Aerial Archaeology Research Group
2024 Annual Meeting
York, United Kingdom
12-14 September, 2024
The AARG Committee is thrilled to announce the 41st AARG meeting will be held on the 12th and 13th September 2024 in York, United Kingdom followed by a field trip on 14th September 2024.
Before the conference, on 11th September 2024, we will hold workshop on reading, interpreting, and processing aerial and spaceborne imagery. The event is organised jointly by AARG and Historic England with support from York Archaeology .
We have an accessible and capacious venue at the De Grey Court, St John University, while the workshops will take place in Historic England’s York office. The main conference venue is located just outside the city walls, a short walk from York Minster, within reach of the excellent range of accommodation options and the York train station. Thanks to our partners at the York Archaeology, the Welcome Reception will take place at the Barley Hall, York’s hidden medieval townhouse.
You can find out more about the conference and all the necessary information by continuing reading below.
Table of contents
Themes
We invite proposals for oral presentations (20 mins) and posters (A1 portrait) aligning with the following themes:
The theme will feature papers on aerial archaeology in the UK and will showcase a critical, retrospective view of aerial archaeology since the last UK-based AARG meeting took place in Bath in 2006. Papers may include lessons learned, key issues, future threats, and opportunities as well as examples of community projects building on aerial or remote sensing datasets and techniques.
The increase in fighting and wars across the globe has been affecting even more communities and heritage. This theme will encompass how aerial techniques are being used to monitor and study archaeological sites and landscapes in conflict zones, to understand past conflicts, and to provide means for safeguarding heritage and help with recovery.
This theme will showcase the role of remote sensing, aerial survey, and mapping in addressing strategic threats and heritage management issues arising from climate change, e.g. coastal erosion, changing agricultural regimes, and rewilding. In addition, the theme will include papers discussing past climate and weather events and their impact on the environment and populations across the world.
New methods, data sources, algorithms, and approaches constantly empower aerial survey. This theme may include papers on large-scale analysis, automated feature detection, data visualisation techniques, the use of novel sensors, and prospection methods.
We invite proposals for the presentations which can cover a wide range of archaeological questions and different research approaches demonstrating strong aerial components. Papers accepted for this open call will be grouped by theme.
Paper submissions
We thank everyone who submitted their paper proposals. Call for papers for the 41st AARG meeting is now closed.
Registration
Registration for AARG2024 is now closed.
Early Birds can take advantage of discounted conference fees until 31st July 2024. After this date, standard fees will apply.
The conference fee includes lunch on both conference days. We kindly ask you to give us your dietary preferences when you register. Optionally we invite you to join us for the Conference Dinner on Friday, 13th September 2024 and for one of the field trips on Saturday, 14th September 2024.
| Early Bird | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
|
Member |
£95 |
£120 |
|
Non-member |
£115 |
£145 |
|
Conference Dinner |
£50 |
£50 |
|
Guided tour of York |
£10 |
£10 |
|
Field trip to Thornborough
Henges and Fountains Abbey |
£40 |
£40 |
Workshop
Workshop applications for AARG2024 are now closed. We thank everyone who has applied.
The AARG Committee are pleased to invite you to participate in the workshop on reading, processing, and interpreting aerial and spaceborne imagery, which will be held ahead of our Annual Meeting, on 11th September 2024. The workshop is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively read, interpret, and process remote sensing imagery. Highlights include introduction to the fundamentals of aerial and spaceborne imagery; hands-on sessions on data processing techniques; guidance on interpreting various types of imagery; case studies and real-world applications in archaeological research and other fields; Q&A sessions with experienced researchers and professionals.
The workshop will be delivered by Antonio J. Ortíz Villarejo (University of Jaén, Spain) and Matt Oakey (Historic England) at the Historic England’s York Office.
You can find more information on the workshop, the programme, fees and how to register in our Invitation to Workshop which you can download below:
Programme
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
13.00 – 17.00
Workshop at the Historic England York Office
19.00-21.00
Welcome Reception and registration at the Barley Hall
Thursday, 12 September 2024
8.30 – 9.00
Registration
9.00-9.15
Welcome
- 9:15 – 9:35
S. Campana & M. Nebbia: From above and from the ground: combining aerial and ground assessment of heritage destruction in conflict areas, Iraq and Ukraine - 9:35 – 9:55
M. Fradley: Remote-sensing monitoring of endangered archaeology in conflict zones in the Middle East and North Africa - 9:55 – 10:15
G. Kiarszys: Survivorship Bias in Aerial Photointerpretation: Insights from Abandoned Soviet Nuclear Bases in Poland - 10:15 – 10:35
M. Czarnowicz, A. Ochał-Czarnowicz, B. Witkowska, M. Vojtas, G. Gąska & A. Psica: The use of UAVs in search for fallen soldiers of the Great War - 10.35-10.45 Discussion
- 10.45-11.15 Coffee break
- 11:15 – 11:35
M. Oakey & H. Winton: Evolution and Revolution: Eighteen Years of Large Area Aerial Investigation & Mapping Projects in England - 11:35 – 11:55
P. Halkon: “Ancient Landscapes of the Yorkshire Wolds” – Community archaeology inspired by Cathy Stoertz RCHME volume - 11:55 – 12:15
S. Tremlett & J. Powell: Coast to Coast: Aerial Archaeology Volunteering Projects in Norfolk - 12:15 – 12:35
D. Brownrigg: Small drone use to enhance live and recorded views with data analysis for a local archaeological society - 12.35-12.45
D. Grady: Historic England Aerial Reconnaissance since 2006 - 12.55-13.05 Discussion
- 13.05-14.00 Lunch break
- 14:00 – 14:20
J. Lyall: Aerial archaeology and geophysical survey – a marriage made in heaven - 14:20 – 14:40
R. Andrews: My Experience as an Aerial Survey Investigator (Reconnaissance) Apprentice working for Historic England - 14:40– 15:00
A. Iles: Eyes on the Roads? A Lidar and Grey literature approach to the distribution of native settlements in the vicinity of the Roman Road network in Northumberland - 15:00– 15:20
S. Malone & K. Krawiec: The colour and the shape: Lidar derived microtopography in riverine and fenland landscapes - 15.20-15.40
Ł. Banaszek: Airborne lidar for cropmark archaeology: large-scale assessment of historical data for Scotland - 15.40-15.50 Discussion
- 15.50-16.20 Coffee break
- 16:20 – 16:40
T. Driver, R. Shaw & E. Pollard: From the Ancient East to the Wild Atlantic: Reconnaissance, Remote Sensing and Training in Ireland for the CHERISH Project 2017-2023 - 16:40 – 17:00
W. Morrison: Meet the new CHAP: a LiDAR project legacy - 17:00– 17:20
L. Żuk, J. Holzner, S. Królewicz, S. Plank, R. Graf & W. Rączkowski: The potential of remote sensing data for the analysis of water level changes at lakeshore sites. The case of the Late Bronze Age/ Early Iron Age settlement at Smuszewo (Poland) - 17:20– 17:40
K. Withaker & O. Bayer: ‘Mottled with gnarled and craggy cairns and tors’: monitoring and managing change on Dartmoor using aerial investigation and mapping methods - 17.40-17.50 Discussion
Friday, 13 September 2024
9.00-9.45
AARG AGM
- 9:45 – 10:05
P. Wroniecki: Bigger Pictures: Perspectives on Airborne Prospection in the Modern Technological Landscape - 10:05 – 10:25
A. Leek: An assessment of the efficacy of automated feature detection in Archaeology using National LiDAR Programme data for the 12th Century monastic landscape at Ravenstonedale, Cumbria - 10:25– 10:45
G. P. Cirigliano, G. Mazzacca, F. Remondino, H. Maschner & S. Campana: Emptyscapes initiative: Mapping under canopy past landscapes by high resolution drone-based LiDAR - 10:45– 11:05
L. Roche & J. Bonsall: From Trenches to Thermography: Enhancing Archaeological Excavations with UAV Thermal Imaging - 11.05-11.15 Discussion
- 11.15-11.45 Coffee break
- 11:45 – 12:05
A. J. Ortiz Villarejo, J.M. Delgado Barrado, J. Illana López & F. J. Pérez Fernández: Roads of colonization. Applied history, aerial archaeology and transfer to society in the ProSiMo project - 12:05 – 12:25
B. Ejstrud & J. Dam: Two National Surveys Complete - 12:25– 12:45
O. Kariaka: Kostiantyn Shyshkin’s use of aerial photography for mapping Late Scythian hillforts in the Lower Dnieper region - 12:45– 13:05
H. Kalafatić, B. Šiljeg & R. Šošić-Klindžić: Mapping the Past: How ALS Data is Transforming the Study of Prehistoric Enclosures in Eastern Croatia - 13.05-13.15 Discussion
- 13.15-14.15 Lunch break
- 14:15 – 14:35
J. Lavris Makovics: Utilising HEXAGON (KH-9) Declassified Spy Satellite Imagery to Detect Historic Water Management Features in North Africa - 14:35 – 14:55
J. Vidal & F. Lachery: Visualising archaeological micro-reliefs in a macro-relief world; an open-air lab in Mafate, Reunion Island - 14:55– 15:15
R. Devra: A Multiproxy Geographical Analysis of Palaeoanthropological Sites and Palaeodrainage Patterns in the Indian Desert Using Satellite Imagery - 15:15– 15:35
R. Hesse-Zubrzycki: Layers of time - 15.35-15.45 Discussion
- 15.45-16.45 Coffee break and poster session
15:45 – 16:45
K. Truscoe: Archaeology in Woodlands: how Forestry England use lidar to discover, assess and protect the heritage of the public forest estate
V.Ward, M. Fowler, A. Kariaka & R. Palmer: A selection of results from the AARG Ukraine Working Group – three poster suite
J. Powell: Results of the Aylsham and Brampton Aerial Investigation and Mapping Survey
S. Curran, A. Corns, J. O’Keeffe, Ž. Kokalj, N. Čož, D. Kocev, A. Kostovska, I. Dimitrovski, S. Davis: Developing a Machine Learning tool for the identification of archaeological features in landscape data
J. Goodchild: Using UAV-based remote sensing to enhance geoarchaeological mapping and archaeological prospection
C. Miu & M. Fowler: How can you build a Dacian sanctuary using satellite images?
P. Heimermann: Remote Sensing in Mongolia – A Opportunity for archaeological UAV-Prospection
T. Sonnemann, D. Bursák & K. Kothieringer: Minimal invasive re-evaluation of a palimpsest landscape – Combined remote sensing analysis of the oppida Závist and Stradonice in Bohemia
S. Seyfried: Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing in Aerial Archaeology
N. Barrett, F. Small: The role of aerial and field survey in addressing threats and heritage management issues arising from climate change – Flowers Barrow hillfort, Dorset, a case study
A. Bailey, T. Snowden: Aerial Archaeology: Calling for an Integrated Approach to Archaeology and Built Heritage in Planning
R. Bewley, F. Bqa’in: Aerial Archaeology in Jordan (AAJ)
- 16.45-17.40 Roundtable discussion: Airborne Remote Sensing – success or failure, or somewhere in between?
- 17.40-17.50 Wrap-up
Saturday, 14 September 2024
9.00-17.00
Full-day trip to the Thornborough Henges and Fountains Abbey (lunch provided)
9.00-12.00
Half-day guided tour of York and entry to Clifford’s Tower (no lunch provided)
To download the complete Conference Booklet, please follow the link below:
Practical Information
The conference events will be taking place in several locations in York, as listed below:
- Workshops: Historic England – York Office, 37 Tanner Row, York YO1 6WP
- Welcome Reception: Barley Hall, Coffee Yard, off Stonegate York, YO1 8AR
- Main Conference Venue: De Grey Court, St Johns University Campus, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York YO31 7EX
- Conference dinner: ASK Italian, The Grand Assembly Rooms, Blake St, York YO1 8QG
- Field trip meeting point: Union Terrace Coach Park, Clarence St, York YO31 7EL (click here to see the field trip timetable)
- Guided tour of York meeting point: In front of the main conference venue (De Grey Court)
York is a small but vibrant city located in the north of England which welcomes around 9 million visitors a year. Despite its size, it is home to two universities and a fantastic range of visitor attractions, restaurants, cafes, pubs and independent shops. To help plan your trip we suggest that you take a look at the Visit York website.
There are several luggage storage options available, like the Left Luggage at York Train Station or Yorbag Left Luggage (both pinned on the map below). For more options please look at the Nannybag website.
Our partners, Historic England’s own York residents have put together York Info Booklet with general information on York and how to get there, accommodation and various other useful tips, which you can download below:
Accessibility
Conference Venue
All rooms within the De Grey Building are wheelchair accessible. Both entrances have step-free access. The conference is taking place entirely on the ground floor, but there is a lift to access upper floors if required. The building has disabled toilet facilities on every floor.
A small number of Blue Badge spaces are available, these spaces can only be used if delegates have pre-registered their number plate by emailing events@yorksj.ac.uk at least 48 hours prior to arrival due to ANPR cameras in operation 24/7. Registering your details does not guarantee a space, as they operate on a first come, first served basis. Please ensure the blue badge is displayed clearly in the vehicle. The closest public car park is Union Terrace, just 70m from the venue.
Further information, including room-specific images and information can be found on AccessAble .
Field trip
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden: Accessibility information can be found on the National Trust website . This includes details on designated parking area and a site map for visitors with additional needs. Further information can also be found on AccessAble .
Thornborough Henges: The Central and Southern henges are accessed through gates. Footpaths around the site are relatively flat, but uneven and grassy.
Bursaries
Student/Early Career Researchers Participation Bursaries for AARG 2024
These bursaries are intended to support students and young researchers who are interested in aerial archaeology and wish to attend and present at the AARG conference.
Please provide the following information in an email to @ AARG Chair headed with 2024 Student/Young Researcher Bursary:
- your interests in archaeology and aerial archaeology
- place of study
- the name and contact details of a supervisor or employer (email) who can provide a
reference - why you would benefit from attending the conference
- an estimate of travel costs to attend
You should be willing to provide a poster, or an abstract for a paper under one of the conference session themes listed above.
Ukrainian Participation Bursaries for AARG 2024
These bursaries are intended to support Ukrainian researchers who are interested in sharing their work and wish to attend and present at the AARG conference.
Please provide the following information in an email to @ AARG Chair headed with 2024 UKR Participation Bursary:
- your interests in archaeology and aerial archaeology
- affiliation
- the name and contact details of a supervisor or employer (email) who can provide a reference
- an estimate of travel costs to attend
You should be willing to provide a poster, or an abstract for a paper under one of the conference session themes listed above.
