Autonomous Underwater Vehicles as Tools for Deep-Submergence Archaeology

Authors

Christopher N. Roman, University of Rhode IslandFollow
Ian Roderick Mather, University of Rhode IslandFollow

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

11-1-2010

Department

Oceanography

Abstract

Marine archaeology beyond the capabilities of scuba divers is a technologically enabled field. The tool suite includes ship-based systems such as towed side-scan sonars and remotely operated vehicles, and more recently free-swimming autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Each of these platforms has various imaging and mapping capabilities appropriate for specific scales and tasks. Broadly speaking, AUVs are becoming effective tools for locating, identifying, and surveying archaeological sites. This paper discusses the role of AUVs in this suite of tools, outlines some specific design criteria necessary to maximize their utility in the field, and presents directions for future developments. Results are presented for a recent joint AUV–towed system survey and a demonstration of current mine-hunting technologies applied to archaeology.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Roman, C., & Mather, R. (2010). Autonomous underwater vehicles as tools for deep-submergence archaeology. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part M: Journal of Engineering for the Maritime Environment 224 (4): 327-340. doi: 10.1243/14750902JEME202

Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1243/14750902JEME202

Publisher Statement

(c) 2010 Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).