Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia)
This study introduces a methodology for the improvement of the visibility of archaeological features using an open-source probabilistic machine learning framework applied to UAV LiDAR data from the Torre Castiglione site in Apulia, Italy. By leveraging a Random Forest classification algorithm embedd...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Remote Sensing |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1134 |
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| author | Nicodemo Abate Roberto Goffredo Giorgia Dato Antonio Minervino Amodio Antonio Loperte Alessia Frisetti Gabriele Ciccone Sara Elettra Zaia Maria Sileo Rosa Lasaponara Nicola Masini |
| author_facet | Nicodemo Abate Roberto Goffredo Giorgia Dato Antonio Minervino Amodio Antonio Loperte Alessia Frisetti Gabriele Ciccone Sara Elettra Zaia Maria Sileo Rosa Lasaponara Nicola Masini |
| author_sort | Nicodemo Abate |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study introduces a methodology for the improvement of the visibility of archaeological features using an open-source probabilistic machine learning framework applied to UAV LiDAR data from the Torre Castiglione site in Apulia, Italy. By leveraging a Random Forest classification algorithm embedded in an open-source software, the approach processes dense LiDAR point clouds to segment out vegetation from the ground and the structures. Key steps include training the classifier, generating digital terrain models, digital feature models, and digital surface models, and enhancing the visibility of archaeological features. This method has proven effective in improving the interpretation of archaeological sites, revealing previously hidden or difficult-to-access microtopographic and structural details, such as the defensive structures, terraces, and ancient paths of the Torre Castiglione site. The results underline this methodology’s ease of use in uncovering archaeological landscapes under a dense canopy. Moreover, the study emphasises the benefits of using open-source tools to enhance the documentation and analysis of remote or difficult archaeological sites. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4702a14d953544caa9b5d467b317eae2 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2072-4292 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Remote Sensing |
| spelling | doaj-art-4702a14d953544caa9b5d467b317eae22025-08-20T03:08:56ZengMDPI AGRemote Sensing2072-42922025-03-01177113410.3390/rs17071134Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia)Nicodemo Abate0Roberto Goffredo1Giorgia Dato2Antonio Minervino Amodio3Antonio Loperte4Alessia Frisetti5Gabriele Ciccone6Sara Elettra Zaia7Maria Sileo8Rosa Lasaponara9Nicola Masini10National Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyDipartimento di Studi Umanistici, Università degli Studi di Foggia, Via Antonio Gramsci, 89, 71122 Foggia, ItalyDipartimento di Ricerca ed Innovazione Umanistica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyNational Research Council—Institute of Heritage Science, C.da S. Loja, 85050 Tito Scalo, ItalyThis study introduces a methodology for the improvement of the visibility of archaeological features using an open-source probabilistic machine learning framework applied to UAV LiDAR data from the Torre Castiglione site in Apulia, Italy. By leveraging a Random Forest classification algorithm embedded in an open-source software, the approach processes dense LiDAR point clouds to segment out vegetation from the ground and the structures. Key steps include training the classifier, generating digital terrain models, digital feature models, and digital surface models, and enhancing the visibility of archaeological features. This method has proven effective in improving the interpretation of archaeological sites, revealing previously hidden or difficult-to-access microtopographic and structural details, such as the defensive structures, terraces, and ancient paths of the Torre Castiglione site. The results underline this methodology’s ease of use in uncovering archaeological landscapes under a dense canopy. Moreover, the study emphasises the benefits of using open-source tools to enhance the documentation and analysis of remote or difficult archaeological sites.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1134UASLiDARmedieval archaeologymachine learningopen-source |
| spellingShingle | Nicodemo Abate Roberto Goffredo Giorgia Dato Antonio Minervino Amodio Antonio Loperte Alessia Frisetti Gabriele Ciccone Sara Elettra Zaia Maria Sileo Rosa Lasaponara Nicola Masini Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) Remote Sensing UAS LiDAR medieval archaeology machine learning open-source |
| title | Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) |
| title_full | Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) |
| title_fullStr | Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) |
| title_full_unstemmed | Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) |
| title_short | Adopting an Open-Source Processing Strategy for LiDAR Drone Data Analysis in Under-Canopy Archaeological Sites: A Case Study of Torre Castiglione (Apulia) |
| title_sort | adopting an open source processing strategy for lidar drone data analysis in under canopy archaeological sites a case study of torre castiglione apulia |
| topic | UAS LiDAR medieval archaeology machine learning open-source |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2072-4292/17/7/1134 |
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