An integration of non-destructive techniques (SFM-GPR-TLS) as a virtual tool for archaeological strategy: the case of the roman site of the plaza de la Morería in Sagunto (Spain)

Abstract

In this article, we present a methodology involving a combination of structure from motion (SFM) photogrammetry, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), georeferenced on the same reference frame defined by topographic methods. We show that this simultaneous integration of non-destructive techniques (NDTs) and analysis of archaeological data constitutes a highly effective approach for archaeological research strategies. As an example of the applicability of this framework, we discuss in detail the archaeological research (1991, 2002 and 2018 campaigns) at a Roman site, the Plaza de la Morería, located in the urban area of the city of Sagunto (eastern Spain). The goal of this research was to design a strategy to recover a pre-1st century AD Roman funerary space, and to assess whether to remove a 3rd century AD domus pavement covering the funerary remains. We found that our methodology was able to provide an adaptable and flexible design at each phase of the project. The high resolution of 2D and 3D virtual visualisation features of the GPR technique made it possible to pinpoint and map the existence of Roman overlapped horizons and buried structures in the study zone. Therefore, this framework is able to provide a deep understanding of the spatial organisation and stratigraphic potential, allowing informed decisions about which levels to excavate and which ones to remove. This feature is extremely significant for the inherent decision-making process in every archaeological research project, thus opening new perspectives in interventions of location, study, management, conservation and planning in archaeological heritage research.