Aerial Archaeology in Ireland - The Heritage Council

Figure 30: Lidar survey of the area around Loughcrew, Co. Meath, showing the transcription of surface features such as relict field systems and
enclosures (Colin Shell, University of Cambridge)
3.6 Satellite and Airborne Colour Infrared Imagery
In Ireland, an increasing amount of satellite-based remote sensing work is already being done. It is being used to look at issues
of environmental change, and increasingly for direct archaeological recording and interpretation in environmentally sensitive
areas. Although a number of satellite images were used in the presentation of reports by the Wetland Archaeological Survey (e.g.
Moloney 1993), the available resolution was more illustrative of geographical context than informative about the archaeology of
the areas. It is only in recent years that sufficiently high-resolution imaging which is suitable for primary archaeological survey
has become readily available.
A pilot study commissioned by the Heritage Council used colour infrared satellite imagery to survey the problem of scrub
encroachment on a major part of the Burren (ERA-Maptec et al. 2005). The objective was to demonstrate the value of such
methods for habitat monitoring and archaeological site identification and mapping as a basis for developing strategic approaches
to land-use change and conservation (Figure 31). The study covered a 460km 2 area and was based on:
• Literature review and desk study of sources of data for both habitats and archaeological sites and
monuments.
• Fieldwork covering seven 1km x 1km squares fully surveyed using air photographs and satellite images,
and hand-held GPS unit to navigate and provide locational data on sites and monuments recorded.
•
•
Analysis of historical aerial photographs (1974, 1995 and 2000 vertical coverage).
Specially tasked QuickBird satellite imagery at 0.6m resolution.
57