Channel Country, Queensland is as beautiful as it is vast. From roaming emu, birds of prey, to red sandy plains, and the occasional watering hole. This Country has a history that spans several if not tens of millennia and the archaeological discoveries being made in this special place are redefining Australian archaeology.
Background:
The various historic accounts of Channel Country in Queensland, emphasises the presence of Aboriginal villages, food-production practices, and economic development. This region has been a focal point for researchers studying the controversial idea that Aboriginal groups engaged in something resembling ‘agriculture,’ challenging the common perception of Australia as a continent of hunter-gatherers. The Mithaka is suggested to have developed a different socio-economic system.
The continuing project work, and in particular the work recently accomplished at Brumby Yards, aims to investigate the Mithaka involvement in a vast production, trade, and ceremonial network. The remote location of Mithaka Country and specifically Brumby Yards, has preserved this rich cultural landscape, providing an opportunity to explore questions of both local and broad significance.
Purpose:
As part of the ongoing work to understand the deep relationships people had and continue to have with Country, this expedition was part of the wider PhD work being conducted by graduate student from the University of Sydney. This work is determined to cast a light on the production of tools and grindstones from the Brumby Yards quarries. As part of this continuing research, a series of UAV/drone operations were conducted with an aim to produce high resolution, 3D landscape models of the quarries.
Operation Details:
In late November 2023, a series of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) missions were flown over Brumby Yards. Our chief pilot used a DJI Mavic 2 Pro and flew roughly 12 to 16 metres above ground level (AGL) to capture hundreds of RAW images. Brad Arsenault, Chief Remote Pilot, is a CASA licensed (sub 25kgs) pilot and Archaeologist based in NSW.
Results:
The photogrammetry survey conducted over various sections of Brumby Yards captured roughly 10 hectares of landscape. The images will be used to construct three-dimensional (3D) models of the quarry areas. These models can assist scientists and archaeologists, both current and future, find answers to their questions about the various production methods that were employed and further aid in connecting this place with the wider landscape.
Photogrammetry in archaeology is a valuable technique known for its precise 3D reconstruction capabilities. It offers accurate representations of artefacts and archaeological sites, aiding in detailed analysis without physical contact, thus preserving the integrity of historical finds. Moreover, photogrammetry is cost-effective and efficient compared to traditional methods, making it an attractive choice for archaeologists. Additionally, it supports remote sensing, enabling the documentation and analysis of sites from a distance, which reduces the risk of site damage during fieldwork. The 3D models produced through photogrammetry have significant archival value, serving as valuable digital records for future research, as well as a means for engaging the public with immersive visualisations of archaeological discoveries.
By building 3D models of the landscape, we can engage with and visualise this part of Country in different and unique ways and perhaps gain additional insights into what the Ancestral Peoples of this place were thinking when they interfaced with these landscapes.
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We offer a range of advanced digital modelling and analysis services that include GIS, landscape imaging and mapping, LiDAR imaging including aerial and terrestrial (TLS), remote sensing services. Depending on the needs, we speak archaeology!
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Landscape Photogrammetry for Archaeology: Mithaka Country Case Study
