The Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) and AutoAgri are launching a revolutionary self-driving ground penetrating radar (GPR) for archaeological survey. The technology promises increased efficiency, climate friendly solutions, and accurate mapping of hitherto undiscovered cultural heritage.
Last autumn, archaeologists using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) discovered traces of previously unknown graves and settlement activity at several locations along Trondheim Fjord. They hope that these discoveries can shed light on state formation, national unification and religious change in Norway a thousand years ago.
This summer, archaeologists from Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage (NIKU) have carried out several surveys using ground penetrating radar in Iceland. Preliminary results show that the investigations have already been very successful.
Viking ships found in Iceland have decayed, with the “Saum”, or rivets, often the only parts of the famous boats still remaining. A group of scientists now believe we can learn a lot from the surviving pieces of iron and have brought them to Norway for examination.
