Applications of remotely controlled equipment in Norwegian marine archaeology

Abstract

Since early 1993 the Department of Marine Systems Design and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Trondheim, Norway has worked together on a joint project examining the use of modern technology in marine (underwater) archaeological research. The project seeks to exploit the use of remotely operated vehicles, computer technology and specialised tools such as laser measurement systems, underwater positioning, digital maps etc. to enhance productivity and safety in marine archaeological surveys and excavations. This sort of technology also renders marine archaeological field research possible in depths beyond the reach of diving archaeologists i.e. deeper than 30 meters according to Norwegian work-safety regulations. The project's focus is on the application of existing and new technology, the modification of existing equipment to suit the particular needs of this application and the development of a marine archaeological methodology for this type of operations. The project conducts a number of field trials, and currently work is being carried out at a medieval harbour construction in Agdenes (approximately 110 km north-west of Trondheim), and an 18th century Russian Navy shipwreck called the Jedinorog (the Unicorn) which sank off the coast of central Norway in approximately 280 meters depth. This paper presents the methods and technology used so far and draws some preliminary conclusions as to the appropriateness of these solutions and possible developments in the near future.