerous other structures, which have been confirmed by ongoing excavations (Sarris 2002).…”