Laser scanning for the documentation and management of heritage sites within the Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE has many important cultural and archaeological sites. These include the Fujairah and Al-Bithnah forts and the Al-Bidyah Mosque. With increasing tourism patronage and development of major infrastructure projects in and around Fujairah, these sites are increasingly under threat. Their present condition requires careful mapping for proper management and future preservation efforts. This paper presents a research project that is developing a method for surveying and recording important archaeological sites. Using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), a number of surveys were undertaken in and around the emirate. These surveys enabled a documentation of their present condition and will form an ongoing baseline study to monitor the impact of increased tourist patronage and climate change at these sites. We also investigate and make basic comparisons between our approach and the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique.

A combined use of image and range-based data acquisition for the three-dimensional information mapping archaeological heritage

“…TLS method is among the most widely used technique for the reality-based documentation (Holden, Silcock, Arrowsmith, & Al Hassani, 2015), geometric and 3D textured visualizations purposes in the field (Fiorillo et al, 2015). Visualization of material deformation, structural monitoring and digital management are extended forms of TLS utilization for archaological heritage (Del Pozo et al, 2016;Fregonese et al, 2013).…”

Anthropological Archaeology in 2015: Entanglements, Reflection, Reevaluation, and Archaeology beyond Disciplinary Boundaries

“…; Holden et al. ; Horsley ). These developments are illustrated in the work of Francesc Conesa and colleagues (), who studied CORONA images from Gujarat, India, and José María Terrón and colleagues (), who used geoelectrical soil mapping to refine archaeological data from expansive and internally complex sites on the Iberian Peninsula.…”

“…The situation has generated a great deal of attention from archaeologists around the globe and those who work or live in conflict zones (Holden et al. ). Many of our professional organizations, including the Society for American Archaeology, the Archaeological Institute of America, the American Anthropological Association, and the United States Committee of the Blue Shield, are working together to advocate for and raise awareness about threats to cultural resources and human life.…”