UAV Image-Based Plan Drawing Method in Submerged Terrestrial Archaeological Settlements: The case of Kibotos

Abstract

Documentation with drawing and photography is one of the most important stages in archaeological excavations and surveys. It takes a long time to draw walls by stone by stone during the excavations. Carrying out these studies on land that does not belong to human habitats, such as underwater, is an activity that requires extra effort, time, and experience. This article will examine the possibility of drawing the plans of the structures unearthed or detected in the archaeological underwater excavations and surface surveys in shallow waters with the help of aerial photographs in a shorter time and with less effort. The research results show that the photograph-based archaeological plan drawing is an excellent and suitable method for shallow water archaeological excavation and surveys. It reveals that it can save time and labour in surveys and rescue excavations where time is limited.