Aerial Survey
| Module title | Aerial Survey |
|---|---|
| Module code | ARC3513 |
| Academic year | 2024/5 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Ioana Oltean (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 10 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 10 |
|---|
Module description
The module will provide an introduction to the principles, methods and applications of aerial photographic data in archaeological research. It aims to develop basic practical competence in air-photo interpretation and mapping, along with a general appreciation of their specific role in reconstructing and understanding past landscapes. As the module makes use of computer software, prior basic familiarity with computers would be an advantage.
Module aims - intentions of the module
You will develop basic practical competence in air-photo interpretation and mapping, along with a general appreciation of their specific role in reconstructing and understanding past landscapes.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate basic familiarity with the role of aerial photographs in archaeological work (prospection, monitoring and protection; landscape studies).
- 2. Make informed judgements over the advantages and disadvantages of various types of imagery (oblique and vertical).
- 3. Demonstrate competence in: identifying archaeological features on various types of aerial photographs.
- 4. With minimum guidance use stereoscopes and of specific software (e.g. Google Earth; AirPhoto).
- 5. Read and use conventional and digital maps.
- 6. Create site plans based on aerial photographic interpretation.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. With limited guidance gain competence in the uses of practical data and their interpretation.
- 8. Employ adequately subject-specific terminology.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 9. With limited guidance develop a wide range of analytical and observational skills.
- 10. Develop logical thinking in problem-solving situations.
Syllabus plan
1. Introduction to course; the history of aerial archaeology; maps.
2. Identifying archaeological sites from the air.
3. Morphology and classification.
4. Imagery: types and acquisition; oblique aerial photographs.
5. Imagery: types and acquisition: vertical aerial photographs and satellite imagery.
6. Manual transcription and mapping.:
7. Archaeological identification exercise.
8. Digital processing of aerial photographs; mapping 1
9. Digital processing of aerial photographs; mapping 2
10. Aerial archaeology and landscape research and preservation
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 20 | 10 x 2 hour practical/lecture classes |
| Guided independent study | 130 | Independent study including reading, research and preparation for practical sessions and assignments. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| In class test | 1 hour | 1-10 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written report | 60 | 1500 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
| Essay | 40 | 1000 words | 1-10 | Written feedback |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written report | Written report 1500 words | 1-10 | Refer/Defer period |
| Essay | Essay 1000 words | 1-10 | Refer/Defer period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Bewley, R.H. and Raczkowski, W. 2002: Aerial Archaeology: Developing Future Practice. IOS Press.
Brophy, K. and Cowley, D. 2005: From the Air: Understanding Aerial Archaeology. Tempus.
Riley, D.N. 1987: Air Photography and Archaeology. Duckworth.
Wilson, D.R. 2000: Air Photo Interpretation for Archaeologists (2nd edition), Tempus.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.50 |
| Module pre-requisites | ARc1020 or equivalent, not taken ARC2513 |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| Available as distance learning? | Yes |
| Origin date | January 2011 |
| Last revision date | 31/01/2024 |
