The Megaliths of Mols Peninsula – a Case Study of Applied Digital Photogrammetry in a Survey of Neolithic Monuments in Denmark

Abstract

Abstract This study presents a practical case analysis detailing the outcomes of a survey project conducted on Neolithic megalithic structures on the Mols Peninsula in East Jutland, Denmark. The survey methodology employed digital photogrammetry, utilizing consumer-grade drones and handheld digital cameras. This approach facilitated the merging of aerial perspectives of the local surroundings with terrestrial photographs specifically focusing on the densely clustered stone chambers. Subsequently, the gathered data underwent conversion into various forms, such as orthophotos, surface elevation models, 3D representations, hill shades, point clouds, and textured low-resolution models optimized for online visualization. Among the noteworthy findings, the study included an evaluation of 19th-century drawings, revealing their remarkable precision. However, it was also noted that one of the monuments underwent substantial alterations in 1943. Moreover, the study successfully generated 3D models of the capstones from two dolmens, allowing for their virtual reconstruction. Importantly, the research introduced an innovative technique for mapping burned flints on the field surface surrounding the dolmens by employing low-altitude vertical drone photography – a previously unexplored method.