Key Applications

  1. Ancient Site Discovery
    • Subsurface feature detection via infrared/thermal imaging
    • Cropmark/soil variation analysis for hidden structures
  2. 3D Site Documentation
    • Centimeter-accurate LiDAR modeling of ruins/artifacts
    • GIS integration for UNESCO heritage site preservation
  3. Underwater Archaeology
    • Coastal ruin mapping with blue-spectrum penetration (optional sonar payload)
    • Shipwreck identification in shallow waters
  4. Restoration Monitoring
    • Time-lapse erosion tracking with AI change detection
    • Damage assessment post-natural disasters

Proprietary Technologies

  • HeritageLiDAR™:
    Dual-frequency (1064nm + 1550nm) scanning for vegetation-penetrating scans
  • AI Artifact Recognition:
    Trained on global artifact databases to flag potential finds in real time
  • Multi-Spectral Fusion:
    Combine visible, IR, and UV bands to reveal faded murials/inscriptions

Competitive Edges

  • Military-Derived Durability:
    Operates in deserts, jungles, and -20°C to 50°C extremes (GJB certified)
  • Modular Payload System:
    Swap between LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), or gas sensors
  • Ethical Compliance:
    Non-destructive methods aligned with ICOMOS archaeological standards

Technical Specifications

  • Flight Time: 90 mins (extendible via hydrogen fuel cells)
  • Scanning Precision: 1cm LiDAR resolution @ 100m altitude
  • Sensors: 61MP full-frame camera + live hyperspectral feed

2024 Innovations

  • “Time Layer” AI:
    Automatically stratifies findings by historical period using spectral signatures
  • Blockchain Provenance:
    Tamper-proof metadata logging for artifact discovery records
  • Collaborative Swarming:
    3+ drones synchronize scans for large sites (e.g., Angkor Wat-scale)

Global Case Studies

  • Silk Road Caves (China): Mapped 200+ undocumented grottoes in 2023
  • Maya Forest (Belize): Discovered 3 ceremonial platforms via LiDAR
  • Mediterranean Shipwrecks (Greece): Identified 5 wreck sites >30m depth

Related projects