Аэрофотогеодезические методы выявления памятников археологии на Илуратском плато и Китейской равнине

Abstract

The article summarizes preliminary results of the aerial photogeodetic method by means of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in research at the archaeological sites of the Iluraton Plateau and the Kytaia Plain. The existing topographic plans of the kurgan group and the necropoleis of the Iluraton Plateau have been verified; also, the discrepancies in the mutual arrangement of the crypts at the southwestern necropolis have been identified, the most promising areas for further research have been determined, and finally a reference network and a synoptical topographic plan of all archaeological sites known on the plateau was initiated. In order to fix and initiate the study of the mound group at the Chatre-Tav ridge of the Kytaia Plain, a topographic plan was created in accordance with a new method. The reference network and the synoptical plan of archaeological subjects of the Kytaia Plain, adjacent to the Kytaia settlement from the northeast, north, northwest and southwest, made it possible to clarify their interposition and possible interrelation. Aerial photography helped to establish that the extension of ramparts, which had been recorded earlier in the coastal zone of the southwest ern section judging by the traces on the plowed field, stretched several hundred meters to the north, probably to the southern foot of the Djurga-Oba ridge. A special survey of the ramparts closest to the western fortification wall resulted in finding out that those were terraces with a slight reverse incline (to the west), which may appear to be important for determination of their origin and functionality. Generally speaking, and judging by the results of the work, the new method of aerial photogeodetic survey has actually proved its efficiency and positive perspective for archaeological sites’ research.