Preventive archaeology in Italy suffers, in some cases, from a limited predictive capacity due to the prevalent use of stratigraphic tests, often performed under suboptimal operating conditions. This paper presents an operational model based on the early and integrated useof non-invasive surveys,applied already in the preliminarydesign phases. The protocol combines UAV surveys (LiDAR, multispectral, thermal, RGB) and terrestrial geophysical surveys (magnetometry,ground-penetrating radar, electrical tomography), with data integration in a GIS environment and structured representation of archaeological risk. The application cases show how this approach allows to reduce design uncertainty, prevent interference, an improve the effectiveness of protection, while highlighting the need for technical standards and an update of the regulatory framework.
The georeferencing and vectorization of the Gregorian Cadastre of Viterbo contributed to the analysis of the city's land use and building dynamics through a queryable GIS dataset useful for preventive archaeology, archaeological maps, and understanding the historical landscape.
The ICCD's Aerofototeca Nazionale archive preserves Italy's largest collection of aerial images, including the MAPRW fund from World War II. These photographs provide valuable information on both wartime damage and the historical landscape before modern development. Today, they are widely used in fields such as urban planning, geology, and cultural heritage protection, especially in preventive archaeology. Italian regulations require early assessment of archaeological risk (VPIA), a process that also includes evaluating potential wartime hazards such as unexploded ordnance. In this context, historical aerial imagery plays a dual role: it helps identify traces of buried archaeological remains while also locating areas affected by past bombings, which may pose risks during excavations. Case studies in Turin and Rome demonstrate how these images support both archaeological interpretation and the detection of dangerous sites, improving the safety and effectiveness of fieldwork.
The archaeological risk management requires rigorous and innovative methodologies in the filed of railway infrastructure. This paper examines the role of non-invasive surveys, analyzing the integration of advanced geophysical techniques, operational limitations, methodological criticalities, and the results achieved through the FS ENGINEERING experience. Through the evaluation of case studies and the adoption of cutting-edge technological tools, the paper highlights the ability of non-invasive surveys to optimize design processes, reduce the incidence of delays and unexpected costs, and promote an operational model replicable nationwide. The conclusions outline recommendations for the implementation of shared standards and for strengthening the interdisciplinary approach, identifying future development prospects in the sector.
Surveying firm Sonto runs 60+ scans a month feeding BIM workflows. When they tested the newly launched Emesent GX1, they found zero field failures, 30% fewer errors, cleaner 360° imagery, and sharper data — all from a single, purpose-built instrument.
This paper provides the basis for drafting a project for archaeological surveys to be conducted in the unexcavated areas of the Villa dei Quintili site, in the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica in Rome. Through non-invasive research, photointerpretation, historical (and geological) mapping, and surface surveys of the site, areas of interest were identified for the placement of excavation trenches. A timetable and resource estimates were developed for their implementation, allowing for a complete and accurate design at a later date, in accordance with recent regulatory updates regarding preventive archaeology.
The georeferencing and vectorization of the Gregorian Cadastre of Viterbo contributed to the analysis of the city's land use and building dynamics through a queryable GIS dataset useful for preventive archaeology, archaeological maps, and understanding the historical landscape.
The Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) and the Piano Nazionale Integrato per l’Energia e il Clima (PNIEC) aim, among other objectives, to implement the ecological transition process to renewable energy sources (RES). Therefore, starting in 2020-21, there has been an exponential increase in applications for photovoltaic, agrivoltaic, and wind power plants, particularly in some regions, including Sardinia. This paper aims to discuss issues and problems related to the application of the VPIA within the authorization processes for these plants.
Nel panorama delle grandi infrastrutture italiane, FS Engineering, società del Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane ed erede dell’esperienza storica di Italferr rappresenta un caso di studio di particolare interesse per l’integrazione tra ingegneria, geoscienze e archeologia preventiva.
From the "trusted" technicians of the 1970s, we have now become "designer archaeologists." This brings economic and professional autonomy, but above all, the ability to work in areas previously closed to us: the "design" and construction of "territorial governance tools."
Access to satellite data is no longer the main obstacle: the real challenge is being able to use it continuously, integratedly, and timely within operational processes. ARPA Sardinia's experience shows how it is possible to overcome fragmentation, access times, and bureaucratic complexity, transforming data into a concrete tool for analysis and decision support. An example of how services and access models can make the difference between available data and truly usable data.
Preventive archaeology in Italy suffers, in some cases, from a limited predictive capacity due to the prevalent use of stratigraphic tests, often performed under suboptimal operating conditions. This paper presents an operational model based on the early and integrated useof non-invasive surveys,applied already in the preliminary design phases. The protocol combines UAV surveys (LiDAR, multispectral, thermal, RGB) and terrestrial geophysical surveys (magnetometry,ground-penetrating radar, electrical tomography), with data integration in a GIS environment and structured representation of archaeological risk. The application cases show how this approach allows to reduce design uncertainty, prevent interference, an improve the effectiveness of protection, while highlighting the need for technical standards and an update of the regulatory framework.
Between the 1960s and the 1970s, EIRA (Ente Italiano Rilievi Aerofotogrammetrici) added the production of some films to its main activities. Evidence of this is provided by a few film reels preserved in the archive of the Aerofototeca Nazionale, thanks to which it is possible to begin studying part of EIRA’s history from a new perspective.
As part of the project promoted by GRUPPO FS ITALIANE for the doubling of the Milan–Mortara railway line, an integrated program of preventive archaeology and geophysical surveys was launched in the urban area surrounding the Visconti Castle of Abbiategrasso. The combined use of ground penetrating radar (GPR), electrical computational tomography (ERT), and GIS data analysis allowed the identification of subsurface anomalies attributable to both modern infrastructure and buried human structures. Correlation between the geophysical results and historical cartography highlighted elements consistent with the defensive system and the historic road network connected to the castle. The study confirms the effectiveness of integrated, non-invasive methodologies for archaeological investigation in complex urban contexts, pro-viding essential data to support design decisions in areas of high historical and architectural value.
Geophysical surveys using magnetometry and ground penetrating radar (GPR) were conducted in Cuticchi (EN) as part of the new Palermo–Catania railway line project. The integrated, non-invasive approach successfully mapped and identified a complex of buried structures, demonstrating the highly effective and efficient application of preventive archaeology in large-scale infrastructure.
The archaeological risk management requires rigorous and innovative methodologies in the filed of railway infrastructure. This paper examines the role of non-invasive surveys, analyzing the integration of advanced geophysical techniques, operational limitations, methodological criticalities, and the results achieved through the FS ENGINEERING experience. Through the evaluation of case studies and the adoption of cutting-edge technological tools, the paper highlights the ability of non-invasive surveys to optimize design processes, reduce the incidence of delays and unexpected costs, and promote an operational model replicable nationwide. The conclusions outline recommendations for the implementation of shared standards and for strengthening the interdisciplinary approach, identifying future development prospects in the sector.
The ICCD’s Aerofototeca Nazionale archive preserves Italy’s largest collection of aerial images, including the MAPRW fund from World War II. These photographs provide valuable information on both wartime damage and the historical landscape before modern development. Today, they are widely used in fields such as urban planning, geology, and cultural heritage protection, especially in preventive archaeology. Italian regulations require early assessment of archaeological risk (VPIA), a process that also includes evaluating potential wartime hazards such as unexploded ordnance. In this context, historical aerial imagery plays a dual role: it helps identify traces of buried archaeological remains while also locating areas affected by past bombings, which may pose risks during excavations. Case studies in Turin and Rome demonstrate how these images support both archaeological interpretation and the detection of dangerous sites, improving the safety and effectiveness of fieldwork.
