Advancing Landscape Archaeology with AI-driven insights from Airborne Laser Scanning data

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming landscape archaeology by enabling the automated analysis of high-resolution datasets, such as airborne laser scanning (ALS). The Automatic Detection of Archaeological Features (ADAF) tool is an example of the potential of AI to streamline the identification of subtle surface features and demonstrate their value in uncovering and understanding archaeological landscapes. By improving the detection of archaeological sites, the ADAF plays a crucial role in the research, management and preservation of cultural heritage.

ADAF uses advanced AI models, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for semantic segmentation and object detection, to detect features in ALS datasets. The tool has been trained on a large archive of ALS data from Ireland and processes visualised inputs to detect patterns indicative of archaeological structures. The workflow integrates pre-processing with the Relief Visualisation Toolbox, inference with trained AI models and post-processing to refine the results to ensure reliable outputs with minimal false positives.

Designed with accessibility in mind, ADAF features an intuitive user interface that removes the barriers traditionally associated with AI-driven analyses. Users can process ALS data and export GIS-compatible results without the need for specialised knowledge, making the tool suitable for a wide audience. This approach democratises the use of AI in landscape archaeology and extends its utility to professionals and researchers in the field.

Tests with Irish ALS datasets have shown that ADAF is able to detect both known and previously unrecognised archaeological features in the landscape, while enhancing the spatial accuracy of identified sites. By automating complex data analysis, ADAF underlines the efficiency, precision and scalability of AI in landscape archaeology. In addition, the tool contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage by identifying sites that would otherwise remain undiscovered and enabling their preservation and integration into cultural heritage management strategies.

ADAF represents a significant advance in the application of AI in landscape archaeology, providing a powerful and accessible solution for surface feature recognition. Its development underlines the transformative potential of AI to revolutionise the study and interpretation of archaeological landscapes.