Detection and documentation of a submerged neolithic pile dwelling settlement using airborne laser bathymetry and multimedia photogrammetry-A case study at lake Mondsee

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of airborne laser bathymetry (ALB) and multimedia photogrammetry for the detection and documentation of a submerged Neolithic pile dwelling settlement in Lake Mondsee, Austria. High-resolution ALB data acquired with a UAV-mounted bathymetric laser scanner and aerial images were processed and evaluated for suitability to identify submerged wooden piles and associated archaeological features. The results demonstrate that ALB delivers superior data quality, allowing the detection of small-scale structures even at depths of up to 7 m, while multimedia photogrammetry was limited by water turbidity and depth, with reliable results only up to 3 m. Despite its limitations, photogrammetry proved useful for larger features under favorable conditions. The study confirms ALB as the more robust technique for detailed underwater archaeological documentation in moderately turbid lake environments.