High-Precision Magnetic Survey with UAV for the Archaeological Barrows at Novaya Kurya Monument in Western Siberia

Abstract

The paper presents the results of high-precision magnetic surveys by a quantum magnetometer using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The object of research was an area of 10 hectares (500 × 200 m) at the archaeological site of New Kurya in Western Siberia. The accuracy of the registration of the induction module of the geomagnetic field was not lower than 0.3 nT. The spatial accuracy of GPS coordinates lies in the submeter range. Magnetic anomalies caused by ancient mounds with an amplitude of up to 5-10 nT were revealed. The technique for isolating such low-amplitude anomalies included taking into account the geomagnetic variations of the external field, the regional anomalous field, and the use of a number of algorithms for the statistical processing of primary data. Identified magnetic anomalies can reliably determine the features of the device and the size of the mounds, including those not expressed in relief. The information received makes it possible to plan a strategy for archaeological study of this monument at a qualitatively different level. The prospects of further development and use of the technology in question for solving archaeological problems are noted.