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Archeology from your own computer?

Everyone can participate in archaeological research in the citizen science project Heritage Wanted.

In this citizen science project, height maps are investigated with the aim of mapping unknown archaeological heritage such as burial mounds. Volunteers not only help with the search on the computer, but also go into the field to check the remains found.

The elevation maps are made with a new technique (LiDAR) that also makes areas hidden under dense vegetation visible in detail for the first time.

The "Erfgoed Gezocht" project has two main objectives, aimed at the two sides of the concept of citizen science:

  1. the aim is to introduce as many people as possible to the fact that unique archaeological heritage is just around the corner from almost everyone in the Netherlands. Increasing knowledge and creating ownership through participation in research leads to better protection of this fragile heritage from the distant past.
  2. From a scientific point of view, the aim is to collect information about as yet unknown archaeological heritage. Citizen participation makes it possible to collect a large amount of data. Without the help of volunteers, archaeologists simply do not have the manpower to investigate the large areas that have become visible through LiDAR data.

Source: Universiteit Leiden

Speurwerk duizenden hobbyarcheologen leidt tot nieuwe inzichten - Afbeelding Nieuwsuur

Nieuwsuur set out with three citizen scientists and an archaeologist: check the video here.

Also check this article about LiDAR.

Image credits

Header image: Photo by Alissa van Velhuizen on Unsplash