Use of UAV Photogrammetry in Archaeological Sites; The Example of the Ancient City of Lystra

Year 2026, Volume: 11 Issue: 2, 432 - 441

Abdullah Varlık , Süleyman Savaş Durduran , İlker Mete Mimiroğlu , Ertekin Mustafa Doksanaltı , Cahit Karakök , Deniz Sevmen

https://doi.org/10.26833/ijeg.1705025

Abstract

Activities conducted using UAV photogrammetry in archaeology have become increasingly common in recent years as they simplify documentation in archaeological excavations and surface surveys while providing a new perspective. In this study, Digital Elevation Models, Orthophotos, and 3D Models were produced using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry at the ancient city of Lystra, generating detailed topographic products for pre-excavation preparation phases. Thanks to UAV technology, archaeological remains on the surface were documented through three-dimensional models and high-resolution orthophotos. This method not only saves time in excavation planning but also significantly reduces costs and enhances the accuracy of archaeological data. This study highlights how effectively technology can be utilized in excavation planning, the analysis of surface remains, and the documentation of cultural heritage. Future research suggests the integration of different sensors for more comprehensive analyses.

Keywords

UAV Photogrammetry, , DEM, , Orthofoto , Archeology

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