Using LiDAR to detect cultural resources in a forested environment: an example from Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, USA

This article discusses the use of light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) technology as an effective remote sensing tool for the location of cultural resources. Its use, particularly in Europe, has proven successful in the identification of archaeological sites obscured by dense vegetation or surface disturbances. This study used LiDAR‐derived imagery to detect pre‐ and post‐European contact sites, and their related features, in densely forested environments on Isle Royale, Michigan, USA. LiDAR bare‐Earth models were used to ‘see through’ the vegetation in an effort to: (i) identify cultural features prior to the implementation of a pedestrian reconnaissance survey; (ii) aid in the development of a more informed survey strategy; and (iii) produce an overall safer, more efficient and more cost‐effective research design. Three study areas were selected for investigation. Within these three study areas, a total of seven investigation locales containing 32 separate features were identified using LiDAR‐derived imagery. Eighteen of the 32 features were found to have been previously recorded. Of the remaining 14 features, seven were confirmed in the field as being cultural features and were recorded for the first time as a result of this investigation. The remaining seven could not be located on the ground or were found to be non‐cultural. The results of this study support the use of LiDAR as a viable method for the detection of cultural resources, particularly in remote and heavily forested environments. Despite its positive contributions, there is a limited range of archaeological (surface) features that can be detected using this technology. As applied to archaeology, LiDAR is not an exclusive investigatory technique. It must be part of a comprehensive research strategy that integrates field, laboratory and archival investigation in order to achieve the best possible interpretation of the archaeological record. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.