3D Archaeological Documentation Using UAV Photogrammetry: A Case Study of Caesarea Germanicia [?]

ABSTRACT This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐assisted photogrammetry in documenting an archaeological reserve area believed to be part of the ancient settlement of Caesarea Germanicia, currently surrounded by contemporary urban fabric and dense vegetation. The assessment focuses on six key criteria: accessibility and limitations, data density, time efficiency, output quality, spatial accuracy and cost. The research explores whether UAV technology can outperform conventional ground‐based documentation methods—such as total station and manual surveying—across these key criteria. Low‐altitude flights conducted with a rotary‐wing UAV produced high‐resolution imagery at 1.96 mm/pixel, which was processed into orthophotos and three‐dimensional models (3D). These datasets effectively captured the site's topography, architectural layout and micro‐scale surface traces in high detail. Despite obstructions caused by modern structures and dense vegetation, submetric spatial accuracy was achieved without the use of ground control points (GCPs), utilizing GNSS‐based georeferencing. Compared to traditional systems, which often face limitations in setup, line of sight and site access, UAV photogrammetry enabled fast, low‐cost, noninvasive and high‐quality data acquisition. The findings indicate that UAV‐assisted photogrammetry should not merely be regarded as a technical alternative, but—under specific field conditions—as a primary and superior method for the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage sites.