Underwater heightmeter: a new handheld precision instrument for elevation measuring in underwater surveying
article
All archaeological fieldwork implies accurate measuring. On dry land measurements in geo-metric planes and elevation measurements will normally be made in separate runs, a dumpy level being used for the latter. In relatively large-scale or complicated work a theodolite may be used. In most cases the topography of the surroundings of a site has been mapped prior to archaeological investigation and the archaeol-ogist can stick to simple and highly conventional surveying techniques. For those working under water this is not the case. Accurate maps hardly ever exist, working conditions often impede the use of certain techniques and bottom-time efficiency must be maximized. Quite often this means deviating from the standard procedures that would be desirable from a surveyor's point of view. On-site actions must be as simple and as little time consuming as possible. On the other hand, one can allow for some computing of the raw data. However, allowing for practicability must not result in allowing for bad results. The outcome must be reliable and the desired standard of accuracy must be maintained. A constant appeal is thus made on the fieldworker's flexibility and inventiveness to choose and develop measuring and recording techniques which are both accurate, reliable and practicable in the prevailing conditions.
TNO Identifier
246111
ISSN
0305-7445
Source
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology and Underwater Exploration, 16(2), pp. 87-94.
Publisher
Nautical Archaeology Society
Collation
8 p.
Pages
87-94
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