Documentation of archeological areas using uav and handheld laser scanner and accuracy evaluation: The case of Malatya Hekimhan Tashan

It is of great importance to examine and record historical remains and artifacts in order to have information about the social, cultural, economic, political, etc. experiences of societies in the historical process. These ruins and artifact contribute to the correct planning of the future as well as the experiences that people have accumulated throughout history. Documenting the cultural heritage will ensure accurate recording of these artefacts preventing future damage and extinctionIn archaeological studies, images that can provide sufficient accuracy for such sites at a given distance and that can be acquired quickly are often needed. Today, there has been a shift from traditional data collection methods to more practical and accurate methods such as laser scanners and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These methods allow the acquisition of a substantial amount of data pertaining to the historical building, with an acceptable degree of precision, without any physical contact with the building itself. The utilisation of a variety of software enables the generation of digital data and three-dimensional (3D) models of the object in question. In this study, Tashan, located in Hekimhan district center of Malatya province, were 3D modeled using UAV flight data and handheld laser scanner data. In the accuracy research conducted on the 3D model produced using photogrammetric techniques with Agisoft Photoscan Professional program, the position error was found to be mxy=±3.11 cm and the height error was found to be mz=±3.48 cm. In the accuracy research conducted on the 3D model produced using photogrammetric techniques with GOPost software, the position error was found to be mxy=±2.01 cm and the height error was found to be mz=±3.02 cm. It was concluded that it is acceptable according to BÖHHBÜY.