This book provides information and tools necessary to bridge and
integrate the knowledge gaps related to the acquisition and processing
of archaeological data, specifically in the field of preventive
diagnostics, urban centers, archaeological parks and historical
monuments, through activities that involve the application of
non-invasive diagnostic detection systems, in the field of applied
geophysics. The principal aim of this book is to define a tool for
experts that work in the frame of Cultural Heritage and to identify a
procedure of intervention transferable and usable in different
geographical contexts and areas of investigations: it could help to
decide the better technique of investigation to apply in relation to the
predictive characteristics of the archaeological site and the objectives
of the survey.
The book is divided in two parts. The first one explains the theory of
ground high resolution penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity
tomography (ERT), controlled source electromagnetism system,
differential magnetic method and the scenario of integrated methods of
different geophysical techniques. Each section covers the basic theory
(complete description of the physical parameters involved in the
method), field instruments (description of all systems actually offered
by commercial companies), field techniques (presentation of the main
procedures and setting parameters used to explore the ground surface
during data acquisition), techniques of data processing and
representation (main processing routines and comparison between
different techniques; presentation of different typologies of graphical
representation), and the possibility and limitations of methods
(explanation of best and worst conditions of implementation of the
geophysical technique in relation to the contrasts between
archaeological features and the natural background and the features of
the instruments and arrays).
The second part describes some applications of geophysical prospection
to Cultural Heritage in detailed case histories, divided in sections
relative to monuments, historical buildings, urban centres,
archaeological parks and ancient viability. Moreover, examples of
integration of three-dimensional reliefs and geophysical diagnostic of a
monuments and studies of large scale reconnaissance implemented into a
Geographical Information System are treated. In each case study the
authors cover the description of the archaeological or historical
contest; an explanation of the problem to solve; a choice of the
geophysical methods; the setting of the procedure of data acquisition;
techniques of data processing; a representation, interpretation, and
discussion of the results.
