Abstract

Subterranean spaces often allow for unrivalled preservation potential compared to other archaeological site types; with further developments in 3D scanning, for example, Photogrammetry and LIDAR , we can now unlock the archaeological potential of these spaces like never before. This involves both engineering and archaeological cross-disciplinary initiatives to aid in the further development of underground monitoring and recording equipment to assist in preserving these spaces for future generations and research, along with the ability to monitor for deterioration and possible dangers.

I will discuss my present work on 3D records of cave and mine heritage, which allows for better data collection of speleothems for dating and element tracing, looking at Fuliginochronology to aid in further discoveries of specifically Palaeolithic archaeology. But also how I can scan and record sites in detail never seen before, with commercially available technology. This work has far reaches in all walks of archaeological research, but also issues regarding sport caving and speleology, the dangers of the likes of mines, and how my work with photogrammetry will help monitor changes in underground spaces and aid in the archaeological recording of these often disappearing sites.