2D combination of prospection data

High-resolution magnetic surveys with optically pumped caesium gradiometers are visualized as digital images and interpreted on vectorized graphic layers. Interpretation of aerial photographs is done by introducing analytical photogrammetry. Final results are vectorized interpretation maps, digital terrain models, vectorized isolines and digitally rectified photographs with an accuracy of down to 10 cm. The combination of both sources of prospection data allows new insights into the structure and archaeological relevance of a site. The paper introduces basic standards for digital two-dimensional combination and presents the instrumentation at the Vienna Prospection Archive. The applied techniques of combining prospection data are demonstrated for three typical large neolithic enclosures. All examples show the massive threat of destruction of the monuments by erosive processes and thus the necessity to enforce the wide-scale application of prospection methods and the development of precise and integrating interpretation methods based on geographical information systems technology. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.