28 November 2011

Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes

Archaeologists at the University of Birmingham are heading to Stonehenge to lead the Britain’s biggest-ever virtual excavation, a far from superficial look at the Stonehenge landscape. The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project will use the latest geophysical imaging techniques to visually recreate the iconic prehistoric monument and its surroundings as it was more than 4000 years ago. The project begins midway through one of Stonehenge’s busiest tourist seasons for years. With more than 750,000 visitors annually, the site is one of the UK’s most popular tourist hotspots.


The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project, started early July, aims to bring together the most sophisticated geophysics team ever to be engaged in a single archaeological project in Britain to work alongside specialists in British prehistory and landscape archaeology in a three-year collaboration. The scientists will map the Wiltshire terrain as well as virtually excavate it, accurately pinpointing its buried archaeological remains. When processed, the millions of measurements will be analysed and even incorporated into gaming technology to produce 2D and 3D images.

More information:

http://heritage-key.com/blogs/ann/stonehenge-hidden-landscapes-project-virtual-excavation-digital-recreation