UAV-Based Remote Sensing, GIS, and Its Application in Archaeology: A Case Study of the Xiongnu Elite Burial Complex at Gol Mod-II, Mongolia

Abstract. This study presents a spatial analysis of the Xiongnu elite burial complex at the Gol Mod-II site in Arkhangai aimag, Mongolia, using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS). Over 500 burial mounds, classified into square, circular, and satellite types, were documented to generate orthomosaic imagery and Digital Surface Model (DSM). Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was applied to visualise the spatial distribution and potential hierarchical patterns among the burial types. Despite the limitations due to the absence of Ground Control Points (GCPs) and manual UAV operation, the analysis provided meaningful insights into the organisation of Xiongnu burial landscapes based on relative spatial positioning. This study demonstrates the practical integration of UAV and GIS technologies in Eurasian steppe archaeology and highlights the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to the study of nomadic cemetery landscapes.