Research Degrees

The Centre offers research supervision in both methodological aspects of aerial survey for archaeology and the interpretation and analysis of aerial data. Recently completed doctoral theses making substantive use of aerial data include:

Aqdus, S. A. 2009 Airborne multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing techniques in archaeology: a comparative study

MONKTONHALL, INVERESK: This Airborne Thematic Mapper image combines 3 bands (4, 3, 2) in the visible spectrum and with standard deviation contrast applied. It reveals much of a Neolithic cursus monument across two fields in the centre of the image, partially overlapping an extensive ditched field system of Roman date to the N, and parts of two sides of a large Roman temporary camp to the W.

Jones, R.H. 2006 The temporary encampments of the Roman army in Scotland

GLENLOCHAR FORT AND CAMPS: In the foreground this oblique aerial photograph shows the positive cropmarks, predominantly in pasture, of the multiple ditches of the Roman fort, with its internal road system visible as negative marks.  In the background the whole of one side of an adjacent temporary camp and much of its attached annexe are visible, along with hints of some of the pits which are known to litter the interior of the camp.

Millican, K. 2009 Contextualising the cropmark record: the timber monuments of the Neolithic of Scotland

Oltean, I.A.  2004 Later prehistoric and Roman rural settlement and land-use in western Transylvania

Poller, T. 2005 Interpreting Iron Age settlement landscapes of Wigtownshire

Sharpe, L. 2004 Geophysical, geochemical and arable crop responses to archaeological sites: a study based in the Upper Clyde valley, Lanarkshire

Taught Masters Degree

The Department originally set up a taught Diploma/Masters degree in Aerial Photography and Geophysical Survey in Archaeology in 1993, a programme which remains unique in Europe. The aerial photographic element of the original joint programme covered photographic techniques, photogrammetry, cropmark formation processes, issues of bias and classification, and applications of aerial data.  The programme also included a work placement in Edinburgh during which students were exposed to the range of professional aerial photographic work undertaken by the RCAHMS, and a dissertation.

Under the auspices of the Centre for Aerial Archaeology, this programme has now been completely revised, expanded and ‘rebranded’ as Aerial Archaeology.   The new programme will commence in September 2010 and can be studied either at Diploma or Masters level. It combines expertise in aerial photography and computing within the Department of Archaeology, with that in remote sensing and photogrammetry in the Department of Geographical and Earth Sciences. Students will now take 6 taught modules: a basic research training module; the interpretation and applications of aerial data; the principles and practice of aerial archaeology (including the principles of photogrammetry and remote sensing); cropmark archaeology; Geographical Information Systems for archaeological projects; and an optional module (such as the interpretation and applications of geophysical survey; advanced archaeological survey methods; databases for archaeological projects; or a landscape related regional or period based module).

In addition, those students going on to complete the Masters programme undertake an 8-10 week period of work placement with a relevant organisation engaged in professional aerial archaeological work, producing a portfolio containing extracts and examples of work undertaken, with associated commentary.  They also produce a Research Report, a significant piece of written work based on independent study, designed to allow students to explore a particular topic in more detail.

The new programme aims to provide instruction in the principles, methods and application of aerial-based remote sensing techniques in archaeology and to develop the students’ professional and practical skills in aerial archaeology.  As such it is intended to produce graduates well qualified to enter the profession as practicing aerial archaeologists.